Ka Tat Tsang

Ka Tat Tsang is a Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, where he has been teaching since 1993. He also serves as an Honorary Professor at Beijing University's Civil Engineering and Architecture department since 2018. Dr. Tsang directs the Faculty's China project, which he initiated in 1997, and previously held the Factor-Inwentash Chair of Social Work in the Global Community from 2008-2018. As a psychotherapist, social worker, and organizational development consultant, his work spans clinical practice, academic research, and international collaboration.

Dr. Tsang's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. from University of Toronto, Canada
• M.Soc.Sc. from University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
• B.Soc.Sc. from University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Dr. Tsang's research spans multiple domains of social work practice and theory. He is best known for developing the SSLD (Strategies and Skills Learning and Development) System and the Multiple Contingencies Management (MCM) approach to psychotherapy. His work integrates clinical practice with cross-cultural considerations, particularly focusing on Chinese communities in Canada and China. He has made significant contributions to understanding sexuality, spirituality, mental health, and geriatric social work. His Integrative Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy (ICCP) Model represents over a decade of research on culturally responsive practice. Recent work has focused on Play Intervention for Dementia (PID) and addressing mental health needs in diverse populations.

Analysis of Dr. Tsang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cross-cultural mental health practice, with particular attention to Chinese communities. His work bridges academic theory and practical application, often developing specific intervention models like SSLD and PID. There's a clear trajectory toward addressing complex intersectional issues in social work, with increasing attention to decolonizing knowledge production and developing contextually appropriate practice models. His research demonstrates consistent engagement with both Canadian and Chinese academic and practice communities.

Dr. Tsang's significant professional recognition includes the Factor-Inwentash Chair of Social Work in the Global Community (2008-2018) and development of widely adopted practice models (SSLD, MCM, PID). His work has received research funding for cross-national projects between Canada and China, supporting his innovative approaches to social work practice.

Dr. Tsang actively supervises Masters and PhD students and has developed an extensive international collaboration network. His Play Intervention for Dementia (PID) project, supported by the Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, exemplifies his approach to developing evidence-based practice models with real-world application. Through the Centre for Learning and Change, Ltd. in Hong Kong, he extends his research into practice settings across multiple countries, creating training programs and certification pathways for practitioners.

Dr. Tsang leads several major research initiatives including the Play Intervention for Dementia program and the international SSLD research network. His China project, established in 1997, serves as a hub for cross-national collaboration between the University of Toronto and multiple Chinese institutions. The SSLD system has developed into a global network with practitioners across Canada, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and beyond, creating a vibrant community of practice focused on advancing social work knowledge and intervention.