We Are Here

25 +

Critical Medical Professions

850 +

Practitioners

We are Newfoundland and Labrador’s Allied Health Professionals, and we are proud to be an essential part of your public health care journey.

When you need us. When your family needs us. We are here.

WHO ARE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR’S ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?

From providing critical care to assessing your health, to diagnosing conditions and developing treatments right alongside you, Allied Health Professionals are caring for and working with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians every day. Together, our members represent hundreds of health professionals across a multitude of health care settings in our province. We are here to provide the quality preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative health care you need.

We are Newfoundland and Labrador’s Association of Allied Health Professionals, and we are proud to be an essential part of your health care journey.

AAHP Professions

Anesthesia Assistants

Anesthesia assistants are vital members of the healthcare team, working alongside anesthesiologists and other medical professionals to provide safe, effective care for patients undergoing surgeries and procedures requiring anesthesia. Their expertise enhances surgical outcomes, improves efficiency in operating rooms, and minimizes anesthesia-related risks.

These highly trained professionals support patients before, during, and after procedures, ensuring smooth recoveries and high-quality care. They prepare and maintain anesthesia equipment, monitor vital signs, and assist in administering anesthesia under an anesthesiologist’s supervision. Their role is especially critical in high-risk procedures, such as pediatric, cardiac, and trauma surgeries, where precise anesthesia management is essential.

Beyond the operating room, anesthesia assistants contribute to post-operative recovery and pain management. Their in-depth knowledge of anesthesia machines, ventilators, and medications ensures accurate anesthesia delivery, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes. Trained to handle emergencies like allergic reactions and cardiac arrest, they play a crucial role in critical care situations.

In addition to direct patient care, some anesthesia assistants take on leadership and educational roles, helping to develop anesthesia protocols, train healthcare professionals, and implement quality improvement initiatives.

By supporting anesthesiologists and optimizing anesthesia care, these professionals ensure safer surgical procedures, better patient outcomes, and a more efficient healthcare system. Their contributions are essential to maintaining high standards of care in hospitals.

Anesthesia Respiratory Therapists

Anesthesia Respiratory Therapists are crucial members of the anesthesia care team, specializing in managing airway and respiratory function for patients undergoing surgery. By working closely with anesthesiologists and surgeons, they ensure safe ventilation, optimal oxygenation, and a smooth recovery, especially for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Their core responsibilities include securing and maintaining airways through endotracheal tubes, closely monitoring vital respiratory functions, and operating anesthesia machines and ventilators. They also play a pivotal role in post-operative care, helping patients regain independent breathing after surgery. Additionally, they are skilled in managing specialized equipment such as blood transfusion and cell saver machines, providing support during high-risk procedures.

Anesthesia Respiratory Therapists enhance healthcare efficiency by establishing and maintaining advanced monitoring systems, ensuring anesthesia equipment is functioning properly, and supporting surgical teams with data collection and quality improvement efforts. Their expertise is essential in ensuring patient safety, optimizing surgical outcomes, and maintaining high standards of care in hospitals and surgical centers.

Through their specialized knowledge and hands-on support, Anesthesia Respiratory Therapists make a significant impact on patient recovery, healthcare efficiency, and the overall success of medical procedures. Their indispensable role helps improve patient outcomes and ensures quality care in diverse medical environments.

Audiologists

Audiologists are vital healthcare professionals who play a key role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages affected by hearing and balance disorders. By diagnosing, treating, and managing these conditions, audiologists help patients regain their independence and improve their communication abilities. They work closely with other healthcare providers, including Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Physiotherapists, to offer comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Audiologists are experts in assessing the nature and extent of hearing and balance issues. They use specialized tests and equipment to measure auditory and neural function, assess tinnitus, and evaluate vestibular (balance) function. Based on their findings, they prescribe treatment options such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, balance therapy, and other interventions tailored to the individual’s needs. Audiologists also work with children to detect and address hearing or balance issues early in life, which is critical for language and cognitive development.

