The role of the psychologist/psychological associate for the Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Program ( ICPP) is to supervise the psychological and behavioural components of the entire program. The psychologist/psychological associate directly supervises the cognitive behavioural therapist and advises the entire clinical team on how to address any emotional, cognitive, behavioural, personality or motivational factors that may impact the client’s presentation and progress.

The psychologist/psychological associate provides assessment and treatment of clients’ identified psychological, emotional and behavioural issues in relation to their pain, and any other co-morbid psychological issues seen as having an influence on their progress in the treatment program (e.g.depression, anxiety, anger). Only evidence-based psychological treatment methods are utilized to treat clients’ identified psychological sequelae.

The psychologist/psychological associate also evaluates the outcome data in the treatment program, utilizing knowledge of statistics and research design to inform the clinical team about areas of strength and improvement.

Responsibilities Include:

• Supervising intake screening interview of clients.
• Performing psychological chronic pain assessments of clients.
• Making executive decisions regarding process issues.
• Communicating with client referral source, legal representatives, insurance adjusters, treating practitioners, and/or family members, as necessary, to facilitate the referral process and necessary follow-up.
• Providing professional reports in timely fashion.
• Participating in weekly service planning meetings.
• Providing supervision to psychological staff.
• Providing progress reports and final reports in a timely manner.
• Providing expert psychological intervention utilizing evidence-based protocols for interdisciplinary chronic pain intervention
• Being available for consultation with team members in a timely manner

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology
• Registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and licensed to practice clinical and rehabilitation psychology.
• Member of at least one pain society.
• One year experience in an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program.