Faculty profile

Diana Velikonja

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Associate Professor (Part-Time)Psychiatry & Behavioural NeurosciencesMcMaster University

Research

Dr. Velikonja completed her graduate studies in the Biological Psychology/Neuroscience Program at the University of Waterloo.  She completed her residency and post-doctoral training at Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University and became licensed for independent practice specializing in Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology with children and adults. She has worked since 1997 in a clinical and research capacity at the Acquired Brain Injury Program at Hamilton Health Sciences and is currently working in the Integrated Adult Concussion Clinic, where she continues to work with residents and research students. She actively publishes and is a reviewer for several scientific journals. Her roles include: ·       Chief of Psychology Practice at Hamilton Health Sciences between 2004 and 2011. ·       Past-President of the Hospital Psychology Association of Ontario ·       Past-President of the Ontario Psychological Association ·       Former Director on the Board of the Hamilton Brain Injury Association ·       Advisory Board for the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and the Living Guidelines ·       Board of Directors for Center for Diverse Learners ·       Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at the DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University ·       Thesis advisor Department of Psychology at McMaster University. ·       Chair of the RxP Committee for OPA - advocating for the expansion of scope of practice for psychologists to include prescribing psychotropic medications. ·       Founding partner of Lifespan Psychological and Neuropsychological Services Dr. Velikonja continues to work on the development of guidelines for the assessment and treatment of concussion as well as moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Dr. Velikonja has also completed the post-doctoral master’s degree program in Clinical Psychopharmacology and provides consultation in this domain of practice.

Research areas, by share of publications

Research areas are derived from OpenAlex topics of their publications.

53 publications.

01

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

BLOOM K, BOUDREAU T, BULLER T, VELIKONJA D

International Journal of PsychologySenior author
02

Ontario Psychological Association Position Statement and Practice Guidelines on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion)

Velikonja D, Abrar K, Gargaro J, Akbari P, Hamilton JM, Day DJA, Kurzman D, McKinnon E, Kaplan R, Saverino C

Psychological Injury and Law2026First author
03

Interrelationship of brain fog, pain, and psychological distress with quality of life of Veterans with painful symptoms

Dass R, Kadakia Z, Rosen NP, Clarke-Tizzard S, Harris J, Velikonja D, Packham T

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health20252 citations
04

Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists and Scope of Practice: A National Survey of Canadian Psychologists and Psychology Students

Sepehry AA, Nussbaum D, Shearer D, Toledano R, Ax RK, Velikonja D, Butler B, Richard J

Canadian Psychology20252 citations
05

Exploring trends in brain fog and quality of life outcomes in Veterans with pain symptoms: A cross-sectional study

Dass R, Harris J, Velikonja D, Packhama T

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health2025
06

Updated Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Rehabilitation of Adults With Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Behavioral Recommendations

MacKenzie HM, Velikonja D, Devito J, Devito L, Patsakos EM, Bayley M, Teasell R, Mehta S

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation20247 citations
07

Updated Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Rehabilitation of Adults With Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Mental Health Recommendations

Mehta S, Devito L, Patsakos EM, Devito J, Velikonja D, Bayley M, Teasell R, MacKenzie HM

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation20246 citations
08

INCOG 2.0 Guidelines for Cognitive Rehabilitation Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Methods, Overview, and Principles

Bayley MT, Janzen S, Harnett A, Teasell R, Patsakos E, Marshall S, Bragge P, Velikonja D, Kua A, Douglas J

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation202386 citations
09

INCOG 2.0 Guidelines for Cognitive Rehabilitation Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Part II: Attention and Information Processing Speed

Ponsford J, Velikonja D, Janzen S, Harnett A, McIntyre A, Wiseman-Hakes C, Togher L, Teasell R, Kua A, Patsakos E

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation202372 citations
10

INCOG 2.0 Guidelines for Cognitive Rehabilitation Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Part V: Memory

Velikonja D, Ponsford J, Janzen S, Harnett A, Patsakos E, Kennedy M, Togher L, Teasell R, McIntyre A, Welch-West P

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation202363 citationsFirst author

Roles and appointments

  • Neuropsychologist, Acquired Brain Injury Program, Hamilton Health Sciences
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Subject: Prospective PhD student: Traumatic Brain Injury Research Dear Professor Velikonja, My name is [your name], and I am a [your current degree or role] at [your institution]. I am applying for a PhD position starting in [term and year]. I read your paper "FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES", and it connects closely to my own work on [your research topic]. [One or two sentences on what you did and what you learned.] Are you accepting new PhD students for [term and year]? I have attached my CV and transcripts, and I would be glad to talk at a time that suits you. Thank you for your time. Kind regards, [your name]
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