In addition to their clinical roles, audiologists educate patients and the public about hearing protection and prevention of hearing loss. They provide training in speech reading, sign language, and other communication methods, when appropriate. Audiologists are also involved in research to advance understanding of hearing and balance disorders and to develop new technologies and treatments that improve patient outcomes.

By identifying the nature of auditory and vestibular dysfunctions, providing rehabilitation, and offering prevention strategies, audiologists make a significant impact on patient well-being and contribute to the ongoing improvement of healthcare practices in their field.

Auditory Verbal Therapists

Auditory Verbal Therapists (AVTs) are specialized professionals who help individuals with hearing loss overcome communication challenges and reach their full potential. They focus on fostering spoken language skills, enhancing educational success, and promoting social engagement, ultimately improving their clients’ quality of life. AVTs often collaborate with Audiologists, Speech Language Pathologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

AVTs primarily work with babies, young children, and occasionally adults, especially those with sudden or late-onset hearing loss. Their goal is to help individuals develop listening and spoken language skills to communicate effectively and engage in various settings. A key part of their role is working closely with parents and caregivers, offering guidance to maximize auditory learning and help children with hearing loss develop strong communication skills.

AVTs use specialized assessments to evaluate listening, speech, language, cognition, and communication abilities, creating individualized intervention plans for each client. They provide rehabilitative services for children using hearing aids and cochlear implants, and offer aural rehabilitation for adult cochlear implant recipients, ensuring they effectively use their devices and strategies for better communication.

Additionally, AVTs provide consultative support to other professionals, promoting evidence-based practices. Through their expertise, AVTs help individuals break down communication barriers and participate fully in daily life.

Creative Arts Therapists

Creative Arts Therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who utilize various art forms to enhance the mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals. These therapists offer an alternative approach to traditional therapy, fostering personal growth, self-expression, and healing through creative processes.

The role of a Creative Arts Therapist is crucial in helping individuals who may struggle to verbalize their emotions, especially those with developmental, cognitive, or emotional challenges. Using art-forms processes like painting, sculpture, or movement, they guide clients in expressing feelings, resolving conflicts, and gaining insight. Their work is not about the end product, but the therapeutic journey of creating meaning through art.

Creative Arts Therapists play a significant role in various mental health settings, including child and adolescent psychiatry, developmental disabilities, and addictions programs. They provide interventions to improve self-esteem, interpersonal skills, stress management, and behavior regulation. Music therapy, for example, uses music-making methods like songwriting, improvisation, and listening to address cognitive, emotional, and physical goals.

Through their work, Creative Arts Therapists help individuals develop symbolic language, explore unconscious emotions, and build coping strategies. They assess client needs, determine appropriate interventions, and create personalized treatment plans to support mental health, personal development, and overall well-being. Their expertise promotes healing and personal empowerment, making them a vital part of healthcare teams across a variety of settings.

Dietitians

Dietitians are vital to healthcare, playing a key role in disease prevention, management, and overall patient well-being. Their expertise in evidence-based nutrition helps prevent chronic illnesses, enhance recovery, and improve quality of life.

By assessing individual nutritional needs, dietitians develop personalized meal plans that support healing, strengthen immune function, and boost energy levels. They manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal disorders through targeted dietary strategies that control symptoms and slow disease progression. In hospitals and long-term care facilities, they ensure patients receive the right nutrition—whether through oral diets, enteral (tube) feeding, or parenteral (IV) nutrition—while actively preventing malnutrition, a critical factor in recovery.

Beyond direct treatment, dietitians empower patients and caregivers with practical knowledge to maintain lifelong health. They educate individuals on sustainable dietary choices and contribute to public health by developing nutrition policies, food safety standards, and wellness programs. Their role extends to food service management, ensuring therapeutic dietary needs are met in hospitals, aged care homes, mental health facilities, and disability services—where proper nutrition directly impacts quality of life.

Working across diverse healthcare settings, dietitians integrate clinical expertise with holistic care. By reducing hospital stays, enhancing patient outcomes, and promoting long-term well-being, they are an indispensable part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, bridging the gap between nutrition science and practical healthcare solutions.

