Dr. Matthew Bernstein, PhD, C.Psych.
Clinical & Neuropsychologist
Dr. Matthew Bernstein is a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. He provides assessment and therapy services for young adults, adults, and seniors. Dr. Bernstein conducts comprehensive assessments across a range of areas, including learning difficulties, ADHD, and Autism, as well as more complex neuropsychological concerns.
His assessment work includes psychoeducational assessments to clarify learning profiles and guide academic accommodations, neurodevelopmental assessments for ADHD and Autism, and neuropsychological assessments for conditions such as concussion, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other neurological issues.
Dr. Bernstein’s research has focused on making evidence-based findings understandable and useful in everyday life. He brings this same clarity to his clinical work, helping individuals better understand their strengths, challenges, and next steps in a way that is both accessible and meaningful.
For therapy, Dr. Bernstein takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach, drawing on evidence-based methods to help clients build practical skills, improve self-understanding, and work toward their personal goals. His therapy work focuses on sport and performance, ADHD, and Autism, with an emphasis on meeting individuals where they are and tailoring strategies to their unique needs.
Dr. Bernstein offers sport and performance psychology services to individuals who want to optimize their success in competitive settings. As a former athlete, Dr. Bernstein understands the importance of the mental aspects of sports. He has provided sport psychology services to hockey and baseball players, swimmers, and triathletes. Sport and performance psychology involves honing your focus to prepare yourself for competition. Dr. Bernstein is able to help you cope with pressure, establish effective self-talk, learn relaxation skills, and use visual imagery. His approach is client-centered, aiming to meet clients where they are at, while utilizing evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques.
Dr. Bernstein provides therapy support for adults with ADHD, with a focus on navigating the real-life impacts of attention-related challenges. This includes working on areas like focus, follow-through, managing distractions, and building strategies to improve organization, motivation, and emotional balance. His therapy aims to equip clients with skills that enhance day-to-day functioning and long-term success across academic, work, and personal settings.
In addition, Dr. Bernstein offers therapy for autistic adults, with a particular focus on those navigating university, work, or other high-demand environments. He offers a neurodivergent-affirming space that helps clients deepen self-understanding, reduce the effects of burnout and masking, and strengthen their ability to navigate social and sensory environments. His goal is to support individuals in building resilience and well-being while respecting their unique strengths and needs.
Prior to joining Toronto Psychology Centre, Dr. Bernstein obtained his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Manitoba along with a one-year predoctoral residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he received extensive neuropsychology and general clinical psychology training. He then completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital/University Health Network (UHN) with a focus on movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease.
Earlier in his graduate training, Dr. Bernstein completed training in the area of sport psychology at the Canadian Centre for Sport – Manitoba, under the supervision of Dr. Leslie-Toogood. He also completed several practicums involving therapy and assessment across a range of settings including hospitals, community organizations, and private practice. Over the course of his therapy training and professional experience, Dr. Bernstein has provided diagnostic assessment and treatment (i.e., therapy) to individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, insomnia, and those having difficulty coping with stress. He also has experience working with individuals with medical problems including obesity and related health concerns.
Dr. Bernstein has published several peer-reviewed articles in the areas of mental health and chronic disease. His Master’s and Doctoral research were awarded national and provincial scholarships.
Dr. Bernstein is a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA).