Valérie Courchesne

Valérie Courchesne is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Université de Montréal, affiliated with the Faculté des arts et des sciences. Her research focuses on autism, neuropsychology, and mental health interventions. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology (2017) and completed postdoctoral training at McGill University and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto). Her work emphasizes strength-based assessments, mental health risk/resilience factors, and tailored psychotherapy for autistic populations.

Education:

• PhD in Research & Intervention Clinical Psychology (2017), Université de Montréal
• Bachelor's in Psychology (2011), Université de Montréal

Research Interests: Advocating for autism neurodiversity, developing inclusive assessment tools, exploring mental health challenges in autistic youth, and designing interventions aligned with autistic cognitive strengths. Her work combines clinical practice with translational research, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes.

Recent Article Trends: Focus on diagnostic certainty, calendar calculation abilities in autism, mental health risk factors, and longitudinal language development in autistic children. Her studies highlight the need for context-specific assessments and emphasize autistic individuals' unique cognitive profiles.

Awards: Over 20 awards including the Dialogue Scholarship (2020), Governor General's Medal finalist (2018), and multiple best presentation awards at international conferences.

Grants & Teams: Leads the CREIA (Centre de recherche, d’évaluation et d’interventions en autisme) and collaborates on Quebec Integrative Cohort (QUIC). Supervises over 20 graduate students and has coordinated clinical teams in autism research.

Labs & Affiliations: Associated with the Azrieli Center for Autism Research (ACAR) and the CIUSSS Nord-de-l’île-de-Montréal research center. Co-directs the Moveo Psychology Clinic and contributes to public outreach via the magazine Sur le spectre.