Genetic Counsellors

Genetic Counsellors are essential healthcare professionals who specialize in providing individuals and families with information, support, and guidance related to genetic conditions, inheritance patterns, and associated risks. Combining expertise in human genetics with strong counselling and communication skills, they help clients navigate complex genetic information and make informed decisions.

Specializing in areas such as pediatric genetics, cancer risk assessment, and rare genetic disorders, Genetic Counsellors are key members of healthcare teams. They work alongside medical specialists like Clinical Geneticists, Oncologists, Obstetricians, Neurologists, and Cardiologists to manage inherited conditions. Their role ensures informed decision-making, improved access to care, and better health outcomes for individuals and families affected by genetic disorders.

Genetic Counsellors assess genetic risks by evaluating family histories and medical backgrounds, helping clients understand their genetic predispositions. They offer guidance on genetic testing, family planning, and medical management, empowering clients to make well-informed choices.

Beyond genetic testing, Genetic Counsellors provide emotional support, helping individuals and families cope with the psychological complexities of living with or being at risk for genetic conditions. They also address ethical, legal, and privacy concerns related to genetic testing, ensuring clients understand their rights.

Genetic Counsellors contribute to better quality of life and health outcomes by helping individuals manage their health, access resources, and raise awareness of genetic conditions. Additionally, they play a key role in genetic research, advocacy, and public health programs, working to ensure equitable access to genetic services for all populations.

Horticultural Therapists

Horticultural Therapists are healthcare professionals who play a vital role in patient recovery and rehabilitation. Using gardening and plant-related activities as therapeutic tools, they enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. By complementing traditional treatments, they help improve functional abilities, accelerate healing, and support long-term recovery. Ultimately, Horticultural Therapists provide nature-based interventions that promote holistic health and well-being, enhancing both traditional and alternative medical care.

These therapists incorporate plants, nature, and gardening into treatment plans to support recovery, address health conditions, and improve quality of life. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, assisting those recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, or coping with mental health challenges. Through tailored, garden-based activities such as planting, pruning, and caring for plants, they help patients improve motor skills, increase strength and coordination, reduce stress, and foster a deeper connection to nature.

Beyond the physical benefits, horticultural therapy offers significant psychological advantages. It promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, boosts mood, and encourages mindfulness. Gardening also cultivates a sense of purpose and accomplishment, enhances social interaction, and provides a meaningful, hands-on experience that fosters engagement with the present moment.

Horticultural Therapists work in a variety of settings to assess individual needs, create personalized therapy plans, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and Physicians, to ensure comprehensive care.

Hyperbaric Technical and Safety Coordinators

Hyperbaric Technical and Safety Coordinators provide specialized leadership and supervision in the safe operation and management of hyperbaric facilities, ensuring the effective delivery of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) throughout the province.

They guide and mentor facility staff, offering training, support, and role modeling to foster a safe and efficient work environment. Coordinators oversee both elective and emergency hyperbaric treatments, ensuring that procedures are carried out safely and in compliance with established standards. In addition to their leadership role, they contribute to the development and implementation of hyperbaric policies and procedures, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure best practices.

These coordinators assess and mitigate potential risks associated with cryogenic fluids, high-pressure oxygen, and air, leveraging their expertise to maintain a safe environment within the hyperbaric chambers. They ensure that all materials entering the monoplace recompression chambers meet the safety standards set by CSA Safety Guidelines for hyperbaric treatment.

They also advise management on continuing education for staff and maintain detailed documentation of all activities, including equipment maintenance. Their responsibilities include performing routine and emergency maintenance on hyperbaric equipment such as recompression chambers, compressors, fire suppression systems, and oxygen reservoirs. Additionally, they troubleshoot and repair mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems within their technical qualifications, ensuring the continued reliable operation of the hyperbaric facility.

Hyperbaric Technicians

Hyperbaric Technicians are specialized healthcare professionals essential to the safe administration and management of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Their expertise in operating hyperbaric chambers, ensuring patient safety, and supporting treatment delivery is crucial for positive therapeutic outcomes across a variety of medical conditions.

