Background: The expansion of psychologists' scope of practice to include prescribing psychotropic medications (RxP) began in the United States and has generated a robust evidence base supporting its safety, clinical effectiveness, and rigorous training standards. Ontario is now positioned to become the first Canadian province and jurisdiction outside the U.S., to consider legislation enabling RxP for psychologists. As healthcare increasingly integrates psychological and pharmacological approaches, advanced training in clinical psychopharmacology enhances treatment effectiveness, and contributes to substantial cost savings. Method: This presentation will outline the regulatory processes involved in pursuing scope-of-practice expansion in Ontario, including how provincially delegated acts must be addressed and the safeguards required to ensure safe implementation. Results: This will highlight the evolving regulatory frameworks emerging across Canada, opportunities for coordinated advocacy with federal agencies, and the educational and practicum requirements that support safe and effective prescriptive practice. Impact: RxP for psychologists has the potential to transform the landscape of psychological practice in Canada. This initiative represents a pivotal opportunity to advance patient-centred care and foster sustainable improvements across provincial healthcare systems.
Dr. Velikonja completed her graduate studies in the Biological Psychology Program at the University of Waterloo and obtained clinical training as well as conducted research with both pediatric and adult populations. Afterwards, she completed her residency and post-doctoral training at Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals. She then became licensed for independent practice specializing in Neuropsychology, Rehabilitation Psychology and Clinical Psychology across the lifespan. She has worked since 1997 in a clinical and research capacity at the Acquired Brain Injury Program at Hamilton Health Sciences, where she continues to work with residents and research students. She actively publishes and is a reviewer for a number of scientific journals.
Dr. Velikonja is also on faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at the DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University and holds an adjunct appointment in the Department of Psychology at McMaster University.
Dr. Velikonja was the Chief of Psychology Practice at Hamilton Health Sciences between 2004 and 2011. She is Past-President of the Hospital Psychology Association of Ontario, Director on the Board of the Hamilton Brain Injury Association, and the President-Elect of the Ontario Psychological Association. She also sits on the advisory board for the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and is actively involved in the development of guidelines for concussion management and concussion clinics, as well as with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Velikonja has also completed the post-doctoral training program awarding a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology.
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