Dr. O’Mahony has extensive experience in both Individual and Group Therapy in addressing psychological problems. General approaches to therapy include Psychotherapy, Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, Rational Behavioural Emotive Therapy, Family Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. An assessment of the referred problem is completed prior to commencement of treatment.

Specific Areas of Assessment & Treatment

Please E-mail for further information: Abbypsychol@ParaLynx.com

MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL ASSESSMENT CONSULTATIONS

Mental Health consultations are available especially where a second opinion is sought by other psychologists, psychiatrists and physicians. These assessments include a comprehensive clinical examination, the administration of psychological assessment tests where indicated, the evaluation of all previous medical, psychiatric and psychological reports and other assessment reports. Each clinical assessment provides a formal diagnosis of the individual’s problem along with recommendations regarding treatment or management.

INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTATIONS

This is a single 90-minute assessment consultation session which enables prospective patients or persons who require an opinion in a ‘one-only’ session to explore their problem. They will be advised both of the exact nature and extent of the problem and what their options are to resolve the problem. This might include identifying other experts who may be best qualified to address the problem (e.g., legal, financial, medical etc.).

MENTAL HEALTH INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EVALUATIONS (IMEs)

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. O’Mahony has completed many independent assessments for professional assessment agencies and a range of insurance companies operating in BC over the past 15 years. He has much experience in working with third party providers who require both assessments and treatment recommendations for return-to-work plans for workers off work for various reasons on LTD. Dr. O’Mahony also provides psychological treatment services to assist workers with mental health problems to become ready to return to work. This work involves working with insurance company medical consultants, rehabilitation coordinators, occupational therapists and other related disciplines as well as family physicians and medical specialists.

FORENSIC ASSESSMENTS - CIVIL & CRIMINAL

Forensic Psychological Assessments are provided for individuals through a referral from their legal representative. These assessments need to be tailored to address the specific legal needs of a process of litigation or requirements of a court of law. In such a situation, one should first discuss the situation with one's lawyer. Suggest that he/she make contact with Dr. O’Mahony to determine whether a Forensic Psychological Assessment would be of any assistance in dealing with the legal difficulty.

MEDICO-LEGAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS

Such assessments are available for Insurance Companies and other agencies requiring Independent Psychological Assessments. Evaluations (IMEs) regarding capacity for return to work or disability status can be provided. These assessments include a comprehensive clinical examination, the administration of psychological assessment tests where indicated, the evaluation of all previous medical, psychiatric and psychological reports and other assessment reports. Each clinical assessment provides a formal diagnosis of the individual’s problem along with recommendations regarding treatment or management. Specific questions within the medical or legal context are addressed as requested. Dr. O'Mahony may be contacted at (604) 807-5546 for additional information regarding specialized assessments.

CRIMINAL INJURY VICTIMS

Individuals who are victims of crime and are funded by the Criminal Injuries Section of the Worker’s Compensation Board are accepted for assessment and treatment for their emotional traumatic injuries. Dr. O’Mahony is an accredited therapist on the Criminal Injuries Treatment Provider List.

EMPLOYER CONSULTATIONS (Intimidation/Threats of Violence)

Company management can receive confidential phone or in-person consultations regarding the need for intervention or the handling of employees who present serious concerns of safety to their co-workers, supervisors or management. Circumstances such as job terminations, disciplinary action, interpersonal conflicts, and/or issues of sensitivity very personal to the employee may contribute to such problems. While a designated management or personnel person can seek such services on behalf of a Company, it would be expected that the most senior person in the Company would be made fully aware of the opinion arising from the consultation due to the safety concerns at issue.

EMPLOYEE/WORKER CLINICAL INTERVENTION

At the request of a Company, a psychological assessment of the employee can be conducted with the mutual agreement of all interested parties. A prior strategy can be developed to address the situation, including entering undertakings, if some psychological clinical intervention is deemed to be indicated. Such prior negotiations are carried out with complete confidentiality and with due regard to the sensitivity of the situation.

SHORT & LONG-TERM DISABILITY (STD & LTD)

Insurance companies requiring experienced psychological intervention to assist individuals on disability with mental health difficulties may consult with Dr. O’Mahony to determine the match between the employer/employee needs and this psychologist. Return-to-Work Issues are particularly addressed.

In 1988 Dr. O'Mahony established the first Canadian Provincial CISD Program in St. John’s, Newfoundland, as its Clinical Director and first Chair of the Coordinating Committee representing all the major municipal, provincial and federal emergency agencies. He received basic and advanced training incorporating the Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell model. In British Columbia, Dr. O'Mahony provides CISD services to staff within government ministries and municipalities as well as private companies and organizations.

Individual or Group Debriefing

This is an intervention used to help individuals who have been severely emotionally traumatized by out of the ordinary life events either in the work place, within families or in the community. A Critical Incident is any traumatic event that causes unusually strong or overwhelming emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with one’s ability to function in daily life.

Examples of Critical Incidents:

• Serious Death or Injury of a Co-worker
• Suicide or Unexpected Death of a Co-Worker
• Serious Injury or Death of a work client or customer
• Death or Violence to a Child
• Incidents which attract unusually strong high media coverage
• Any Incident charged with profound emotion
• Personal Identification with the victim or circumstance
• Any Incident where the sights, sounds, or smells are so distressing as to produce a high level of immediate or delayed emotional reaction

Procedure to Set up a Debriefing:

Call Dr. O’Mahony at 604-807-5546

A debriefing is a intervention provided to 1-15 persons. The duration of a group debriefing is usually 2-3 hours. Requests are accepted and negotiated on an urgent basis. Fees are based on a hourly rate for the service provided. Contracts are also entered into with small, medium and large companies and organizations to provide services on an on-call basis. It is usual that a company or organization designated person is involved in establishing a letter of understanding regarding the provision of such a service and being the contact person in the event of an incident.

• Most referrals begin with a 90-minute Initial Consultation which is an overall assessment of the presenting difficulties and needs.
• Fees are consistent with the B.C. Psychological Association’s currently recommended Fee Schedule.
• Extended Health Insurance coverage for the services of a registered psychologist applies.
• Employee Assistance Program referrals accepted.
• Pre-referral consults provided at no cost via e-mail or call 604-807-5546.