Psychiatry Consultations
Collaborative mental health care
for clients throughout Ontario
Accessing mental health care can be difficult
Psychiatry Consultations
If you or a loved one has accessed the mental health care system, you likely know that it can be very overwhelming and frustrating. Lengthy wait times to see a psychiatrist, getting a diagnosis, starting and changing medications, and trying to access treatments can be very challenging and time-consuming. It’s hard to know where to start, or what to do. All you want is to feel better and get back to life. We can help.
Timely access is important
Accessible mental health care that fits your needs
At Refined Wellness, we have partnered with Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic (PMVC) – a service that helps therapists partner with clients, their primary care provider (family physician or nurse practitioner), and a psychiatrist to provide collaborative mental health care. PMVC also means faster access to psychiatry, and timely access to a psychiatrist means the healing process can begin sooner – without the lengthy referral times and waitlists in many communities in Ontario.
collaborative mental health care
Team-based mental health care
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can make diagnoses, and recommend medications and other treatments, as needed. Through the Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic (PMVC) our therapists, their clients, and a psychiatrist connect to care using PMVC secure video conferencing. Appointments occur in your therapist’s office, while your therapist in present in the room, or online with you. This service was developed to create a new model of accessible, compassionate mental health care for every Ontarian. Through this process, where everyone works together as a team, everyone is aligned on your mental health treatment plan.
Aligning Total health care
Care beyond your consultation
PMVC can also offer follow-up psychiatry appointments to monitor how you are doing, make additional treatment recommendations, and help you proceed towards mental wellness. This unique collaboration goes beyond a one-time consultation. It gives you the option to access follow-up appointments to check on how you are doing, and allows your therapist to work with you on any therapy recommendations made by the psychiatrist. Your family physician or nurse practitioner can also remain updated on recommendations made by your psychiatrist so that your mental health care is comprehensive.
FAQ about Psychiatry Consultations
Do I need to see a psychiatrist?
If you are interested in meeting with a medically trained mental health professional, who can explore your psychological and physical well-being, you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist. This may include a formal diagnosis and/or medication recommendations.
What types of concerns would I need to see a psychiatrist for?
Psychiatrists see patients to assess and treat a wide variety of mental health issues. At Refined Wellness, these would most often include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related issues. Many times, mood and anxiety disorders can be managed by your family physician or nurse practitioner. In some cases, however, treatment is more complex and a psychiatric consultation can help with clarifying a diagnosis and making medication recommendations when symptoms persist, despite initial treatment from a family physician or nurse practitioner. Through Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic, Refined Wellness clients can also access ADHD assessments.
Can anyone access psychiatry consultations through your practice?
Psychiatry consultations are currently only available to Refined Wellness clients who are seeing one of our psychotherapists.
How do I book with a psychiatrist?
Please let your therapist know if you're interested in seeing a psychiatrist. Consultations can typically be booked after your second psychotherapy session (once a full assessment has been completed by your therapist). These can, however, be requested at any point during your involvement with Refined Wellness. If requested, you will get a referral form to give to your family doctor. Once the family doctor has faxed the referral form to PMVC, your therapist can book your psychiatry appointment!
Do I have to pay extra for a psychiatry consultation?
The consultations take place with both you, your therapist, and the psychiatrist, so you will only pay for the therapist’s time. The doctor's time is covered by OHIP.
How long are psychiatry appointments?
The first consultation is usually 90 minutes long. Follow-up appointments are 20 minutes long, so that they can take place during a regular psychotherapy session.
Learn more about Psychotherapy Matters and view our profile by clicking on the icon here.
Are You Ready To Make Change? Let's talk
Give us a call – let’s talk about how we can help. Call: 226-271-1387, or fill out the contact form below.
Contact Us
Connecting is your first step towards healing. Reach out and start your journey today.
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