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Dr. Laidlaw is a clinical, counselling and rehabilitation psychologist. She provides individual treatment (counselling and assessment) to adults 19 years of age and older who are experiencing difficulties related to their psychological and/or emotional health or well-being. Dr. Paulette Laidlaw, PhD., C.Psych Dr. Paulette Laidlaw 905-6 35-7770 drlaidlaw@drlpsych.c a Dr. Laidlaw is a Clinical, Counselling, and Rehabilitation Psychologist with extensive experience in providing psychological services. Her areas of specialization include critical incident stress, posttraumatic stress, and psychological difficulties of first responders. Dr. Laidlaw provides individual treatment to adults aged 19 years and older, utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, and Brief Psychotherapy. She also conducts pre-employment personnel selection assessments for emergency services and offers personality, intellectual, developmental, and vocational assessments. In addition, Dr. Laidlaw is a registered provider for several organizations, including the Salvation Army, Blue Cross, and Veterans Affairs Canada. She is a member of several professional associations, including the Ontario Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. Dr. Laidlaw holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Development (combined Psychology, Kinesiology, and Sociology) from Laurentian University, Sudbury. She also has a certificate in Trauma Counselling for Front-Line Workers from the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, Toronto. Dr. Laidlaw furthered her education by earning a Master of Education Degree in Counselling Psychology and a Philosophy Doctorate Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and has completed training in Group Crisis Intervention from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Buffalo, NY.

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Here we have resources which all of our therapists utilize and offer to you. There are apps, videos, books, and mindfulness meditations for your information. Resources Apps (Click the icons to download) Calm Calm is a well-known app designed to support sleep, relaxation, and meditation. It offers daily guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, relaxing music, ambient sounds, and sleep stories to help users unwind and build healthier routines. Insight Timer Insight Timer is the world’s largest free library of guided meditations, featuring over 250,000 sessions led by thousands of teachers. The app includes meditations for sleep, anxiety, stress, and mindfulness, along with a highly popular meditation timer that offers ambient sounds and customizable bells. Headspace Headspace focuses on mindfulness and meditation through structured, science-backed courses. The app offers guided meditation programs, mental health tools, and movement sessions that support stress reduction, focus, and emotional well-being. UCLA Mindful Developed by the UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center, this app allows users to practice mindfulness meditation anytime, anywhere. It offers educational tools and guided practices designed to reduce stress, teach mindfulness concepts, and support resilience and overall well-being. The app was created with a mission of radical accessibility and is completely free to use. Breathwrk Breathwrk uses neuroscience-based breathing exercises to help users calm their nervous system, improve focus, boost energy, and fall asleep more easily. The app offers guided breathing sessions, classes, and habit-building tools across several wellness categories. Happier Happier Meditation is an award-winning app focused on helping users build emotional strength and cultivate greater happiness. It offers a range of free guided meditations designed to support mindfulness, emotional awareness, and everyday well-being. The app is well suited for people looking for a simple, approachable introduction to meditation. Moodnotes Mindshift CBT Moodfit Moodnotes is a mood-tracking and journaling app designed to help users identify thinking patterns and develop healthier perspectives over time. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-based techniques, the app allows users to log moods, explore the reasons behind emotional fluctuations, and practice more balanced thinking. MindShift CBT is a free, evidence-based app that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies to help manage anxiety, stress, and panic. It supports users in developing more helpful thinking patterns, building coping skills, and identifying practical steps to take control of anxiety. The app is especially useful for people looking for structured, self-guided anxiety tools grounded in research. Moodfit is designed to help users improve their overall “mood fitness” through a comprehensive set of mental health tools. The app helps users track mood changes, identify patterns, and better understand how nervous system activity can influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Rootd Sanvello Rootd is designed to help users navigate anxiety and panic attacks, either by facing symptoms directly or finding comfort quickly. A key feature is the app’s “big red button,” which provides immediate support during moments of distress. Sanvello focuses on mental well-being by offering on-demand Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-based tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The app includes guided meditations, thought journaling, mood and health tracking, educational courses, and a community support forum. PTSD Coach Canada PTSD Coach Canada is an evidence-based app designed to support individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms. Developed by Veterans Affairs Canada