Mental Health
& Deaf People
Dr. Cathy Chovaz offers accessible and effective psychological care for deaf children, adolescents, and adults; as well as consultation to other health care professionals regarding mental health and deafness.
Individual Services
Services provided in ASL or English virtually or in-person
Dr. Cathy Chovaz offers linguistically and culturally accessible and effective psychological care for deaf children, adolescents. and adults. She provides assessments and therapy for a number of mental health disorders.
Many deaf people enjoy life! Some factors associated with being deaf, however, may make life harder affecting mood, behaviours and well-being. Over time the lived experience of the deaf (LED) may affect mental health and well-being. It is important to recognize these factors as well as learn how to cope with them. An assessment may help identify what is causing distress and treatment strategies may help individuals learn the best way to cope. The goal is always to empower people to experience life in healthy ways.
Therapy
Therapy is a process to support d/Deaf individuals in better understanding themselves and the world around them. This may involve exploring patterns, behaviours, and relationships and improve on what might not be working well. The goal is to empower people to move forward with improved well-being.
Time: 1 hour / session
Cost: $225 / hour
Consultation
Many hearing clinicians do not have a lot of experience regarding deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their mental health. Consultations help educate about mental health and deafness. This may be, for example, with your child’s school personnel, your family doctor, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker.
Cost: $225 / hour
Child Mental Health Assessments
In-person only
Includes assessments for psychiatric disorders such as:
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Autism
- Disruptive Behaviour
Time: 4-6 hours
Cost : $1800 – $2500
Services for Health
Care Professionals
Services provided in ASL or English virtually or in-person
Dr. Cathy Chovaz is a Deaf clinical psychologist. She is the Director of the King’s Centre of Deaf Education & Accessibility Forum (CDEAF) and an Associate Professor of Psychology at King’s University College at Western University, London, Ontario. She has published and presented extensively across Canada and the world.
Please download Dr. Chovaz’ CV or visit the CDEAF website for a list of her most up-to-date presentations and research studies.
Consultation
Many family doctors, psychiatrists, school personnel, and agencies are not aware of the many risk factors affecting deaf people. Consultations help educate about mental health and deafness as well as provide appropriate strategies and supports. These consultations ensure that deaf people are provided accessible, effective and appropriate care within the mental health care system.
Costs depend on situation
Presentations
Dr. Chovaz has over 24 years experience presenting across Canada as well as the world on mental health and deafness
Costs depend on situation
Media Interviews
Dr. Chovaz is pleased to provide information to the media regarding mental health and deafness.
Costs depend on situation
Download Dr. Cathy Chovaz’ Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Resources
Mental Health and Deafness Book
The assessment and treatment of mental health concerns for Deaf individuals has been largely ignored and/or misunderstood by many mental health professionals. In Mental Health and Deafness, Margaret du Feu and Cathy Chovaz seek to rectify this by outlining current issues surrounding mental health and deafness.
Available At:
Video Library
Centre for Deaf Education and Accessibility Forum (CDEAF)
Dr. Chovaz is the Director of CDEAF, a King's College centre that recognizes that deaf individuals with mental health issues are a marginalized, under researched and under supported group in Canada. The vision of CDEAF is to create a forum to advance collaborative thoughts, ideas, and strategies within the area of mental health and deafness.
PAH!
Dr. Chovaz is a clinical consultant for PAH!, a mental health program for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and youth under the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf
Get In Touch
Please contact me with questions.
Mental Health with Deaf People
For new inquiries, please download and fill out the Referral Form for Psychological Services