New doctoral psychology program, training clinic to open at Halifax university

The sign for Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax is pictured on Feb. 12, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/Jesse Thomas)

A new doctoral psychology program and training clinic is coming to Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) in Halifax.

The doctor of psychology program and residency, which is now in development, will focus on the needs of children and youth.

Students will receive specialized and practical training during the four-year program.

The province says it is the first-of-its-kind in Nova Scotia.

“There’s a need here in Nova Scotia, and throughout Canada, for more child psychologists,” said Minister of Addictions and Mental Health Brian Comer in a Wednesday news release.

“This program will train more doctorate-level psychologists right here at home. They will provide services, as part of their training, on campus at a brand new psychology clinic, opening more access for families and children.”

The Department of Advanced Education is providing $3.7 million to support the program and the Office of Addictions and Mental Health is spending about $4.2 million for clinic construction costs.

Construction on the clinic is set to start this year. Once completed, students will provide free supervised services for children, youth and families either in-person or remotely.

“Being able to apply what you’re learning in a real clinical setting means that students can make a difference for those in need of care, while at the same time learning from expert supervisors who are leaders in the field,” said Kennedy Hackett, a undergraduate psychology student at MSVU.

It’s expected the clinic will see more than 200 children and youth every year once fully-staffed.

The program is expected to start in September 2026.

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