Dr. Krystal Kelly is a psychologist registered in good standing with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (Registrant #5926). She has been working in the mental health field since 2011 providing assessment and psychotherapy to adults in a variety of settings. Her authorized areas of practice are clinical and forensic/correctional psychology.
Dr. Kelly completed her post-secondary studies in the United States, after receiving an NCAA Division III women's ice hockey scholarship. She double-majored in Psychology and Forensics at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She subsequently earned her Masters and Doctoral (Psy.D.) degrees from Alliant International University in Irvine, California. Following completion of her academic studies, Dr. Kelly returned to Ontario to complete an accredited pre-doctoral internship at Correctional Services Canada. Prior to being one of the founders of HISELER, KELLY & ASSOCIATES, Dr. Kelly worked in the Ontario Provincial correctional system as the chief psychologist, at Correctional Services Canada (CSC), and for California Department of Corrections where she obtained an understanding of both the Canadian and American legal systems.
Dr. Kelly looks forward to working with you on your road to self-discovery and growth by providing encouragement and support to help you achieve your goals! Please read below for additional information on Dr. Kelly’s three different practice areas: First Responders, Clinical Psychology, Forensic/Correctional Psychology.
Dr. Kelly’s Practice with First Responders
Dr. Kelly’s professional experience has exposed her to the inner workings and personal dynamics of first-responder culture, which enables her to provide treatment specific to the stressors that affect first responders and their families. She is also trained to deliver Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) which is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy that has been proven effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD.
As part of her work with first responders, Dr. Kelly has conducted Wellness Assessments for police to ensure maintenance of psychological well-being while in positions considered to have higher exposure to trauma. Based on her experience and training in preventing an occupational stress injury (OSI), Dr. Kelly has had the pleasure of being consulted on the creation of wellness and resiliency training for first responder agencies. These trainings focus on proactive mental health strategies. She engages in individual therapeutic relationships with first responders for maintenance treatment and regular check-ins to process traumatic events when they happen, monitor any changes in symptoms, and maintain psychological wellness in the areas of day-to-day, social/relational, and occupational functioning.
Dr. Kelly regularly conducts assessments to help adjudicate a claim and support treatment through the WSIB Community Mental Health program. This includes completion of the WSIB Form 8 to begin a claim related to an OSI. Dr. Kelly is also qualified and completes fitness for duty and return to work evaluations.
Dr. Kelly has supported the development of peer support groups and was previously a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. CISM provides short-term intervention to first responders exposed to a traumatic event. She is qualified to provide short-term crisis intervention including debrief support following a traumatic event.
Dr. Kelly’s Clinical Practice
Dr. Kelly’s clinical practice serves a diverse clientele seeking to address a wide range of issues. Common concerns she works with include: adjustment difficulties, anger and impulsivity, anxiety, depression and mood disorders, building healthy relationships and boundary work, problem-solving deficits, self-esteem, stress management, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviour, as well as trauma. Additionally, she conducts clinical psychological assessments for diagnostic purposes and to inform treatment.
Dr. Kelly enjoys individual therapy with those who are struggling with new stages of life, making big life decisions, and people who are rebuilding after a significant life change.
Additionally, Dr. Kelly is passionate about the music scene and athletics. When she’s not working you can probably find her at a concert, game, or with her bulldog. She has had opportunities to support clients who are musicians and athletes through assistance with managing their performance anxiety and obtaining certain goals, balancing relationship dynamics and mental health struggles, as well as transitioning away from high-performing careers. She understands the complex dynamics of these cultures, the creativity involved, and commitment required to perform at a level you are proud of. Her passion for helping to support you in these areas is noticeable in your work together.
Dr. Kelly is approachable, attentive, warm, respectful, and collaborative. She understands that every person is unique, and treatment approaches should be tailored to meet clients' needs in the context of their social and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Kelly focuses on providing a safe and confidential space for clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are causing distress, with the intention of empowering clients to move forward. She strives to create a genuine relationship with her clients, working together to establish and meet their personal goals. Dr. Kelly’s work is empirically informed, and she is committed to continued training and best practices in both clinical and forensic psychology. As a registered health care professional, Dr. Kelly adheres to the standards of practice and ethics stipulated by the College. She is a professional member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA), Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and American Psychological Association (APA).
Dr. Kelly’s Forensic/Correctional Work
Dr. Kelly is particularly interested in reducing risk of re-offending in forensic populations. She is trained in conducting forensic evaluations for general, violent, and sexual recidivism with both contact and non-contact offences. These assessments have been used for individuals to better understand and manage their mental health and behaviour. They have also been presented in front of Criminal and/or Family Court as well as the Ontario Parole Board (OPB) and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC). Her area of expertise is working with men and women who have been accused of a sexual offence or are struggling with sexually addictive behaviours. She has obtained certification as a clinical member with the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA).
Assessments for Criminal Court are primarily completed prior to sentencing. These are specialized, objective evaluations that answer a specific legal question. A risk assessment evaluates individual and situational factors relevant to offending as well as strengths and protective factors that can reduce an individual’s risk of future offences. Dr. Kelly provides risk-management recommendations using the risk-need-responsivity (RNR). The assessment will also identify any specialized issues that should be considered by the Court when imposing a sentence (ex. Autism Spectrum Disorders or specific differences related to female offenders). Dr. Kelly’s assessments have also been part of decision making with the Ontario Parole Board (OPB) and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC).
Dr. Kelly has specialization in conducting forensic assessments that evaluate the following:
- Risk of violence or sexual recidivism, and dangerousness.
- Evaluation of mental health factors or diagnostic clarification and the correlation between criminal behaviour.
- Recommendations for the Court to manage and reduce risk of recidivism in the future.
- Specialized assessments for female offenders.
- Intimate Partner Violence.
- Threat assessments for the community, schools, and workplaces.
- Recommendations to the OPB and PBC for hearings related to temporary absence, early release through Parole or Day Parole, movement to a lower security institution, and evaluation of risk for Private Family Visits (PFV).
In addition, Dr. Kelly has conducted individual parent mental health assessments regarding risk for the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). She has also completed assessments for Family Court evaluating a parent’s mental health and behaviour, recommendations for managing these, and if appropriate, she explains any risk posed to a partner or child and how to mitigate that risk. These assessments are not a full custody or parent capacity assessment; however, they can be used as part of these assessment (Section 30) reports.
In regard to forensic treatment, Dr. Kelly provides individual and group treatment with those in conflict with the law. She is able to write letters for court, Probation and Parole, OPB, and the PBC for clients who are interested in engaging in treatment upon their release or as part of their community sentencing. She is also competent to write letters to these agencies outlining a client’s participation in treatment before sentencing or after.
Forensic treatment covers a variety of areas that may be relevant to a client’s offending and lifestyle. The individual’s offence, life circumstances, needs, and ability will determine the specific treatment approach taken. Issues such as emotions, thoughts, and behaviours that contributed to the offence will be addressed along with a relapse prevention plan. Dr. Kelly’s experience working within the criminal justice system has taught her to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of her clients. Any of the above outlined forensic assessment areas are specialities Dr. Kelly can provide treatment in.
"Follow your heart but take your brain with you"
- Alfred Adler
“Be brave enough to find the life you want and courageous enough to chase it”
-Madalyn Beck
