Dr. Mike is passionate about empowering children, adolescents, and families to skillfully navigate a broad range of mental health concerns.
Dr. Michael Papsdorf (“Dr. Mike”) is a Licensed Psychologist and Director at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety (including obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD), stress, depression, and behavioral concerns in children and adolescents. Dr. Mike also works with neurodivergent clients coping with a wide range of challenges, including those related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His family-centred approach focuses on evidence-based techniques, particularly Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is widely recognized as the most effective form of psychological treatment for anxiety and depression. As one of Canada’s first psychologists certified in CBT by the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, Dr. Mike brings advanced expertise to his practice.
Psychoeducational Assessments
Dr. Mike is highly skilled in conducting psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. These assessments help identify learning challenges, guide educational accommodations and placement decisions, diagnose ADHD, and evaluate the impact of mental health concerns on school functioning. He works closely with families and schools to provide practical recommendations that support individuals in reaching their full potential.
Professional Roles and Training Contributions
Beyond his private practice, Dr. Mike is contracted to provide specialized psychological assessments for the Complex Developmental and Behavioural Conditions (CDBC) program at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), he supervises and trains clinical psychology graduate students. He has also previously supervised graduate students and taught abnormal child psychology at Simon Fraser University (SFU). His earlier work includes providing outreach and telehealth assessment and treatment services to remote communities in Northern BC and a tenure at the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre, a provincial facility for youth with complex mental health needs.
Research and Academic Contributions
Dr. Mike was previously involved in research, focusing on pediatric and community mental health. For decades, he provided statistical and research consultation to faculty and staff of UBC and BC’s Children’s and Women’s Hospitals. His work has been published in scientific journals, highlighting his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.
Education and Clinical Training
Dr. Mike earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UBC, following the completion of a year-long, full-time residency at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. His residency included specialized training in the assessment and treatment of internalizing and externalizing mental health concerns and disorders, with rotations in general pediatrics, pediatric traumatic brain injury, and adult psychiatry.
Community Involvement and Personal Interests
Dr. Mike has been an active member of the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver organization since 1996, serving as both a Big Brother and a member of the Board of Directors (1998–2008). Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Greater Vancouver and spending time with his wife and daughters.