and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it offers psychoeducation about PTSD, self-assessment tools, and practical coping strategies to manage symptoms such as anxiety, hyperarousal, and sleep difficulties. The app can be used independently or alongside professional mental health care. PTSD Family Coach PTSD Family Coach is designed to support family members and loved ones of individuals living with PTSD. The app provides education about PTSD, guidance on coping with stress, tools for supporting someone with PTSD, and strategies for maintaining personal well-being. It also includes self-care exercises and resources to help families better understand and navigate the impact of trauma together. Videos "Beyond The Call" (short version 00:47)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCXWuBYTwI0&feature=youtu.be) "Beyond The Call"Full-Length PTSD Training Documentary (17:06)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESFWmqWux3s) First Responder PTSD (05:22)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efTvKVBl3wk) First Responders PTSD (03:20)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkoOQMHC7Mg) PTSD: A Healing Story (09:52)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E97l4Cjarpg) What is PTSD? In the words of Canadian and American Veterans and First Responders (13:06)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kNA4S0Fh_I) Handouts The following are educational handouts that we have prepared for our patients. Feel free to download them! Self Care Safeguards 'Neck up, Check-ups' First Responder Suicide Emotions Regulation Books A Workbook For Uncertain Times - Dr. Laidlaw & Associates(undefined) Clinician's Guide to PTSD: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach – Steven Taylor Full Catastrophe Living – Jon Kabbat-Zinn Mindfulness Skills Workbook for Clinicians & Clients: 111 Tools, Techniques, Activities & Worksheets – Debra E. Burdick Overcoming Trauma and PTSD: A Workbook Integrating Skills from ACT, DBT, and CBT - Sheela Raja Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD – Edna B. Foa, Elizabeth A. Hembree, Barbara Olasov Rothbaum The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - Bessel van der Kolk The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms – Mary Beth Williams The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook - Glenn Schiraldi When Someone You Love Suffers from Posttraumatic Stress: What to Expect and What You Can Do - Claudia Zayfert, and Jason C. DeViva Mindfulness & Meditation 60 Minutes interview with Jon Kabbat-Zinn:(http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mindfulness-anderson-cooper-60-minutes/) http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mindfulness-anderson-cooper-60-minutes/ To Pause And Protect(http://www.mindful.org/to-pause-and-protect/) http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/overview/mindful-PTSD.asp(http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/overview/mindful-PTSD.asp) http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201604/brain-changes-seen-veterans-ptsd-after-mindfulness-training(http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201604/brain-changes-seen-veterans-ptsd-after-mindfulness-training)

Kent Laidlaw is a retired police officer having served 31 years with the Halton Regional Police Service. His last posting was as the District Commander for the City of Burlington, Ontario. After retiring, Kent served as Senior Advisor – Policing and as a consultant for the Ontario Civilian Commissio In Memory of Kent Laidlaw Kent Laidlaw If it was not for Kent, Dr. Laidlaw & Associates would not exist. I met Kent at a trauma conference. We were both speakers and gravitated toward each other all day. It did not take long before we started to date and shortly after, we married. Kent was born in Hamilton, Ontario. He started his career as a police officer in 1961 with Burlington Police and ended his career in 1993 as District Commander with the Halton Regional Police Service. Kent was passionate about policing and cared especially for victims of crime. He helped to establish the first victim services unit and the first peer support team for first responders. He was also instrumental in establishing the Children’s Safety Village. Upon his retirement, Kent worked for OCCOPS and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. He then established his own business, Canuckcare, which served primarily victims of crime. He worked extensively with victim service providers across the province and travelled the world presenting on various topics such as caring for caregivers and death notification. His death notification training/program was provided throughout the world and was eventually adopted by MADD Canada. He spent some time in Bosnia debriefing victims of war atrocities. Kent developed various training programs and provided trainings/consultation to multiple first responder groups in the GTHA and in northern Ontario. Despite all of this, he found the time to pursue me and, once we married and I moved to Burlington where he was living at the time, he was instrumental in establishing Dr. Laidlaw & Associates. He continued to debrief and consult with various first responder groups until shortly before his death in October of 2023. Kent was an avid fisherman (primarily catch and release). He cheered for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays and was a season-seat ticket holder and fan of the Hamilton Tiger Cats (Argos suck). One of Kent’s last happy moments, just days before he died, was meeting his favourite TiCat player, Simoni Lawrence. Kent had a great sense of humour and was a compassionate and loyal friend. If you are at the office, you will see signs of him all over as I still cannot believe he is gone. I miss him every day and will never forget him.

