Dr. Mélise Ouellette

DR. MÉLISE OUELLETE, PSYCHOLOGIST

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

My name is Mélise (she/her), and I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. I graduated with my PhD from McMaster University and completed my residency at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. During my residency, I trained across various outpatient clinics including the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program, the Traumatic Stress Clinic, and the First Responders Mental Health Program. Prior to this, I trained at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, primarily in the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and the Youth Wellness Centre.

In addition to working in private practice, I work as a Clinical Consultant and Psychologist at Ontario Shores in OSP. This program supports people navigating depression, various trauma- and anxiety-related concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, generalized anxiety), as well as stress. A key part of my role at OSP is to provide training and consultation to mental health professionals related to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and tricky clinical concerns.

In terms of my therapeutic approach, I strive to foster a warm, non-judgemental, and collaborative space to support clients in learning about themselves and reaching their wellness goals. My practice is evidence-based and primarily grounded in CBT. I also integrate other evidence-based approaches (e.g., dialectical behaviour therapy skills) to further tailor treatment to clients' needs. In therapy, clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to better understand patterns that are no longer serving them, as well as learn practical strategies aimed at helping them move towards their goals. My practice is also inclusive of diverse backgrounds, cultures, sexual and gender identities, and abilities.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology, McMaster University (Hamilton, ON)
Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour, McMaster University (Hamilton, ON)
Residency completed at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Whitby, ON)
Clinical training completed at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (Hamilton, ON)

PEER REVIEWED RESEARCH

Joshi, Y., Metcalfe, S., Alarachi, A., Scott, A., Ouellette, M.J., Rowa, K. A Psychometric Analysis of the Marijuana Motives Measure in an Anxiety and Related Disorders Sample (In Press). Cannabis.

Puccinelli, C., Cameron, D., Ouellette, M. J., McCabe, R. E. Rowa, K. (2023). Psychometric properties of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Past Week (PSWQ-PW) in an anxiety and related disorders sample. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment. doi: 10.1007/s10862-023-10029-9

Ouellette, M.J., Mutschler, C., Roth, S.L., McCabe, R.E., Tissera, T., Patel, H., Boyd, J.E., Nicholson, A.A., Hewitt, J., Lopes J., Jeffs, L., Schneider, M., McKinnon, M.C., & Hatchard, T. (2023). The Transcending Protocol: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach for Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Minority Stress in Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals. Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling. 57-76. doi: 10.1080/26924951.2022.2096168

Ouellette, M. J., Rowa, K., Cameron, D. H., Elcock, A., Soreni, N., Pawluk, E. J., & McCabe, R. E. (2022). Does cannabis use impact cognitive behavioural therapy outcomes for anxiety and related disorders? A preliminary examination. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 690-697. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.054

Ouellette, M. J., Rowa, K., Cameron, D. H., Elcock, A., Soreni, N., Pawluk, E. J., & McCabe, R. E. (2022). Why Use Cannabis? Examining Motives for Cannabis Use in Individuals with Anxiety Disorders. Behaviour Change. 1-17. doi: 10.1017/bec.2022.21

Ouellette, M. J., Rowa, K., Soreni, N., Elcock, A., & McCabe, R. E. (2021). Exposure to stressful and traumatic life events in Hoarding Disorder: Comparisons to clinical controls. Journal of Clinical Psychology. 1-12. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23153

Ouellette, M. J., Puccinelli, C., Rowa, K., Elcock, A., & McCabe, R. E. (2019). Cannabis Use in Patients Seeking Therapy for Anxiety and Related Disorders: A Descriptive Study. Canadian Journal of Addiction, 10, 30-37. doi: 10.1097/CXA.0000000000000060

BOOK CHAPTERS

Boyd, J. E., Ouellette, M. J., Puccinelli, C., & McCabe, R. E. (2021). Case Formulation, Behavior Analysis, and Diagnostic Interviews. In G. Asmundson (Eds.). Comprehensive Clinical Psychology (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & ACTIVITIES

Clinical Psychologist, College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
Clinical Consultant and Psychologist, Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Member, Ontario Psychological Association