Technicians monitor and control the environment inside the hyperbaric chamber, adjusting pressure levels, managing gas mixtures, and ensuring equipment functions optimally. They assess patients before and after treatment, checking vital signs to confirm medical stability and monitoring responses to therapy.

These professionals are particularly important in wound care management, especially for chronic wounds, by promoting healing through increased oxygenation provided by hyperbaric therapy. They also assist in treating conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds, radiation injuries, and certain infections.

In addition to their technical role, Hyperbaric Technicians provide vital patient support. They explain procedures, address concerns, and ensure patient comfort and confidence throughout treatment. They are trained to respond effectively to medical emergencies, including decompression and evacuation procedures.

Hyperbaric Technicians also maintain safety standards by keeping detailed records of each treatment session, including pressure profiles, treatment duration, and any adverse events. They conduct regular maintenance and safety checks on hyperbaric equipment. Collaborating with Physicians, Nurses, and other healthcare professionals, they ensure comprehensive care. Their expertise in equipment operation and patient safety is essential to the successful delivery of hyperbaric therapy.

Kinesiologists

Kinesiologists are healthcare professionals specializing in human movement, exercise physiology, and rehabilitation. They play a vital role in promoting physical activity, enhancing overall health, and supporting recovery through personalized exercise programs, strength training, hydrotherapy, and body mechanics.

Kinesiologists work with a wide range of populations, helping individuals prevent injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their fitness and mobility. They assess movement patterns, identify risk factors, and create strategies to prevent injuries in both sports and daily activities. Additionally, they help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or musculoskeletal disorders, facilitating strength, mobility, and functional restoration.

In their role, kinesiologists perform comprehensive assessments to evaluate muscular function, cardiovascular fitness, range of motion, and gait. They use the results to design tailored treatment plans and refer clients to other healthcare professionals for additional support, such as orthotics or medical interventions. Kinesiologists also provide education on exercise, health promotion, and ergonomics to clients, helping them make informed decisions about their physical health and well-being.

Kinesiologists also play a key role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, using exercise to improve health outcomes. They work in diverse settings, collaborating with other professionals to provide comprehensive care and improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

Medical Flight Specialists

Medical Flight Specialists are essential healthcare professionals responsible for providing critical care and medical transport to patients in urgent need. Their specialized training and advanced medical skills allow them to stabilize patients with severe trauma or medical conditions during air transport, ensuring they are prepared for transfer to higher-level facilities.

Medical Flight Specialists are trained to manage life-saving interventions, including airway management, medication administration, and trauma care, in high-stress, time-sensitive situations. They also provide on-site emergency care at accident scenes or disaster sites, delivering immediate aid before transport. Their rapid response and ability to reach remote or hard-to-access areas make them invaluable, particularly in life-threatening emergencies where time is crucial.

Medical Flight Specialists are equipped to operate specialized medical equipment, such as ventilators, defibrillators, and advanced monitoring systems, while navigating the complexities of the aviation environment. They collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, including Physicians, to provide comprehensive care.

In addition to managing adult patients, some specialists are trained in pediatric care, ensuring that vulnerable patients receive necessary care during transport. Their work is pivotal in ensuring timely access to specialized medical care, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to better recovery and survival rates. They are a vital part of emergency medical services, providing life-saving care and efficient transport, particularly for patients in critical condition or in remote locations.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who assist individuals of all ages in overcoming physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges that hinder their ability to perform daily activities and lead fulfilling lives. Their holistic, client-centered approach promotes independence and enhances the quality of life by addressing the unique needs of each individual.

Occupational Therapists provide a comprehensive range of services, including assessment, treatment planning, and evaluation. They focus on maximizing a client’s occupational performance, which includes self-care, community living, work, and leisure activities. This process involves evaluating the individual’s environment (social, physical, financial) and identifying key challenges that may impact daily functioning. Based on these evaluations, Occupational Therapists create personalized treatment plans aimed at improving skills, strength, and independence in daily tasks.

