Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Psychological Assessments

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Psychological Assessments

Our clinicians provide comprehensive psychological assessments for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) disability benefit applications. These assessments are designed to evaluate the presence, severity, and functional impact of psychological conditions and their relationship to military service, if applicable.


The assessment process typically includes a detailed clinical interview, review of relevant documentation, and the use of standardized psychological assessment measures when appropriate. Assessments are conducted in accordance with evidence-based practices and current diagnostic standards to ensure a thorough and objective evaluation.


Psychological conditions commonly assessed include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, operational stress injuries, moral injury, chronic pain-related psychological difficulties, and other mental health concerns. In addition to identifying symptoms and diagnoses, the assessment examines how psychological difficulties affect daily functioning, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.


Following the assessment, a comprehensive report is prepared that summarizes clinical findings, diagnostic impressions, functional impacts, and recommendations, where appropriate. The report is intended to provide clear, objective information for the VAC disability benefits application process while helping veterans better understand their mental health needs and treatment options.


These evaluations are conducted using a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach that recognizes the unique experiences of military service, deployment, transition to civilian life, and exposure to potentially traumatic events. The goal is to ensure that veterans are treated with respect, sensitivity, and professionalism throughout the assessment process.


Gilmour Psychologists with Expertise in VAC Assessments

Contact Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa to schedule a consultation with a psychologist who has an expertise in VAC Assessments

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By Kristi Rudolph July 26, 2021
Dr. Syeda Huma Shireen, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist licensed in Quebec (Ordre des Psychologues du Québec, licence number 15026-23) and Ontario (College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, licence number 400317). She also provides clinical telepsychology services in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia under the labour mobility provisions of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Dr. Shireen completed her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at McGill University. She also holds a Master of Clinical and Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto and a Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School. Her graduate clinical training included practica and internships at leading institutions, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto and the Jewish General Hospital in Montréal. Dr. Shireen's clinical psychotherapy practice includes the treatment of trauma and related disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality disorders in adults from an integrative model, including mindfulness-based, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic methods, among other modalities. Her goal is to foster self-awareness and uncover clients’ innate potential for healing and problem-solving. Her approach provides a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their joys and challenges, learn from their difficult experiences, and make informed decisions. Her overarching goal as a clinician is to help clients develop trust in their own inner wisdom and become more self-sufficient. Dr. Shireen's independent psychological assessment expertise includes the assessment, diagnosis, and formulation of mental health conditions in adults in accordance with DSM-5-TR criteria, particularly related to trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. She provides independent, evidence-based opinions regarding diagnosis, causation, prognosis, functional limitations, and treatment needs. Her opinions are based on clinical interviews supported by standardized psychological measures, review of collateral documentation, and application of current scientific and professional standards. Dr. Shireen provides assessment services for veterans and first responders for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) disability benefit applications. Her goal is to conduct high-quality comprehensive psychological assessments that accurately capture the psychological condition of each veteran for their benefits application and to enable them to develop a better understanding of themselves for future treatment and rehabilitation. To this end, she draws from her experience as a trauma-based psychotherapist and independent psychological assessor. Namely, she has vast experience working with clients with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, sexual trauma, and personality disorders. This psychotherapeutic work informs her psychodiagnostic formulation and treatment recommendations for VAC assessments. She also has experience providing comprehensive psycho-legal assessments rooted in advanced training through her Certification in MedicoLegal Expertise (CMLE). These advanced credentials reflect her specialized training in evidence-based and defensible disability evaluations, functional impairment assessments, causation analysis, and report writing. She has also completed numerous training relevant to this work, including the Veteran and Military Mental Health Certification Course through PESI Canada, the Military Cultural Competency course through the Veterans Transition Network, and learnings on moral injury through the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families. Her approach combines clinical expertise, trauma-informed care, and an understanding of the unique experiences of military service to ensure assessments are objective, respectful, and responsive to veterans' needs.  Dr. Shireen maintains active professional affiliations with the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators, the Canadian Board of Professional Psychology, and the MedicoLegal Society of Toronto.