Dr. Caroline McIsaac, C. Psych.
Psychologist and Owner 212 Mental Health
(She/Her)
After achieving her Ph.D. in clinical developmental psychology at York University, Dr. Caroline McIsaac spent years working as a staff psychologist at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Throughout her experience in the Emergency Department and Mental Health Inpatient Unit, she provided specialized treatment of complex mental health issues in children and teens. She also played a significant role in creating a mental health risk assessment tool for young people in crisis. This tool continues to provide a framework for emergency services today.
Now the owner of 212 Mental Health, Dr. McIsaac remains committed to supporting the well-being of young people. She uses a variety of evidence-based therapies to treat mental health issues and specializes in helping young people when they’re in their darkest moments, including having thoughts about suicide and self-harm. She also works directly with parents and provides them with specific strategies that they can use to help their children and teens develop emotional resilience.
Dr. McIsaac’s compassionate approach to therapy focuses on building emotional resilience, improving self acceptance, and helping a young person move towards a life that’s full and balanced. She believes in the power of collaboration and works hard to form meaningful connections with young people and their families – especially in their time of crisis. Prioritizing patience, kindness, and respect, Dr. McIsaac strives to listen carefully and with an open heart.
In addition to providing therapy directly to young people, she has extensive experience as a consultant and educator. She’s trained many multi-disciplinary staff teams at hospitals, community mental health agencies, and schools in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and the management of suicidal risk. Dr. McIsaac’s also supervised psychologists during their postgraduate training, which she views as a rewarding opportunity to give back to the psychology profession.
Outside of work, Dr. McIsaac is a wife and mother of two children. She lives in Ancaster with her family, including two dogs and a cat. She’s grounded by time spent in nature, especially gardening and going for long walks. She values the good humour and generosity of her friends.
She’s fortunate to be the lifelong recipient of unconditional love from her parents, who inspire her in her work and in the raising of her own children.