More about Dr. Wainer
Background
Dr. Wainer is a Clinical Psychologist in Toronto, and registered member with the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario. She has over 20 years of experience providing mental health services to adults, parents and families, and adolescents. Dr Wainer also has extensive experience working in infant, early childhood and school age children mental health, and integrates this clinical knowledge when supporting her adult clients.
Education and Certifications
She received her Doctorate and Masters from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (American Psychological Association accredited - APA), and holds a Masters in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University. Dr. Wainer is involved in different professional development initiatives, and participates in ongoing continuing education. Dr. Wainer is a certified Interpersonal Psychotherapist through the International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (Isipt). She is a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA), Post-Partum International. Dr. Wainer was the co-lead for OPA Peer Consultation committee, and the Trauma Related Special Interest Group at Isipt. She participates in bi-monthly perinatal professional development initiatives.
Career
Dr. Wainer has worked as a researcher and taught and lectured at various universities, teaching hospitals and training institutes. She was an Assistant Professor (Teaching Stream) at the University of Toronto. She was the coordinator for the OISE Psychology Clinic’s rotation for the Toronto Area Residency Consortium (TARC) (APPIC accredited) and for the Advanced Practicum Placement. Since 1998 she has been consulting and supervising doctoral students in psychology and allied professions.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wainer has held various leadership positions, including managing interdisciplinary day treatment programs. She was the director of the Karen Horney Therapeutic Nursery, Karen Horney Clinic (New York City) and clinic manager of the day treatment program at Adventure Place (currently Lumenus) (Toronto). Having practiced with clients with a wide range of concerns helps her appreciate each client’s unique and singular circumstances and struggles.
She also held staff positions at the at the Health and Wellness Centre (St. George Campus) at the University of Toronto and at Hincks-Dellcrest Centre (now SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health) where her responsibilities included acting as the lead for the psychological testing team, and co-leader of the DBT training team.
In her free time…
When not engaged in professional activities, Dr. Wainer enjoys spending time with her family, studying music, reading fiction and non-fiction (whatever catches her curiosity).
Why a psychologist? A guide of Ontario’s mental health professionals
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A psychologist can have a PsyD./ Ph.D./ E.D./D. Psy or an MA (see Psychological Associate/Psychologist). On average, in addition to having a 4 year BA degree, a doctoral level psychologist takes 6 to 8 years to complete pre-doctoral requirements, including a systematized intensive learning via classes, in addition to 4 years of training in practica placements and residency program, plus one year of post-graduate supervised practice. As professionals, psychologists can diagnose and offer psychotherapy, amongs other competencies. Their scope of practice includes the assessment, diagnoses and treatment of a wide range of psychological conditions.
Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Psychologists and Psychological Associates are governed by the same regulations, scopes of practice and controlled acts.
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A Psychological Associate is also a Psychologist. They have an MA in psychology (M.A., M. Sc., M. Ps., M. Ed.) as well as a 4 year BA degree. They have 4 years of supervised practice before being able to register as psychologists.
As professionals, psychologist at a masters and doctoral level can diagnose and offer psychotherapy, amongs other competencies. Their scope of practice includes the assessment, diagnoses and treatment of a wide range of psychological conditions.
Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Psychologists and Psychological Associates are governed by the same regulations, scopes of practice and controlled acts.
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A Psychiatrist is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) with a specialization in psychitry. They typically have a 3-4 years undergraduate degree in pre-med, plus 3-4 years of medical school, plus a 5 year residency program.
As professionals, psychistrists can prescribe medication, assess, diagnose and offer psychotherapy to persons suffering from a wide range of psychiatric concerns.
Psychiatrists are regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
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A social worker has a Bachellors in Social Work (BSW) or a 1 or 2 years Masters in Social Work (MSW). In addition, they have additional practica requirements, with a minimum of 6 weeks to 3 month duration.
As professionals, Social workers are able to assess and treat mental health concerns in a wide range of settings. Social workers are not able to diagnose, yet they can provide psychotherapy.
Social workers are regulated by Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
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A Registered Psychotherapist has a Bachellor (BA or B.Sc) and an MA or equivalent with demonstrated competency. They are required to have 750 of clinical training over the course of 3 years.
Registered Psychotherapists are able to provide psychotherapy. In order to register with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario, candidates must meet a Competency Profile for Registry, not limited to a specific coursework or degree.
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A Nurse Practitioner (NP) generally has a B. Sc. and an MA in Nursing. There’s a minimum of 2 years of clinical practice to become a Registered Nurse (RN). There are not specific psychotherapy training requirements. They are regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
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Occupational Therapists need to have a 4 year BA degree plus a 2 year Master of Science (M.Sc). They are required to have 1000 hours of practicum training. They are regulated by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Occupational Therapists are able to offer, with appropriate training, psychotherapy; they are not able to diagnose.