PTSD for First Responders Because our therapists have experience working with first responders, we understand how your needs differ from the general population. You do not need to be worried that we will be shocked or horrified by your stories. We provide a safe place for you to share your experiences. Most first responders who suffer from PTSD cannot identify one single event as the cause of their injury. Because of the nature of your jobs, you are exposed to many potentially traumatic events over the course of your career. You might be afraid to admit you are suffering from PTSD symptoms because you think it makes you weak or a failure. This is a natural reaction, given the environment in which you work, but please know that it is not true. Although there is no formula that will automatically predict who will suffer from PTSD and who will not, your courage and strength of character is not a determining factor.

Who Are Our First Responders First responders are trained professionals who are the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency or crisis. They include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, police officers, and other rescue workers. Their job is to assess the situation, provide medical assistance, and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Insurance Plans Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Some individuals have extended medical coverage through their place of employment or through a family member’s place of employment. Insurance plans vary in what they cover and in the amount of coverage. Some cover psychological services and may or may not require a medical referral and specific documentation. Review your benefits package to determine eligibility for reimbursement. Health plans which we accept: Not covered by any of these plans? Contact us and we will find the best solution to suit you.

Here we have answers to any of the questions you may have. If you need more information please feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to help you get the information you need. Frequently Asked Questions Fees Please call our office at 905-635-7770 for fee information and payment options. **This office will NOT submit to your insurance company. Clients are required to pay the clinic and submit their claims to their provider.** Insurance Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Some individuals have extended medical coverage through their place of employment or through a family member’s place of employment. Insurance plans vary in what they cover and in the amount of coverage. Some cover psychological services and may or may not require a medical referral and specific documentation. Review your benefits package to determine eligibility for reimbursement. **This office will NOT submit to your insurance company. Clients are required to pay the clinic and submit their claims to their provider. Risks and Benefits of Therapy Risks: Occasionally, therapy can elicit difficult or distressing emotions. At all times, you have the right not to discuss a topic, or to terminate the session or therapy. Benefits: Although there is not a guarantee of improvement for every situation, your therapist uses models and techniques that have been researched and proven to be beneficial for most people. Short-term therapy is generally focused on change or stabilization in one or two areas that you define as your goal(s). Longer-term therapy is for people who usually have long-standing or more complicated or severe problems, often stemming from trauma or long-standing difficulties and who want more extensive therapy to reach their goals of improved mental health. Confidentiality The information you discuss with your therapist is confidential. You must provide clear written consent for your therapist to discuss or release any information to anyone else (e.g., your spouse, your lawyer, etc.). If you are covered under automobile or workplace accident or disability insurance, some plans insist that the therapist provide certain information, such as a diagnosis and progress reports, in order to obtain coverage. There are five exceptions to therapist-client confidentiality; if it is necessary to talk to others without your permission, your therapist will talk over the situation with you first if possible, discuss options, and try to share no more information than necessary. These five exceptions to confidentiality are: If you pose an imminent (immediate, serious) risk to yourself (e.g., you have a definite plan and intention of killing yourself) or someone else, then your therapist will do what is necessary to protect personal safety. If you disclose that a child, (under age 16), is currently being abused or is at risk of harm, your therapist is required to report this situation to the Children’s Aid Society. This may include, for example, a situation in which you disclose that you or someone you know has been abused as a child, and the abuser currently has access to abuse other children. If you disclose that a health professional has said or done something sexually inappropriate to you, then your therapist is required to report the name and indiscretion or questionable action of this professional to his/her licensing body. If disclosure of therapy information is ordered by subpoena or court order. This situation generally arises only if you are involved in some legal/court charges or proceedings. If requested as part of an investigation or quality assurance audit, your therapist must open client files to their regulatory college. In addition to these exceptions, you should be aware of two additional circumstances under which your therapist would break confidentiality: If you disclose that you have a condition that impairs your ability to safely drive a vehicle but continue to drive despite this impairment your therapist may inform your physician and, If you disclose that you are HIV positive and are