Biography
Dr. Melissa Bolton is a fully registered PhD Psychologist (license number 5991), in good standing with the College of Psychologist of Ontario, with competencies in both Clinical and Forensic/Correctional areas with an adult population.
She is trained from a scientist-practitioner model of psychology and practices from evidence-based treatment modalities. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University (2007), and went on to complete a Master of Arts (2009) and PhD in Applied Psychology and Human Development from the University of Toronto (2014). Throughout the course of her academic and professional development she was afforded a wide breadth and scope of clinical experience and has worked in a variety of tertiary care settings, with individuals with complex mental health needs. She completed rotations and employment within University Counselling, Psychoeducational clinics, Correctional Facilities and Inpatient hospital settings.
Dr. Bolton spent her early years of her career working at Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), within the Regional Treatment Centre at a maximum security federal institution (a schedule 1 psychiatric facility working with those with complex mental health). More recently, she worked at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Center in the Operational Stress Injury clinic working with Veterans and RCMP members in treatment of PTSD and trauma informed care. She proceeded to work at the Forensic Treatment Unit working with those with court involved individuals with complex major mental illness. Her unique and multifaceted clinical training has led to a passion for working with those who have experienced complex trauma.
Dr. Bolton has clinical interests in the areas of major mental illness, personality disorders, and complex trauma. She adheres to the promotion of evidenced based clinical treatment and psychometric evaluation to aid in recovery. She holds adjunct teaching and supervision positions (Bachelor and Doctoral programs). She is an author, university lecturer and speaker at national conferences on various topics related to mental health.
Areas of Clinical Competency
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Offer?
The provision of psychological clinical services to assess, diagnosis and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychologists utilize evidenced based modalities to treat problems and recovery. They work from a strength-based, resiliency and recovery model of care.
What does a Forensic Psychologist Offer?
The provision of specialized psychological assessment and intervention within the legal domain. This is an area of competency which focuses on the psychological assessment and treatment of court involved individuals. This includes, assessment and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioural concerns, as relevant to the reduction of risk (to self and others).