Improving access to cognitive care
The Cognitive Health Research Clinic provides timely cognitive assessments and evidence-based cognitive interventions for people living with mental illness. Our clinic brings together clinical care and cutting-edge research to improve thinking skills, daily functioning, and long-term recovery goals.
Why cognitive health matters
Most people with mental illness face cognitive difficulties, directly impacting their daily functioning, productivity and well-being. In Ontario and across Canada, individuals experiencing cognitive challenges related to mental health conditions face high rates of unemployment, poverty, and social isolation, burdens to which cognitive deficits are a central contributor. Yet, available medications and therapeutic options inadequately address cognitive impairments associated with mental illness, leaving a critical gap in comprehensive care.
Cognitive remediation therapy is an evidence-based intervention that improves cognition, functioning and quality of life. However, it remains largely inaccessible, leaving many patients without critical treatment.
The Cognitive Health Research Clinic aims to bridge this gap by providing cognitive evaluation and evidence-based interventions. Doing so will reduce the wait times for critical neuropsychological services, while directly addressing the cognitive needs of patients, thereby improving their health outcomes and supporting long-term recovery.
A unique model in Canada
Our clinic is dedicated to serving individuals living with mental health conditions who experience cognitive challenges. We integrate:
- Cognitive evaluation and clinical intervention
- Translational research embedded within care
- Co-design with people who have lived experience
- Therapist-supported delivery in multiple formats (in person, VR-based, and remote)
This model allows us to test and refine new approaches, while ensuring that effective cognitive treatments are implemented in clinical care.
Clinical trials
If you would like to participate in a trial, refer a patient, or support the work of the clinic, you can contact the director, Dr. Synthia Guimonda at synthia.guimond@theroyal.ca.
A randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of cognitive remediation in individuals who are not found criminally responsible due to mental health disorder.
A pilot randomized controlled trial examining the feasibility, acceptability and initial efficacy of a virtual reality cognitive remediation program that was built through a bottom-up approach with individuals with lived experience and healthcare professionals.
An open label trial that delivers two cognitive interventions remotely delivered (action-based cognitive remediation and metacognitive training), for individuals with schizophrenia and psychosis spectrum disorders.
A waitlist-controlled trial evaluating the implementation of an 8-week transdiagnostic cognitive remediation program for individuals living with cognitive challenges related to their mental health condition.
Support research
Donations are essential to the advancement of mental health research and the discovery of new, more impactful treatments for mental illness.
