Registered Psychologist, Edmonton Institution, Correctional Service Canada, Government of Canada
About Me
Even though I knew I wanted to become a psychologist when I was 10 years old, figuring out how to become one, especially as a first-generation immigrant was not an easy process. After completing my Bachelor’s degree at UTM, I decided to pursue my graduate studies abroad and moved to Europe. I obtained a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. During my graduate studies, I was awarded the Erasmus Traineeship funding from the European Commission and completed my internship year in England and Scotland. As I learned to navigate various educational systems in multiple countries, I quickly realized you do not always need to follow the traditional path to reach your educational and career goals. As a mentor, I would love to share my experiences with others and support the next generation of students in their career journey.
Now, as a Clinical/Forensic Psychologist with Correctional Service Canada (CSC), I provide mental health services to federally incarcerated inmates residing in a maximum-security institution. I feel extremely lucky to work in a high-paced environment where there is truly never a dull moment. In my current role, I provide psychotherapy and crisis interventions, conduct suicide risk assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, administer psychological tests and diagnose mental health disorders. I also conduct psychological risk assessments to assess offenders’ general, violent or sexual risk of reoffending and prepare reports to communicate my findings and recommendations to the Parole Board of Canada, to ensure public safety. Alongside my role with CSC, I run my own private practice, Mayfair Psychology, where I provide virtual psychological services to individuals living in areas with limited access to mental health resources.
As a mentor, I would like to share my experiences with other students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of mental health or corrections.
Industry: Mental Health
Languages: English, Turkish
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Experience
- In her current role as a psychologist with Correctional Service Canada, Melvin conducts psychological risk assessments and prepares reports for the Parole Board of Canada. She also completes mental health assessments to provide crisis interventions, develops individual treatment plans and administers psychological assessment tools.
- Melvin is a clinical and forensic psychologist for her own private practice, Mayfair Psychological Services.
- Melvin is a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a resident in psychology (interim member) with the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick.
- She has experience as a group facilitator and therapist with children, youth, and their families, and in clinical and academic research.
- Melvin has volunteer experience as a trainer for suicide and self-injury prevention/intervention, critical incident stress management, group facilitating, research, data management, and clinical support.
- Visit Melvin's LinkedIn Profile
Education
- Master of Science, Forensic Psychology, 2016, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland
- Master of Science, Forensic Psychology, 2016, Maastricht University, Netherlands
- Honours Bachelor of Science (Psychology, Criminology), 2013, UTM