Dr. Jean-Marc Assaad is a psychologist, executive coach, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, behavioural change, and leadership development.
He is the co-founder of PsyVitalitï and PsyMontréal, a network of mental health professionals serving individuals and organizations across Canada. He is also Director of Training Services at PsyMontréal and co-leads clinical services for EXAP (Executive Assistance Program), which specializes in the psychological and performance needs of executives and senior leaders.
Jean-Marc holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University, completed postdoctoral training at the Université de Montréal, and has been a member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec since 2002.
About Dr. Jean-Marc Assaad
Jean-Marc Assaad has worked in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, training, and behavioural change for more than 25 years. He co-founded PsyVitalitï and PsyMontréal, networks of mental health professionals providing services to individuals and organizations across Canada.
Throughout his career, Jean-Marc has worked with executives, entrepreneurs, and senior professionals navigating the psychological pressures and complexities of leadership and high-performance environments. His approach combines the scientific foundations of clinical psychology with firsthand experience building organizations, managing multidisciplinary teams, and navigating the challenges of business growth.
As Director of Training Services at PsyMontréal, Jean-Marc has provided professional training programs to thousands of participants on motivation, communication, leadership, and behavioural change. He has advised government institutions, public-sector organizations, and private companies, and was among the early consultants helping government organizations implement Motivational Interviewing to promote prevention, mental health, and healthier lifestyles.
His academic background includes doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at McGill University, postdoctoral research at the Université de Montréal, and teaching psychopathology at McGill University. He has authored and co-authored scientific articles, books, and book chapters, and his research has been presented at international conferences.
Jean-Marc also supervised clinicians in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Therapeutic approach
Jean-Marc’s professional approach draws on evidence-based clinical psychology, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Motivational Interviewing.
His clinical work and professional training emphasize understanding the psychological factors that influence behaviour, motivation, and change.
In his work with executives and senior leaders, he combines psychological expertise with practical experience in entrepreneurship, organizational leadership, and professional performance.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Jean-Marc has provided clinical supervision in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy since 2002. His clinical training included CBT services at the Allan Memorial Institute of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Douglas Hospital Anxiety Clinic.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Jean-Marc has trained healthcare professionals in Motivational Interviewing and positive health behaviour change since 2001. He has worked with hospitals, university centres, public health organizations, and government institutions to support the adoption of this evidence-based approach.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Jean-Marc has over a decade of experience providing MBCT, which combines mindfulness practices with cognitive behavioural techniques to help individuals manage difficult thoughts and emotions, reduce rumination, and develop a more accepting relationship with their experiences.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Jean-Marc has received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and has been providing therapy using this approach for over a decade. ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions, clarify their personal values, and take meaningful action toward their goals.
“I believe effective therapy begins with feeling genuinely heard and understood. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical, respecting each person's autonomy and motivation for change. Together, we identify what's keeping you stuck and establish meaningful goals. Drawing on CBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches, I help you develop practical skills you can apply between sessions. Ultimately, my goal is to help you become your own therapist, equipped with the tools to navigate life's challenges independently.”
Areas of focus
Anxiety, Panic, Phobias & OCD
Persistent worry, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive thoughts, and compulsive behaviours that interfere with everyday functioning.
Depression, Mood & Self-Esteem
Depression, low mood, emotional difficulties, and struggles with self-confidence, self-worth, and negative self-perceptions.
Stress, Burnout & Workplace Mental Health
Chronic stress, professional exhaustion, workplace pressures, and difficulties maintaining psychological well-being in demanding environments.
Relationships & Interpersonal Difficulties
Relationship problems, communication challenges, and difficulties navigating personal and professional interactions.
Executive Psychotherapy & Coaching
Working with executives, entrepreneurs, and senior professionals facing the psychological and performance demands of leadership, professional responsibility, and organizational growth.
Leadership & Organizational Psychology
Applying psychology to leadership development, management skills, career challenges, workplace dynamics, organizational change, and performance.
Sleep, Physical Health & Psychosomatic Concerns
Sleep difficulties, psychological challenges associated with physical illness or disability, and the interaction between psychological and physical health.
Motivation & Behaviour Change
Applying Motivational Interviewing and psychological principles to help individuals and professionals understand and facilitate meaningful behavioural change.
Professional Training & Clinical Supervision
Training thousands of participants in motivation, communication, leadership, and behavioural change, as well as supervising clinicians in second and third wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Sport Psychology
Psychological concerns and performance-related challenges in sporting contexts.
Employee Assistance Programs & Organizational Consultation
Psychological services, professional training, clinical supervision, organizational assessment, and consultation for workplaces and employee assistance programs.
Education & training
2002–2007
Postdoctoral Fellow
Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
2002
Registration as a Psychologist
Ordre des psychologues du Québec
2002
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
McGill University, Montréal, Québec
2000
Clinical Psychology Internship
Allan Memorial Institute, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal
1996
Clinical Psychology Practicum
Douglas Hospital Anxiety Clinic, Montréal
Awards, fellowships & academic distinctions
2004–2006
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
2002–2004
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Groupe de recherche sur l'inadaptation psychosociale chez l'enfant
2002
Dean's Honour List
Ph.D. Doctoral Thesis, McGill University
2000
FCAR Research Scholarship
Fonds pour la formation de chercheurs et l'aide à la recherche
Professional memberships
Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ)
Articles clinically reviewed
Frequently asked questions
Is Dr. Assaad a registered psychologist?
Yes. Dr. Jean-Marc Assaad holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University and is a member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec.
What are Dr. Assaad's areas of expertise?
His documented professional expertise includes clinical psychology, second and third wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, behavioural change, executive coaching, leadership, and professional training.
Does Dr. Assaad provide executive coaching?
Yes. Dr. Assaad works with executives, entrepreneurs, and senior professionals and co-leads PsyVitalitï's clinical services for EXAP (Executive Assistance Program), which addresses the psychological and performance needs of executives and senior leaders.
Does Dr. Assaad provide trainings?
Yes. Dr. Assaad has trained thousands of participants in Motivational Interviewing, motivation, communication, leadership, and behavioural change.
Has Dr. Assaad published scientific research?
Yes. He has authored and co-authored articles in scientific and professional journals and contributed to books and book chapters. His work has also been presented at national and international scientific conferences.
Are psychotherapy sessions covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover psychotherapy services provided by a licensed psychologist. Coverage varies by plan, so check your reimbursement percentage and annual maximum. You'll receive an official receipt after each session, including Dr. Assaad's professional registration number, for submission to your insurance provider.
What happens during the first session?
The first session is a collaborative assessment focused on understanding your concerns, personal history, and goals. Dr. Assaad will take time to listen and work with you to identify what you hope to achieve. Together, you'll discuss a personalized treatment plan, including the therapeutic approach.
Can Dr. Assaad provide formal psychological diagnoses?
Yes. As a psychologist registered with the Ordre des psychologues du Québec, Dr. Assaad is authorized to assess and diagnose mental health conditions when clinically appropriate.
Does Dr. Assaad offer therapy in French and English?
Yes, Dr. Assaad is fluent in both French and English.
Profile last reviewed: October 14, 2026 by the PsyVitalitï Clinical Leadership Team. Credentials are checked yearly against the public registers of the provincial regulatory colleges.