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Dr. Nicolás F. Narvaez Linares, C.Psych.
At a Glance:
Dr. Narvaez Linares (also known as Dr. Nick or, simply, Nicolás) is authorized to work with children and adolescents (ages 2–17) and families. Within his practice, he offers a breadth of specialized services to meet complex developmental and diagnostic needs. His authorized areas of practice include Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, and School Psychology. To ensure accessible care for diverse communities, Dr. Narvaez Linares provides all services in English, French, and Spanish.
Dr. Narvaez Linares is a registered pediatric psychologist in Ontario and Québec, offering services to the Ottawa-Gatineau region in French, English, and Spanish. His work bridges clinical practice, research, teaching, and professional leadership. As a bilingual and bicultural clinician with strong Peruvian roots, he brings a culturally responsive and inclusive lens to his work.
Dr. Narvaez Linares graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in children, adolescents, and family services and a specialization in behavioural neuroscience. Following his pre-doctoral internship in School Psychology, he completed postdoctoral training in Clinical Neuropsychology. His graduate program and pre-doctoral internship are accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). He provides services in Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, and School Psychology in English, French, and Spanish.
In clinical practice, he is the Owner and Director of the Neurodevelopmental and Psychological Services Centre de services Psychologiques et neurodéveloppmentaux (NPSCSPN), a private practice in Ottawa specializing in pediatric neuropsychology. He provides comprehensive and complex neuropsychological assessments for a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders, medical conditions, and mental health challenges. His psychotherapy work is grounded in evidence-based approaches, delivered through a culturally informed and advocacy-driven lens to children, adolescents, and families. He is registered to practice in both Ontario and Québec.
Dr. Narvaez Linares currently serves as Chair of the Clinical Neuropsychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association. He is also the Principal Investigator of the national survey examining the current state of Clinical Neuropsychology in Canada. The goal is to develop evidence-based national guidelines and minimum training standards that can support the growth and integrity of the field. Additionally, he serves on the Strong Minds Strong Kids – 4 to 17 Years Committee, promoting mental health education and outreach across Canada.
Teaching and mentorship are central to his professional identity. As a Part-time Professor at the University of Ottawa, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and supports the next generation of clinicians through supervision and training.
Dr. Narvaez Linares is committed to advancing psychological services that are evidence-based, equitable, and socially engaged. Whether through clinical work, research, teaching, or advocacy, his goal is to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of individuals and communities with integrity and humility.
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On a Personal Note
I spent the first 11 years of my life in Lima, Péru, before my family immigrated to Montreal, Quebec. Growing up in Montreal for another 10 years, I eventually moved to Ottawa to pursue my post-secondary education. I began working with children in middle school by volunteering at a low socio-economic school, where I tutored students for six years. Additionally, I was involved with the Air Cadets from the ages of 13 to 19. I later joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as part of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC), where I worked with teenagers aged 12 to 19 for over a decade.
My journey to becoming a psychologist was unexpected. Initially, I studied Health Sciences with aspirations of becoming a physician or nurse, but my perspective shifted after taking a psychology elective towards the end of my degree. With just one class, I fell in love with the field of Psychology. After extensive research, I discovered the perfect blend of science and social sciences in Clinical Neuropsychology - a profession that resonated deeply with me. Choosing to pursue my training in Ottawa, I enrolled at the University of Ottawa for its bilingual training program.
It was crucial for me to master both official languages to provide high-quality services to my patients. Additionally, the university offered a curriculum that integrated neurosciences and psychology, which was essential for my training and future career aspirations. Known for my warm, approachable, and authentic style, I prioritize creating a judgment-free space where my clients feel comfortable being themselves.