Occupational Therapists play an important role in rehabilitation, assisting individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions. They help clients regain mobility, cognitive function, and other abilities essential for everyday life. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, Occupational Therapists assist in developing motor skills, sensory integration, and social skills to support school and play.

Occupational therapists also help individuals with cognitive impairments, mental health challenges, or aging-related issues. They offer support in memory, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and stress management. Additionally, Occupational Therapists may recommend adaptive equipment, provide ergonomic advice, and guide individuals in home modifications to ensure safe and independent living.

Occupational Therapists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. They are dedicated to promoting health and well-being through meaningful participation in everyday activities.

Orthoptists

Orthoptists are highly specialized healthcare professionals who diagnose and manage eye and vision problems, particularly those related to eye alignment and visual development. They play a critical role in ophthalmology, focusing on non-surgical treatments for conditions like strabismus (eye misalignment) and amblyopia (reduced vision in one eye), ensuring optimal visual health and well-being.

Expert in diagnosing vision disorders affecting binocular vision and eye coordination, Orthoptists perform comprehensive assessments to identify issues such as eye misalignment, focusing problems, and visual acuity impairments. Based on these assessments, they develop personalized treatment plans, including vision therapy and eye exercises designed to improve eye muscle strength, coordination, and alignment.

Orthoptists are especially important in pediatric care, as early intervention in visual development can prevent long-term vision issues. They assess visual development, address conditions that affect learning, and use treatments like patching, eye exercises, and specialized lenses. For adults, they work to improve eye alignment and alleviate double vision, which can improve social interactions, visual comfort, and self-esteem.

Orthoptists collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other healthcare providers, offering valuable information for treatment planning and pre-surgical evaluations. They may also prescribe optical aids such as glasses, prisms, and vision therapy tools to manage specific conditions. Many Orthoptists are involved in research to advance the understanding of visual disorders and develop new therapeutic techniques.

Ultimately, Orthoptists are essential to providing comprehensive eye care and improving the quality of life for individuals with visual disorders.

Pastoral Care Clinicians

Pastoral Care Clinicians are vital healthcare professionals who provide spiritual, emotional, and ethical support to patients, families, and staff, particularly during times of illness, crisis, and distress. Their role encompasses assessing and addressing the spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial needs of individuals, fostering comfort, resilience, and well-being.

These clinicians offer immediate spiritual care during medical emergencies, grief, and end-of-life situations, helping patients and their loved ones navigate difficult emotions such as fear, anger, and despair. They also assist in making challenging moral and ethical decisions related to medical treatment, organ donation, and other healthcare choices, ensuring that decisions align with the values and beliefs of the individuals involved.

Pastoral Care Clinicians are highly skilled in providing counseling and spiritual guidance, whether it be in the form of prayer, religious rituals, or addressing existential concerns such as suffering, forgiveness, and life’s purpose. They offer solace and reassurance, helping individuals find meaning and peace during difficult times.

Additionally, Pastoral Care Clinicians support healthcare professionals who often face stress and moral dilemmas in their roles. They also facilitate group and individual counseling for grief, trauma, and addiction, providing a safe space for individuals to process and heal.

Working closely with other healthcare providers, such as Doctors, Nurses, and Social Workers, Pastoral Care Clinicians ensure that care is comprehensive and holistic, addressing not only physical health but also emotional and spiritual well-being. Their support helps patients and their families cope with life’s most challenging moments and enhances overall quality of life.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare, especially in hospitals, where they are vital members of patient care teams. Their expertise extends beyond medication dispensing to encompass medication therapy management, clinical decision-making, and patient education, all of which are essential for optimal health outcomes. By collaborating with healthcare professionals and advocating for public health initiatives, pharmacists significantly contribute to patient safety, quality of care, and overall health outcomes.

Pharmacists work closely with physicians to manage complex drug regimens, ensuring safe and effective medication use for hospitalized patients. They assess medication needs, including selection, dosage, and administration, and provide counseling to individuals and groups. Pharmacists also monitor drug therapies, conduct drug utilization reviews, and offer expert advice to healthcare teams, ensuring the best care for patients.

