Clinical, Rehabilitation, and Health Psychologist
I provide psychological treatment to adults presenting with a number of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment reactions, grief, life transitions (such as retirement and family changes), stress-related difficulties, relationship issues, caregiver fatigue, role overload, and issues specific to living with chronic pain and/or other health-related conditions. I have particular interest in assisting clients with injury, illness, or trauma-related difficulties to achieve optimal coping, function, and quality of life.
Services Provided | Cost | Approx. Wait Time |
Psychological Therapy | $250/hour | Not currently accepting |
Psychodiagnostic Assessments | 8 to 12 hours at $250/hour | 3 months |
Service Information
A comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessment (as per VAC, DND, or RCMP) will typically require between 8 and 12 hours ($2000 to $3000) and occasionally may require up to 15 hours of service. Assessments include clinical interview, psychological testing, and preparation of the report.
The therapy hour includes a 50 minute session time plus 10 minutes for preparation and documentation of care. The initial consultation appointment may be 90 minutes to allow for a proper assessment and treatment planning. Depending on the treatment approach and presenting issues, regular appointments may be 90 minutes when deemed appropriate, including 10 minutes for documentation.
Payment is due at the time of service provision. I accept cash, cheque, and e-transfer. Many extended health care plans include coverage for psychological services; please check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. Direct billing is provided for clients covered by Blue Cross (e.g., VAC, DND, and RCMP) and WSIB.
To make an appointment, I can be reached by phone at 613-228-1174 extension 160 or by email at Dr.robin.hargadon@gmail.com. Evening and weekend appointments are not available. I endeavour to return messages personally. However, if I am not currently available for new clients, our office administrator may return messages to those initially inquiring about services in order to facilitate a timely response.
Educational Background and Credentials
- Member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (#3013) since 1996. Areas of practice include Clinical, Rehabilitation, and Health Psychology
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Chronic Pain Rehabilitation from the Medical University of South Carolina (1995)
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo (1994)
- Honours B.A in Psychology from Queen’s University (1987)
Professional Affiliations and Additional Training
- Member of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
- Member of the Ottawa Academy of Psychology (OAP member of executive since 2012)
Therapeutic Approach and Professional Experience
I strive to provide a warm and respectful environment for my clients, with the knowledge that a strong working alliance is a key contributor to personal changes experienced in treatment. My goal is to work together in a collaborative manner to develop a treatment plan tailored to each clients needs and treatment goals. Modifications are made as appropriate, with the assistance of client feedback and active monitoring of progress. I seek to provide therapy that draws on approaches with empirical evidence to support their efficacy and appropriateness (e.g., cognitive behavioural, interpersonal, mindfulness-based, acceptance and commitment, narrative, motivation enhancement, dialectical behaviour, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
I have over 25 years of experience as a Psychologist working in a variety of clinical settings. I completed my pre-doctoral, full year internship at Victoria Hospital (now London Health Sciences Centre) in London, Ontario in 1994. I focused on clinical and rehabilitation psychological services to individuals across the lifespan (children to older adults) who were dealing with psychological and/or physical health conditions. I then completed a clinical post-doctoral fellowship at the Pain Rehabilitation Program, Medical University of South Carolina, in 1995. Subsequently, I held positions in hospital based, interdisciplinary pain programs at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto and St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Between 2000-2006, I provided psychological assessment and treatment services to members of the Canadian Forces at the Operational Trauma and Stress Support and Mental Health programs at the Health Services Centre in Ottawa. I was also Professional Practice Leader for Psychology at the clinic. From 2007 to 2009, I was the National Manager of Psychological Programs (previously entitled Chief Psychologist) for the RCMP. I also provided psychological services to clients seen at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at the Ottawa Hospital, on a part-time basis, in 2009. Subsequently, I worked as a Psychologist at the Anxiety Disorders Program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (now The Royal) from 2009 to 2011. I established my private practice on a part-time basis in 2006 and gradually increased to full-time by late 2011.
My private practice has largely focused on assessment and treatment of members of the Canadian Forces, RCMP, Veterans and municipal First Responders (e.g., police and paramedics). I conduct psychological assessments in the service of maintaining psychological health among First Responders (e.g., RCMP, local police) through early identification of emerging issues if present. I am a registered provider with WSIB’s Community Mental Health Program. I have conducted Independent and Medical Legal assessments and I am qualified to provide expert legal testimony as a Clinical Psychologist.
Throughout my career, I have appreciated the opportunity to provide psychological services to individuals in the context of both publicly funded hospitals and institutions and in private practice. I particularly enjoy the opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary framework that employs a holistic and coordinated approach to client service delivery.
In terms of professionalism and ethics, I am registered as a Psychologist under the Regulated Health Professions Act and my practice is regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I adhere to the Canadian Psychological Association Code of Ethics, engage in ongoing professional development (workshops, conferences, self-study) and remain engaged in the psychology community in Ottawa through the Ottawa Academy of Psychology (member of Executive since 2012) and regular participation in peer study and consultation groups. While my career has focused on provision of clinical services, I have published research in the area of psychological approaches to pain management and presented to community groups on topics such as coping with persistent pain and other medical conditions (e.g., scleroderma, gynecological cancer).