engaging in unprotected intercourse with a partner who is not aware of your HIV status your therapist may inform this person. Videos "Beyond The Call" (short version 00:47)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCXWuBYTwI0&feature=youtu.be) "Beyond The Call"Full-Length PTSD Training Documentary (17:06)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESFWmqWux3s) First Responder PTSD (05:22)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efTvKVBl3wk) First Responders PTSD (03:20)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkoOQMHC7Mg) PTSD: A Healing Story (09:52)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E97l4Cjarpg) What is PTSD? In the words of Canadian and American Veterans and First Responders (13:06)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kNA4S0Fh_I) Handouts The following are educational handouts that we have prepared for our patients. Feel free to download them! Self Care Safeguards 'Neck up, Check-ups' First Responder Suicide Emotions Regulation Books A Workbook For Uncertain Times - Dr. Laidlaw & Associates(undefined) Clinician's Guide to PTSD: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach – Steven Taylor Full Catastrophe Living – Jon Kabbat-Zinn Mindfulness Skills Workbook for Clinicians & Clients: 111 Tools, Techniques, Activities & Worksheets – Debra E. Burdick Overcoming Trauma and PTSD: A Workbook Integrating Skills from ACT, DBT, and CBT - Sheela Raja Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD – Edna B. Foa, Elizabeth A. Hembree, Barbara Olasov Rothbaum The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - Bessel van der Kolk The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms – Mary Beth Williams The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook - Glenn Schiraldi When Someone You Love Suffers from Posttraumatic Stress: What to Expect and What You Can Do - Claudia Zayfert, and Jason C. DeViva Mindfulness & Meditation 60 Minutes interview with Jon Kabbat-Zinn:(http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mindfulness-anderson-cooper-60-minutes/) http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mindfulness-anderson-cooper-60-minutes/ To Pause And Protect(http://www.mindful.org/to-pause-and-protect/) http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/overview/mindful-PTSD.asp(http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/overview/mindful-PTSD.asp) http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201604/brain-changes-seen-veterans-ptsd-after-mindfulness-training(http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201604/brain-changes-seen-veterans-ptsd-after-mindfulness-training)

Dr. Laidlaw and Associates provide individual and group treatment to adults 19 years of age and older. Dr. Laidlaw and Associates have a special interest in depression, anxiety, and reactions to trauma/abuse. Therapeutic models include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, E Our Team About Us Dr. Laidlaw & Associates provides individual and group treatment to adults 19 years of age and older. We work with various population groups including first responders (e.g., Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Correctional Officers, and Military Personnel). Primary issues include depression, anxiety, and reactions to trauma and abuse (e.g., Acute Stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Occupational Stress Injury). Therapeutic models include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness. Dr. Laidlaw is a Clinical, Counselling, and Rehabilitation Psychologist with extensive experience in providing psychological services. Her areas of specialization include critical incident stress, posttraumatic stress, and psychological difficulties of first responders. Dr. Laidlaw provides individual treatment to adults aged 19 years and older, utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, and Brief Psychotherapy. She also conducts pre-employment personnel selection assessments for emergency services and offers personality, intellectual, developmental, and ... Dr. Paulette Laidlaw PhD., CPsych. Practice Owner READ MORE Katie Chown MACP, BSc, RP Katie Chown is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with a Minor in Religious Studies from McMaster University, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Degree from Yorkville University. In addition, Katie is a Certified Trauma Professional (Levels I & II). Katie brings a breadth of experience from her work in academic and healthcare settings as an educator, counsellor, and clinical technician. These roles have informed her deep appreciation for the mind-body ... READ MORE Justine Fram MACP, RP Justine Fram is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Justine provides treatment to adults who have experienced trauma or challenging life transitions, grappling with crisis, or needing support in relation to emotional/psychological health. She works collaboratively with clients, making personalized treatment plans to ... READ MORE Oliver Vertes MSc, RP Oliver Vertes is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. He has extensive clinical experience working with adult populations, with a focus on first responders and their complex needs. In addition to his undergraduate, and graduate work, he has completed additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existentialism, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, Critical Incident Stress Management, and a variety of other life transitional issues. As a psychotherapist, he is heavily influenced by existentialism and in defining your values to live a meaning driven life. Although he focuses on ACT and Existentialism, he ... READ MORE Rachel Spekking MACP, RP Rachel Spekking is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminology, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She has over 10 years of experience working in