David Danto

Dr. Danto is currently the psychology program head at the University of Guelph-Humber. Administrative accomplishments include: innovative curriculum development, implementation of expanded experiential learning, and the creation of three new applied credentials specifically for UofGH Psychology students. Initiatives to expand scholarship opportunities for students have included the establishment of the Thom Hermann Entrance Scholarship for Psychology students.

His primary research centers on mental health among Indigenous populations in Canada and globally. The role of qualitative research methodology in addressing Aboriginal mental health is central to his work.

Dr. Danto is currently under contract with Springer Publishing as the Author/Coeditor of a text addressing Indigenous mental health globally. Recent academic presentations include: Aboriginal Mental Health Education Within Doctoral Level Clinical Training; A Qualitative Study of Mental Health in a Northern Ontario Cree Community; and Mental Health Perceptions and Practices of a Northern Ontario Aboriginal Community. Dr. Danto was awarded University of Guelph-Humber research grants in 2012, 2013 and 2017. He won the UofGH Faculty Mentorship Award in 2014.

Dr. Danto obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duquesne University in 2004. As a clinician, Dr. Danto provided assessment and treatment at psychiatric hospitals, university counselling centres and private practice. He’s also worked clinically and administratively in correctional facilities in Canada and the United States, fulfilling roles including Acting Senior Psychologist, Special Treatment Unit Assessment Team Member, Mental Health Unit Psychologist and Emergency Response Team Psychologist.

In addition to his current UofGH appointment, he provides consultation within Indigenous communities in northern Ontario. He is a Trustee for the Psychology Foundation of Canada and Associate Chair of the Canadian Psychological Association’s Aboriginal Psychology Section. He is currently the Chair of the Canadian Psychological Association and Psychology Foundation of Canada Task Force on Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and serves on the CPA Education and Training committee. Dr. Danto served as Chair of the Canadian Psychological Association’s Aboriginal Psychology Section from 2013-16.