Dr. Mandisa Peterson
Dr. Mandisa Peterson is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate with the OICBT. She brings 15 years of experience providing assessment and treatment to adults with various psychological difficulties. Dr. Peterson utilizes a diversity-informed approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors in mental health. While she specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, she is proficient in several evidence-based modalities. She ensures that her interventions are not only empirically-supported but also tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Dr. Peterson is dedicated to establishing a safe, open, and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship. Her approach is informed by a deep respect for her clients’ expertise in their own experiences, empowering them to take an active role in their treatment journey. She views it as a privilege to work alongside her clients, supporting them in achieving their personal goals of wellness and improved quality of life.
About Mandisa
Clinical Psychologist, Autonomous Practice, College of Psychologist of Ontario, 2018; https://cpo.on.ca/
Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa, 2016); https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/programs/graduate/clinical-psychology
Bachelors of Arts (B.A.), Honours, Psychology, Carleton University, 2007; https://admissions.carleton.ca/programs/psychology-ba/
Dr. Peterson’s educational background includes graduate training at the University of Ottawa and residency at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, providing her with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience treating individuals with diverse psychological difficulties. Her dedication to advancing the field of psychology is evident through her doctoral dissertation, which focused on identifying factors that predict treatment outcomes in CBT for depression.
Dr. Peterson’s practice (assessment, diagnosis, and treatment) is in the service of adult populations (age 18-65) within the following area of focus:
Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar)
Anxiety (Generalized, Health, Social, Panic, Agoraphobia, Specific Phobias [e.g. fear of flying, Emetophobia])
Trauma & PTSD
Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders (OCD, Hair-pulling, Skin-picking, Body Dysmorphic Disorder)
Grief/Loss
Anger Management
Work stress and/or “Burnout”
Insomnia
Diversity-informed Care (Ethnicity/Race/Culture)
Racial discrimination and trauma
Misophonia
Life Transitions/Adjustment Disorder
Religion and/or spirituality
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Health & Lifestyle goals
Caregiver stress
Self-Esteem
Assertiveness
Interpersonal/Relationship Concerns
Emotion regulation
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Schema Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarship (2007 – 2012)
https://www.uottawa.ca/study/fees-financial-support/scholarships-awards-overview
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s Award (2007 – 2008)
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/CGSM-BESCM_eng.asp
Carleton University Academic Scholarship (2003-2007)
Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation Research Award (2003-2007)
The following are areas of training during and subsequent to her doctoral training.
Pre-doctoral Residency in Clinical Psychology, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and Brockville Mental Health Centre (2013-2014)
Operational Stress Injury Clinic
https://www.theroyal.ca/patient-care-information/clinics-services-programs/operational-stress-injury-clinic
Forensic Treatment Unit
https://www.theroyal.ca/patient-care-information/clinics-services-programs/mental-health-and-law
Secure Treatment Unit https://www.theroyal.ca/brockville
Centre for Treatment of Sexual Abuse and Childhood Trauma (2012 – 2013)
https://www.centrefortreatment.com/
Centre for Psychological Services & Research (CPSR), University of Ottawa (2009-2013)
https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/centre-psychological-services-research
Chronic Pain Management Program, The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (2011 – 2012)
Mood Disorders Program, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (2011)
https://www.theroyal.ca/patient-care-information/clinics-services-programs/mood-and-anxiety
Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services, University of Ottawa
(2010 – 2012)
https://www.uottawa.ca/research-innovation/crecs
Acute Psychiatric Services, Brockville Mental Health Centre (2010 – 2011)
https://www.theroyal.ca/brockville
Crossroads Children’s Centre (2009-2010)
Post-Doctoral Training: Dr. Peterson’s dedication to lifelong professional development is evident in her commitment to a variety of activities aimed at enriching her knowledge and skills. From academic studies to consultation, training, and participation in specialized seminars and workshops, she actively seeks out opportunities to stay informed of the latest advancements and best practices in her field. By engaging in ongoing learning and professional development, Dr. Peterson ensures that she remains well-equipped to provide high-quality care to her clients.
Providing Anti-Racist Mental Health Care to Racialized Communities: Implementation and Evaluation Project (2022) – Project Evaluator
Activities include evaluating the “How to Provide Anti-Racist Mental Health Care” training program for this project.