Key responsibilities include verifying prescriptions, checking for drug interactions, and advising on dosages and potential side effects. Pharmacists support chronic disease management, assisting patients with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, ensuring medication adherence and making necessary adjustments. They also provide immunizations, health screenings, and preventive care services, contributing to public health and disease prevention. During emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters, pharmacists ensure the availability and distribution of critical medications.

Pharmacists help patients understand proper medication use and recommend cost-effective treatment alternatives. They may specialize in areas like compounding, pharmaceutical research, and clinical trials, advancing new therapies. Additionally, pharmacists provide supervisory work in therapeutic monitoring, drug utilization, quality assurance, policy development, and health professional consultations, ensuring optimal pharmaceutical care across healthcare systems.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists are integral to the healthcare sector, playing a vital role in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of a wide range of physical conditions and injuries. They help individuals of all ages improve their mobility, manage pain, and enhance overall quality of life. Their expertise in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and chronic disease management is essential in ensuring optimal health outcomes for patients.

In healthcare settings, Physiotherapists work closely with other professionals such as Physicians, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, and Psychologists to provide comprehensive care. They assess, diagnose, and manage conditions related to musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, and neurological issues. Physiotherapists create personalized care plans, helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and manage chronic conditions, such as arthritis, COPD, or neurological disorders like stroke or multiple sclerosis.

In addition to rehabilitation, Physiotherapists focus on prevention. They design and implement therapeutic exercise programs, strengthen muscles, improve endurance, and restore mobility, ensuring patients regain their functional independence. They play a key role in pain management, particularly for those recovering from surgeries or dealing with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or lower back pain. They also address issues related to balance and coordination, which is especially important for fall prevention in older adults.

Physiotherapists educate patients about their conditions, providing advice on lifestyle modifications, self-management, and injury prevention. They collaborate with patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams to achieve and maintain the best possible health outcomes. Through their expertise, Physiotherapists significantly contribute to improving the functional abilities and overall well-being of individuals across all stages of life.

Prosthetists/Orthotists

Prosthetists/Orthotists are specialized healthcare professionals who play a vital role in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices, helping individuals improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life. These professionals work with patients who have experienced limb loss, deficiencies, or musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, offering customized solutions that promote independence and enhance daily living.

Prosthetists/Orthotists design devices like braces, splints, and supports to address musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, such as scoliosis, joint instability, and limb deformities. They specialize in creating prosthetic limbs that restore mobility and functionality for individuals who have lost a limb, enabling them to regain independence and confidence.

Prosthetists/Orthotists often collaborate with healthcare professionals like Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physicians to provide comprehensive, holistic care. They ensure that devices are not only effective but also comfortable, offering ongoing adjustments and maintenance to meet patients’ changing needs. They also educate patients and their families on the use, care, and benefits of prosthetic and orthotic devices, empowering individuals to live with greater ease, mobility, and improved quality of life.

Psychologists

Psychologists are essential members of the healthcare sector, playing a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being. Their expertise is vital in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, improving patient care, and enhancing overall quality of life. Psychologists often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including Doctors, Psychiatrists, and Social Workers, to create comprehensive care plans addressing both mental and physical health needs.

Psychologists conduct thorough assessments to diagnose a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They use standardized psychological tests to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, providing data that informs accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Psychologists also offer psychotherapy and counselling services, helping individuals, couples, and families tackle emotional and psychological challenges, including stress, trauma, addiction, and mental health disorders.

For children and adolescents, Psychologists provide specialized interventions for issues like learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma, ensuring tailored support for healthy emotional and psychological development. Psychologists also play a key role in managing chronic conditions and improving mental health outcomes in patients with co-occurring physical and mental health issues.

In crisis situations, Psychologists offer trauma-informed care and stress management, helping individuals cope with emergencies and traumatic events. They also contribute to preventative care by promoting mental wellness, early intervention, and long-term resilience. By addressing emotional and psychological factors that influence physical health, Psychologists improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care in the healthcare system.

