Serious Mental Health Conditions Service

Our clinic has special expertise in treating serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Best is a professor at the University of Toronto who conducts clinical trials of cognitive therapies for serious mental health conditions. The therapies offered at the clinic are based directly on how therapy has been conducted in these clinical trials and is the most likely to produce similarly effective results. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, current studies can be found here. 

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Serious mental health conditions assessed and treated within our speciality clinic include:

• Schizophrenia

• Schizoaffective Disorder

• Substance-Induced Psychosis

• Bipolar Disorder

• Cyclothymia

• Treatment-Resistant Depression

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Cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and cognitive behavioural therapy for bipolar disorder are specialized CBT approaches that have been specifically adapted for treating these conditions. CBTp focuses on understanding the way that we make sense of our experiences and testing out our assumptions about the world in order to facilitate recovery. CBT for bipolar disorder emphasizes the role of balance in our lives and understanding balanced thinking and balanced behaviour in order to stabilize mood and promote recovery.

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Cognitive remediation is a newer form of therapy that uses a combination of computerized exercises and therapist guidance to improve cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. These abilities are important for performing everyday activities such as school, work, and independent living. In cognitive remediation you will practice computerized training exercises specially designed to target different cognitive abilities. You will also work with your therapist to develop new cognitive strategies and practice using those cognitive strategies in your everyday life. Cognitive remediation aims to improve your cognitive abilities to help you achieve your goals.