policing in Ontario. Rachel provides client-centered therapeutic interventions to address the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by clients. She believes effective treatment is dependent upon building a therapeutic relationship that can support clients to gain deeper self-understanding, self-growth, and to ... READ MORE Julia McAdam BSc, BHSc(OT) Julia McAdam is a Registered Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist with over 25 years of clinical experience supporting individuals through recovery, growth, and resilience building. Her experience includes supporting first responders, as well as individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and chronic pain. Julia’s clinical practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, with a focus on addressing post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and workplace-related psychological injuries. Julia draws upon evidence-based therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) ... READ MORE Krisandra Einboden MSW, RSW Krisandra Einboden is a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She holds a Master of Social Work Degree with the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Guelph. With nine years of experience in law enforcement, Krisandra has developed an important understanding of crisis intervention, resilience, and the complexities of trauma. Her recent transition into a career in firefighting has further deepened her understanding of high-pressure. environments and reinforced ... READ MORE Administrative Team Pam Pam joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in April of 2021 as the Office Administrator. She supports all aspects of day-to-day office operations. She brings a wealth of administrative and interpersonal skills acquired over a decade-long career in a variety of roles. Pam holds an Associate of Science Degree from Lake Superior State University. She takes pride in her work, completing responsibilities in a professional and timely manner while maintaining a mature, gracious, and approachable presence. Meticulous and detail-oriented, Pam is adept at managing priorities and ensuring the smooth functioning of the office. READ MORE Jennifer Jennifer joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in August of 2023 on a part-time basis. Jennifer provides essential support to staff while overseeing confidential record management. She supports the practice by ensuring a welcoming, organized environment for clients. READ MORE Katrina Katrina volunteered with Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in the summer of 2025, supporting the teams’ research initiatives. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology at Queen’s University. READ MORE Ornella Ornella joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in January of 2022. Ornella is part of the administration team and is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day duties in the office. READ MORE Olivia Olivia joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in May of 2025 as a Research Student. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Criminology from Western University and is in the process of continuing her education through graduate studies in counselling psychology. In her role, Olivia supports the practice by conducting literature reviews, analyzing current research, and developing training material for peer support initiatives with first responders. She contributes to the team’s work by translating research into practical resources that enhance mental health awareness and resilience. READ MORE Kent Laidlaw If it was not for Kent, Dr. Laidlaw & Associates would not exist. I met Kent at a trauma conference. We were both speakers and gravitated toward each other all day. It did not take long before we started to date and shortly after, we married. READ MORE

WSIB WSIB recognizes PTSD as a workplace injury. For more information regarding the WSIB policy, visit their website . If you wish to submit a WSIB claim, we can help you complete the Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease (Form 6) . Dr. Laidlaw can also complete the Form 8 on your behalf.

The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”. Good mental health Neck-Up Check-Up The NeckUp CheckUp program is designed to provide clients from the corrections/first-responder/military community with an opportunity to maintain an awareness of their psychological well-being. The purpose is to provide individuals with one or two sessions per year of psychological counselling to be used specifically as a method to check-in and determine their current level of psychological wellness. During these sessions, individuals will be encouraged to discuss personal and/or professional issues and will be provided with self-assessment tools and action plans, which may include information concerning coping strategies, relevant literature, and/or other potential referral resources. As a first responder, you will be engaged in, or witness, incidents involving death or serious injury. In your training, you may have been prepared for seeing traumatic events but you might not have been prepared for how you will feel about them or how to process them. Therefore, it is vital that you protect your mental health. The neck-up check-up provides a baseline measure of your mental health… At some point in your life, you will experience stress and this can manifest itself in one or more of the following ways: Critical incident stress Post-traumatic stress Depression Burnout Compassion fatigue It is important to understand that anxiety disorders (including PTSD), mood disorders, everyday stress, cumulative stress, and burnout all have symptoms in common. Even more critical, you should know that all of these issues are treatable, especially if caught early. This is why routinely checking in with a mental health provider is so important.