Psychometrists

Psychometrists are specialized professionals trained to administer psychological assessments and standardized tests to measure cognitive and psychological functions. Their expertise is crucial in the field of psychology and mental health, providing essential data that aids in diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding individual mental health needs.

Psychometrists conduct advanced psychological testing, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to assess cognitive abilities, language skills, motor and sensory functions, and psychological well-being. They gather and review client documentation, conduct interviews, administer and score various tests, and provide comprehensive reports on their findings. These reports help Psychologists and other mental health professionals develop effective treatment plans.

In collaboration with Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and other specialists, Psychometrists assist in diagnosing mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and cognitive impairments. They help track patients’ progress by administering follow-up assessments, allowing for adjustments to treatment plans. Their assessments are particularly valuable in understanding students’ cognitive abilities, guiding educational interventions, and identifying necessary accommodations.

Psychometrists also play a vital role in neuropsychological assessments for individuals with brain injuries or neurological disorders, contributing to cognitive rehabilitation efforts. They ensure that testing procedures adhere to strict protocols, preserving the reliability and validity of results. Overall, psychometrists provide crucial support in understanding an individual’s cognitive and psychological functioning, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory Therapists are healthcare professionals specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory and breathing disorders. They are essential members of the healthcare team, providing vital care in a range of clinical settings and improving patient outcomes.

Respiratory Therapists conduct thorough assessments of patients’ lung function and breathing patterns, interpreting diagnostic tests and clinical data to determine the underlying cause of respiratory issues. They collaborate with Physicians to develop tailored treatment plans, offering interventions such as oxygen therapy, bronchodilator treatments, and ventilation support.

In critical care units, Respiratory Therapists are pivotal in managing ventilators, airway management, and optimizing oxygenation for patients with severe respiratory distress. They are integral to managing chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), offering education, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle guidance to slow disease progression.

In neonatal care, Respiratory Therapists support premature infants and those with respiratory distress syndrome, providing non-invasive ventilation and therapies to aid lung development. They also play a role in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, offering CPAP therapy and managing other respiratory equipment.

Respiratory Therapists perform specialized procedures such as pulmonary function tests, blood gas analysis, and invasive procedures like arterial line insertions. They respond to respiratory emergencies, provide life-saving interventions such as intubation, and manage life support equipment.

Additionally, they educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, self-management techniques, and smoking cessation, improving long-term health outcomes. By coordinating care, ensuring the proper use of respiratory equipment, and engaging in quality initiatives, Respiratory Therapists enhance the quality of healthcare and patient care across a variety of settings.

Sexologists

Sexologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of human sexuality, playing a critical role in promoting sexual health, education, and well-being. They address a broad range of sexual issues, from dysfunctions to identity concerns, and contribute to the overall health and satisfaction of individuals and couples.

Sexologists provide clinical assessments and treatments for sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, and gender identity issues, applying evidence-based methods and specialized techniques. They conduct diagnostic assessments, using advanced tools to identify sexual disorders and develop personalized treatment plans. Treatment often includes therapies such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, relaxation methods, fantasy retraining, and relapse prevention strategies. They also provide individual, couple, and group therapy sessions tailored to clients’ unique needs.

In addition to therapeutic work, Sexologists act as advisors and consultants to other healthcare providers, legal professionals, and community organizations. They offer guidance on sexuality-related issues, conduct educational sessions, and support professionals in managing sexual health concerns.

Sexologists help individuals and couples overcome sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and anorgasmia, improving sexual satisfaction and overall relationship health. They assist individuals navigating sexual identity issues, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and coming out, offering support and validation throughout the process.

Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, including Therapists, Physicians, and Counsellors, ensures comprehensive care for individuals facing sexual health challenges. Through education, therapy, and advocacy, Sexologists enhance sexual well-being and reduce stigma, empowering people to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Social Workers

Social Workers play a critical clinical role in healthcare, addressing the social, emotional, and psychological challenges that impact patients’ well-being. As essential members of the healthcare team, they collaborate with Doctors, Nurses, Psychologists, and other professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Social Workers conduct assessments to identify patients’ needs and risk factors, creating individualized treatment plans that address the social, emotional, and environmental factors influencing health. They offer individual and group counselling, guiding patients and families through difficult situations such as trauma, illness, or major life changes. Their support includes crisis intervention, adjustment counselling, and resource counselling to ensure patients receive the necessary care and resources.