Black Youth Mental Health Project funded by the Public Agency of Canada (2021) -Program Evaluator
Activities include evaluating a culturally appropriate and anti-racist intervention program for people from Black communities in the National Capital region
The GOAL Support Group for OCD (2021- Present) – Therapist Facilitator https://www.anxietyottawa.com/goal-group
University of Ottawa, School of Psychology (2018 – Present)
Clinical Professor
https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/psychology
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (2016 – 2018) – Consulting Clinical Psychologist
Activities include psychodiagnostic assessment and research.
https://www.theroyal.ca/research
Changing Minds: Promoting Excellence in Mental Health Practice (2016 – Present) – President
Activities include program development, facilitating and participating in community educational events on mental health issues.
https://www.changingmindscanada.org/
The Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (2015 – Present) – Clinical Psychologist, Associate
Activities include psychodiagnostic assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, clinical supervision, and consultation.
https://www.ottawacbt.ca/
Capital Region Psychological Services (2014 – 2015) – Therapist
https://www.capitalregionpsychology.ca/
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Mood Disorders Program (2012-2013, 2015) – Program Evaluation and Research Coordinator
https://www.theroyal.ca/patient-care-information/clinics-services-programs/mood-and-anxiety
University of Ottawa Centre for Psychological Services and Research (2012 – 2013) – Research Assistant
https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/centre-psychological-services-research
University of Ottawa Faculty of Social Sciences (2009 – 2013) – Research Assistant
https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (2006-2011) – Research Assistant
https://www.theroyal.ca/research
Professional Activities
Guest speaker at the CBT Seminar Series for Residents: Bipolar Disorder, December 2022, 2023.
Guest speaker at the CBT Seminar Series for Residents: Black Mental Health, 2023, 2024.
Keynote Speaker at the Vulnerability Trauma Resilience & Culture (V-TRAC) Lab Stress in Black Communities (Student Edition) event, November 2021.
Guest speaker at Somerset West Community Health Centre’s African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Wellness Webinar – Mental Illness: Recognizing the Signs and Getting Help. August 2021.
Panelist at Black Mental Health Matters: How the 2021 Budget Addresses the Needs of Black Communities conference. May 2021.
Guest speaker on Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Season 2: Racism and Mental Health. February 2021.
Guest speaker on Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Season 1: Misophonia (& Tinnitus). February 2020.
Guest speaker at the City-Wide Seminar – Becoming Licensed lecture, April 2019.
Guest speaker at Living with OCD – An Unwelcome Houseguest! An Educational Awareness conference, November 2018.
Guest speaker at Evidence-based Treatment for Mood Disorders workshop at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, April 2018.
Program Evaluation
Peterson, M. V. (2014, August). Implementation Evaluation of the Controlling Your Anger and Learning to Manage It (CALM) Program. The Brockville Mental Health Centre Secure Treatment Unit.
Peterson, M. V., Gosselin D., Nash, J., & Aubry, T. (2012, June). Use of the Outcome
Questionnaire at the Centre for Psychological Services and Research: Update on Client Outcomes and Implementation of 2010 Recommendations. The University of Ottawa Centre for Psychological Services and Research.
Peterson, M. V. (2009, January). Group Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Unipolar and Bipolar Depression. Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
Peterson, M. V., Barker., K., & Carraro, N. (2008, December). Electronic Data Management System Initiative for the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group Predoctoral Clinical Psychology Residency Program. Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
Peterson, M. V. (2007, April). Homelessness, Housing, and Mental Illness. The Centre for Research on Education and Community Services.
Conference Presentations
Vandette, M., Peterson, M. V., Kogan, C. S., Sterner, I., & Bisserbe, J. (2020, May).
Differential Effects on Relationship Distress between Group and Individual CBT for Depression. Poster presented at the Canadian Psychological Association 2020 Annual National Convention, Montreal, Quebec.
Sterner, I., Paterniti, S., Peterson, M., & Woods, R. (2015, September). Effectiveness of Group CBT for Bipolar Disorder in a Tertiary Care Setting: A Naturalistic Study. Poster presented at the 45th Annual European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies Congress, Jerusalem, Israel.
Peterson, M. V., Kogan, C. S., Sterner, I., & Bisserbe, J. (2015, February). Standard and Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: The Role of Feedback in Treatment Response. Poster presented at the Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network 2015 Conference: ‘Innovation + Collaboration = Transformation’, Ottawa, Ontario.
Peterson, M. V., Kelly, O. P., Ebrahimpour, M., Dalton, C., & Bisserbe, J. (2009, April). Differences in Coping Profiles Among Individuals with Unipolar and Bipolar Depression: Changes Associated with Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Poster presented at the 1st Annual University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research Young Researchers’ Conference: ‘Breaking Barriers … The Changing Face of Mental Health’, Ottawa, Ontario.
Hogan, H., Kelly, O. P., Christie, K., Dalton, C., Peterson, M. V., Chong, W., Mengistu, K., & Bisserbe, J. (2008, December). Bipolar Disorder and Co-morbid Substance Use Disorders: An Assessment of Prevalence Rates, Risk-factors and Functional Outcomes in a Tertiary Care Population. Poster presented at the 29th Annual Department of Psychiatry Academic and Research Day, Ottawa, Ontario.