About
Dr. Cristina Saverino
Dr. Cristina Saverino is a registered clinical psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist for adults and seniors. She completed her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Toronto. Her doctoral thesis examined the neural correlates of memory changes in healthy older adults. Dr. Saverino completed her post-doctoral training from the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute where she worked for the Canadian Concussion Centre and the Hull-Ellis Concussion Clinic. During this time she conducted research on the impact that concussions have on cognitive and psychological functioning in the general population and among professional athletes.
Dr. Saverino has contributed to the development of the Standards of Post-Concussion Care in Ontario and the OPA Guidelines for Best Practices in the Assessment of Concussion. She has presented and published various scientific papers on the topics of aging and memory, traumatic brain injury and on the usefulness of psychological intervention post-concussion. She was awarded a national scholarship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Dr. Saverino currently provides psychological services to individuals at the Toronto Western Hospital that have sustained work related injuries and are experiencing co-occurring mental health challenges. She has extensive experience working with adults and seniors suffering from various neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
Her clinical work uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioural, cognitive processing, acceptance and commitment, mindfulness meditation and emotion-focused therapy. She has assisted adults and seniors that are struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma and adjustment-related issues. Dr. Saverino adopts an evidence-based and client-centered approach to her treatment. She works collaboratively with her clients to achieve positive changes that can bring them closer to their desired goals.
During her free time, Dr. Saverino enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to music, photography, running and travelling to new places.
About
Dr. Bojana Budisin
Dr. Bojana Budisin is a duly qualified Registered Psychologist in Ontario in the areas of clinical neuropsychology and clinical psychology providing both assessment and treatment services to an adult and senior population. At Synapse Psychology Group, she works as a Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist providing treatment and assessment services. She also provides psychological and neuropsychological services to clients at Toronto Western Hospital who have suffered work-related injuries. Dr. Budisin continues to contribute to research and is currently a psychological treatment provider within the context of a multiprovincial study aimed at progressing interventions to assist with post-concussion recovery.
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Regarding education, Dr. Budisin obtained a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology Stream) at the University of Windsor and completed her post-doctoral training in Clinical Neuropsychology at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI). Her academic and research training include understanding and exploration of neurological and psychosocial aspects of the developing brain across the life span. She has been awarded scholarships, has published in scientific papers, and provided scientific presentations on traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, impulsivity, telepsychology, and neuroimaging.
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Dr. Budisin has undergone comprehensive training in assessment and cognitive neurorehabilitation within medical consortiums, rehabilitation hospitals, and middle schools across North America. She is a member of several psychological associations as well as a Candidate Member in the Canadian Academy of Psychologists in Disability Assessment (CAPDA). Dr. Budisin also completed training in catastrophic impairment evaluations through the Canadian Academy of Psychologists in Disability Assessments / Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators.
Dr. Budisin’s approach to treatment is holistic and rooted in evidence based modalities, including cognitive-behavioural, cognitive processing, acceptance and commitment, mindfulness mediation, and emotion-focused therapy. Dr. Budisin relies on a client centered approach and works collaboratively with each individual to support them in the process of achieving their goals.
In her free time, Dr. Budisin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, getting lost in a good book, travel, and sports.
Treatment
We provide psychological services to adults (18+) and seniors located in Ontario, Canada. Treatment is provided virtually for a wide range of issues and needs, including but not limited to:
Psychological Treatment
General anxiety and worry
Health anxiety
Performance and social anxiety
Panic attacks
Specific phobias
Adjustment and life changes
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Stress management & burnout
Depression
Bereavement
Insomnia and sleep difficulties
Low self-esteem
Perfectionism
Relationship and interpersonal problems
Assertive communication
Neuropsychological Treatment & Rehabilitation
Brain health & aging
Cognitive rehabilitation
Goal management training
Post-concussion recovery
Post-traumatic brain injury recovery
Coping with neurological condition (e.g., stroke, dementia, etc.)
Family support for a loved one with a neurological condition
ADHD & metacognition
Memory strategies
Coping with chronic pain
Emotions, including painful ones, are considered a normal part of human experience. They guide our behaviours and propel us towards action. However, when painful feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, irritability, or grief become too overwhelming, assistance from a mental health practitioner may be helpful.
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Our approach to psychological treatment is rooted in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies including but not limited to Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectial and Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The aim of psychological treatment is to help adults and seniors struggling with various mental health challenges to build positive and meaningful change in their lives.
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We also provide cognitive and behavioural rehabilitation, as well as psychoemotional support, to individuals experiencing changes or decline in their thinking abilities. The aim is to help slow, prevent, and treat cognitive changes that can result from neurological impact. We help individuals learn strategies to improve their attention, memory, and executive function (e.g., planning, organizing, problem-solving, etc.).
We take on a holistic approach to rehabilitation and collaboratively work with each client, their family and their multidisciplinary team. The aim is to support each person in achieving their goal in a client-centered manner.
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If you have further questions or to schedule Initial Consultation, please Contact Us.
Assessments
We provide services to adults (18+) and seniors physically located in Ontario, Canada. Assessments are conducted in-person in Toronto, Ontario.
We can assist adults (18+) and seniors that are struggling with changes in their mood, have increased nervousness and tension, and/or difficulties adjusting post-trauma or injury, with neurodegenerative changes, or life changes. We can also assist with evaluation of suspected learning and attentional deficits (e.g., learning disorder, ADHD, etc.).
We provide comprehensive assessment services to assist with one's goal of maintaining and/or improving their psychological well-being and/or brain health.