In children’s healthcare, Social Workers tackle the unique challenges faced by children and families, such as developmental delays, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, and emotional stress. They work closely with pediatricians, psychologists, and other healthcare providers to develop treatment plans that foster children’s emotional, social, and developmental well-being.

Social Workers support adults managing chronic conditions, coping with end-of-life issues or dealing with grief, mental health concerns, loss, or substance abuse. They ensure patients and families have access to essential services, including housing, financial assistance, and mental health resources. They coordinate care between healthcare providers, community services, and social support agencies and play a vital role in discharge planning for their patients, especially seniors, from hospital to home or other care settings, and ensuring continuity of care through follow-up services.

By coordinating care, offering clinical interventions and case management, and advocating for patient needs, Social Workers enhance healthcare outcomes, improving the quality of care for both children and adults across various healthcare settings.

Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-Language Pathologists are essential healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing, assessing, and treating a broad range of communication and swallowing disorders. Their expertise plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages facing these challenges.

Speech-Language Pathologists work with patients to help them develop or regain the ability to speak, understand language, and express themselves. They assist individuals with speech sound disorders, fluency disorders (such as stuttering), language disorders, and voice issues. For children, early intervention is key in addressing speech and language delays, which significantly impact cognitive and social development.

Speech-Language Pathologists create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, including improving speech clarity, understanding spoken language, and expressing ideas effectively. They also work with those who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods, such as communication devices or sign language, to support individuals with severe speech and language impairments.

They also treat individuals with swallowing disorders (dysphagia), using strategies to improve safe swallowing and prevent complications like choking or malnutrition. Additionally, SLPs help individuals with cognitive-communication deficits from conditions like stroke, brain injury, or dementia, working on improving communication, memory, and problem-solving skills.

Speech-Language Pathologists collaborate with educators, physicians, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care, ensuring better outcomes for their patients. They also educate families and communities about communication disorders, advocate for those in need, and contribute to public awareness efforts.

By providing targeted therapies, Speech-Language Pathologists significantly improve the communication, social interaction, and overall well-being of their patients, enhancing both their personal and professional lives.

Technology Resource Consultants

Technology Resource Consultants specialize in the therapeutic use of computer technology to assist children and adolescents with physical disabilities. As integral members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, and other professionals, they help develop technical strategies to optimize treatment and support the achievement of functional goals.

Technology Resource Consultants conduct technical assessments province-wide, evaluating clients’ ability to use computer and communication equipment, as well as environmental control units. They recommend suitable equipment and make necessary modifications to adapt resources to clients’ physical and cognitive abilities. These services are provided through traveling clinics, ensuring accessibility for clients across the province.

Key duties include direct client care, assessing clients’ ability to access and utilize technology, and implementing customized solutions to meet their individual needs. Consultants collaborate with the interdisciplinary team in developing care plans and provide consultations for clients referred by school boards, helping create and implement technology resource plans.

In addition, Technology Resource Consultants offer vital support to parents and caregivers by troubleshooting issues, providing equipment training, and offering guidance on managing concerns. They also educate and consult with community personnel, assist in evaluating and demonstrating technical equipment and software, and provide staff training.

By ensuring that technology is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, Technology Resource Consultants help enhance their clients’ independence and ability to fully participate in daily life.

MEMBER PORTAL

AAHP’s Member Portal empowers members to stay informed, connected, and engaged with their union. Log in or sign-up to access valuable resources, stay up to date on key issues and initiatives, and participate in discussion forums to share your ideas, feedback, and concerns.

STAY IN TOUCH

Stay informed on the latest AAHP activities and important union news. Sign up now to receive exclusive AAHP email updates!

When your health needs care, WE ARE HERE.

25 +

850 +

WHO ARE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR’S ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?