Dr. Elissa Golden, C.PSYCH
Clinical Psychologist
Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts (in Psychology)
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology / Clinical Psychologist
Areas of Specialization
- Brief Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Emotion Focused Therapy
- Trauma Informed
- Strength Based Approach
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Culturally Sensitive
- Mindfulness Based Practices
- Client Centred Therapy
- Behavioural Activation
Services Offered
- Individual Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Children’s Therapy
- Teen and Adolescent Therapy
Hi! I’m Elissa
In my free time, I enjoy spending time on the golf course or playing pickleball, activities that allow me to stay active. I also have a passion for travel and discovering new destinations, which continually broadens my perspective. These experiences outside of work deepen my appreciation for diverse viewpoints and enrich the insight I bring to my clinical practice and leadership.
Loving yourself involves being loyal to yourself first and foremost.
— Uknown
As a Clinical Psychologist with a combined experience of over 15 years in assessment, I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults understand their unique strengths and areas for growth. My work centers on conducting comprehensive assessments for learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual giftedness, and mental health concerns.
In my role as Clinical Lead of the Assessment and Development Program, I oversee the delivery of evidence-based assessment services, mentor junior psychologists, and collaborate with educators and caregivers to facilitate effective support and accommodation plans. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and regularly incorporate the latest assessment techniques and tools into my practice, ensuring that our program remains at the forefront of clinical excellence.
Therapeutic Approach & Philosophy
My approach is collaborative and strengths-focused. I partner with clients and their families to uncover the underlying reasons for their challenges, equipping them with the insight needed to take control, feel empowered, and make changes that meaningfully improve their daily functioning. I am committed to developing detailed, accessible reports and facilitating feedback sessions that empower clients and their families by delivering specific insights into assessment results, fostering meaningful understanding, and providing practical, actionable recommendations.
Background & Training
I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. My clinical training included the completion of my internship at the University of Toronto within the Health and Wellness and Accessibility Services offices. Since then, I have worked in various private practices and have continued to work closely with the University of Toronto Scarborough’s AccessAbility Services. I have extensive experience in assisting high school students in navigating the transition to university by conducting thorough assessments tailored to the post-secondary environment. I also specialize in assessing ADHD symptoms in adults. I am currently registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.
Leadership & Professional Development
I supervise and mentor junior clinicians, offering guidance in assessment techniques, clinical reasoning, and report writing. I participate in school meetings and the IEP process, providing expert support to educators and families. My academic contributions include published research and presentations at national and international conferences.
Down-to-Earth & Relatable
Having worked with diverse populations, I strive to create a welcoming and genuine environment. My goal is to be approachable and relatable, so clients and colleagues feel comfortable sharing their concerns and aspirations.
Next Steps
I invite you to connect for an initial consultation to explore how an assessment can support you or your child’s needs and goals. I look forward to advancing the Assessment and Development Program and empowering those we serve toward greater self-awareness and well-being.