Referral sources include self-referral, family members, primary healthcare providers, specialists, community treatment providers, lawyer referrals, and insurance referrals.
Psychological Assessment
Psychological Assessment evaluates individual's psychological functioning and mental health status to determine a diagnosis, if applicable, prognosis, and treatment recommendations for the purpose of improving overall functioning and well-being. We can also provide treatment recommendations and accommodations to assist with return to vocational and avocational pursuits.
Neuropsychological Assessment
A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment can help to identify cognitive abilities and offer recommendations for those that have been impacted by acquired brain injury (e.g., concussion, TBI, stroke), neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), neurodevelopmental diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, Learning Disorder, etc.), and/or neurological conditions (e.g., (epilepsy, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis).
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Repeat neurocognitive screening following a baseline testing conducted within a context of a comprehensive neuropsychological (re)assessment can be conducted when a neurocognitive decline is suspected as it relates to a neurodegenerative process (e.g., dementia) or a neurological condition (e.g., concussion, moderate to severe TBI, stroke, epilepsy, etc.).
Psychoeducational Assessment
Psychoeducational Assessment evaluates individual's cognitive status as it relates to their brain functioning and mental health with an aim of providing recommendations focused on progress within academic setting and/or vocational pursuits.
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If you have further questions or to book an appointment, please Contact Us.
Workshops
We provide services to adults (18+) and seniors physically located in Ontario, Canada. Workshops can be provided virtually or in-person.
Preventing burnout
Mental health at the workplace
Stress management & emotional resilience
Post-concussion recovery
Brain health and aging
Coping with neurological disorders
Academic and vocational accommodations
Cognitive strategies & improving performance
Chronic pain management
Cognitive and psychological changes that come along with mental health struggles, stress, burn out, brain injuries, stroke, healthy aging, and various life stressors can be a confusing array of novel information, perhaps even frightening.
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A well-crafted and meaningful workshop can be a powerful intervention tool for groups within a variety of settings (e.g., corporate/work, community centre, long-term care home, academic institutions, etc.). A workshop can provide education about and training in strategy use to more effectively manage daily stressors and anxiety. It is also an opportunity for the clients as well as others (e.g., their caregivers, family members, etc.) to access education about the functional impact of one's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, psychological effect on one's functioning, the prognosis for the future, available community resources, and treatment/rehabilitation recommendations. Group settings can foster a sense of belonging and reduce a sense of isolation that is sometimes felt when suffering with mental health and/or cognitive difficulties. In addition to psychoeducation, in-session practice can often be provided to further hone in new skills. Finally, a workshop can provide a starting point to prevent further decline, pursue referrals with professionals for psychological treatment, pharmacotherapy, and/or a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
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We are happy to discuss workshop details with you with an aim to provide a customized workshop and training for groups and professionals looking to build their knowledge.
Medical file reviews and opinion reports can be helpful to guide the referral source in psychological or neuropsychological treatment, offer different avenues for progress in recovery, and provide recommendations as to the expected outcomes based on the available data.
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Multidisciplinary team consultations can be provided to address client's neurocognitive and psychoemotional functioning within a context of a neurological insult and/or complex mental health struggles.
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Please reach out for further information and discussion.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is your new patient procedure?
For treatment, please contact us via email, phone, or contact form below to schedule an Initial Consultation. We will send back to you available appointment times, consent form, and intake form via a secure platform.
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For assessment, please contact us via email, phone, or contact form below to schedule a complementary 15-minute telephone meeting to review type of assessment services required and availability.
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Is virtual therapy effective?
Videoconferencing sessions are conducted via a secure, PHIPA and PIPEDA compliant videoconferencing site. Research thus far has demonstrated that for most issues virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.
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What are your fees for each service offered?
The hourly rate for an Initial Consultation or Treatment Session is $250 with Clinical Psychologist. Please reach out to us regarding fees for assessment services, workshops, and consultations.
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What is your cancellation policy?
Treatment services: If a session has been missed or cancelled within 24 hours, a full fee for the session will be applied.
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Assessment services: If assessment appointment is missed or cancelled within 24 hours, 50% non-refundable deposit will be charged.
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Are your services covered by insurance?
Although psychological services are not covered by OHIP, most extended insurance plans via work or school may provide partial or full coverage. Please inquire with your insurance provider about your coverage.
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Is a referral required?
Referral sources include self-referral, family members, primary healthcare providers, specialists, community treatment providers, lawyer referrals, and insurance referrals.
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How long will therapy take?
Psychological treatment relies on evidence-based approaches. The number of treatment sessions can range depending on individual needs (e.g., 3 sessions, 12 sessions, etc.). The aim is to provide you with a tool box of strategies that you will be able to use independently in challenging situations in the future. Practice of strategies will be important during, as well as after treatment. You may also find helpful to schedule "booster" sessions after completion of a round of treatment. These "booster" sessions can be booked at a reduced frequency and aid to review strategies and their applications in novel situations.
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What about privacy and confidentiality?
Please refer to the following document for details.
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Can I access services in a crisis?
We are not a crisis clinic and, therefore, cannot guarantee clinician availability in a crisis. If you or someone you know are experiencing a crisis or require emergency service, please contact your nearest Emergency Room. Additional resources include:
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1. Call 911
2. Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
3. Toronto Distress Centre (24/7) 416-408-4357
4. Telecare (24/7; Mandarin & Cantonese): 416-920-0497
5. Here 24/7 Waterloo - Wellington (24/7) 844-437-3247
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If you would like to schedule a virtual appointment, please Contact Us.