Getting Started
Private
Comfortable
Effective

Psychiatric
Assessments

 

WHAT WE OFFER

Imagine knowing exactly what is affecting you, why it is happening and what steps to take next—this is what our comprehensive approach delivers.


At the core of our approach is a guided principle of personalized care. We believe in the power of collaboration and take pride in the wide array of services we offer, facilitated by a diverse team of mental health professionals. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of mental health, our therapists collaborate with PMVC to facilitate referrals for psychiatric assessments. The traditional mental health system can be overwhelming, with long wait times for psychiatric care. PMVC connects clients and their therapist with a psychiatrist via a secure online platform. This collaboration provides psychiatric assessments, diagnoses, medication recommendations, and psychotherapy recommendations.

Follow-up consultations with your psychiatrist are available as needed and may be scheduled by your therapist. As part of our collaborative care initiative, a medical report will be sent directly to your family physician. This team-based support system ensures that clients receive comprehensive mental health care that fits their needs promptly.

 

HOW IT WORKS

Psychiatrists assess a wide range of mental health conditions. Common conditions that can be assessed include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Panic Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Eating Disorders
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Reproductive Psychiatry Concerns
  • Psychotic Disorders

This list is not exhaustive, as psychiatrists are equipped to assess many other mental health concerns.

Our assessment program provides personalized care through a collaborative model. The traditional mental health system often involves long waits for psychiatric services. However, through the PMVC platform, our clients gain access to psychiatric consultations within weeks after their therapist submits the referral. This team-based approach, which includes psychotherapists, family doctors, and psychiatrists, ensures that every aspect of the client’s mental health is addressed in a
timely manner.

Your psychiatric assessment appointment may take place just a few weeks after your third session with your Psychotherapist or Psychologist.

The psychotherapist’s standard fees apply for ongoing psychotherapy. Psychiatrist fees are covered by OHIP.

Most extended health plans cover psychotherapy. We offer direct billing to most insurance providers. Please confirm your coverage for Psychologists, Registered Psychotherapists, or Registered Social Workers before scheduling your intake call.

Our psychiatrists are trained to work with patients across the lifespan, including children, youth, adults, and older adults. As medical doctors with specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, they provide comprehensive care for individuals of all ages.

  • Q. What can I expect from a psychiatric assessment?

    A. A psychiatric assessment involves a thorough evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist. The process includes reviewing your mental health history, current symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Your psychiatrist will work closely with your psychotherapist and family doctor to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive care plan.

  • Q. Why should I get a psychiatric assessment through OTC and PMVC?

    A. OTC’s collaboration with PMVC allows for a more streamlined, team-based approach to psychiatric care. Your therapist, psychiatrist, and family doctor work together to provide an individualized care plan. This ensures that you receive holistic care, timely assessments, and ongoing support.

  • Q. What happens after the psychiatric assessment?

    A. After the assessment, your psychiatrist will provide a report with recommendations for treatment, which will be reviewed with you by your therapist. The psychiatrist may suggest medication, lifestyle changes, or specific psychotherapy recommendations. Follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist can be scheduled as needed through your therapist, and your family doctor will receive the consultation report for any ongoing care. Your OTC therapist remains available to you for ongoing psychotherapy treatment.

  • Q. I was diagnosed with a mental health condition as a child. Do I need another assessment?

    A. If you were formally diagnosed as a child by a psychiatrist or pediatrician, you may not need a full reassessment. However, it’s beneficial to have a current assessment if you feel your symptoms have changed or if you’re unsure of the next steps. Contact us for more guidance.

We work with Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration (PMVC), an independent Canadian organization that facilitates shared mental health care. Through PMVC, we offer coordinated services with physicians and psychiatrists. Your therapist remains actively involved in any psychiatric consultation.

The Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic (PMVC) allows clients to meet with a psychiatrist via secure, confidential video conferencing. Your therapist will be present during the consultation to ensure a collaborative and smooth process.

The psychiatrist will provide medication recommendations, if needed, and coordinate with your family doctor to continue your care. Your prescriptions will be faxed directly to your pharmacy, and a follow-up note will be sent to your family doctor after the consultation.

If follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist are necessary, these will be arranged as part of the initial referral, eliminating the need for multiple referrals.

PMVC PHILOSOPHY

To make collaborative mental health care easy, so that everyone gets the best care.

PMVC MISSION

To provide a system of care that seamlessly links psychotherapy, psychiatry, and primary care.

COLLABORATIVE CLIENT-CENTERED CARE

Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration is at the forefront of collaborative care, integrating psychotherapy providers, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists. We provide timely access to mental health services that match your needs.  For more information on Psychotherapy Matters, please visit psychotherapymatters.com

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENTS

To be eligible for a psychiatric assessment through the General Psychiatry Program, clients must meet the following requirements:
  1. Age Requirement:
    • The program is designed for individuals across the lifespan, from children and youth to adults and older adults.
  2. Primary Care Referral:
    • A referral from a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) is required to initiate the psychiatric assessment.
    • The primary care provider must complete the consultation referral form to begin the assessment process.
  3. Primary Psychotherapist Engagement:
    • The client must be engaged in individual psychotherapy with one of OTC’s licensed psychotherapists, social workers, or psychologists. Clients must be receiving psychotherapy treatment though only their OTC therapist.
    • Together, both the client and the OTC therapist will determine that the client is a good candidate for an assessment, to move forward with the process.
    • The therapist will provide ongoing support before, during, and after the psychiatric consultation.
  4. Informed Consent:
    • The client (or their legal guardian) must provide informed consent for participation in the General Psychiatry Program.
  5. Availability for Consultation:
    • Clients must be available for scheduled consultations with their psychiatrist, which will take place virtually. While appointments are typically available within a few weeks of the client’s third psychotherapy session, no guarantees can be made regarding the psychiatrist’s availability.
  6. Commitment to Follow-Up:
    • Clients must commit to attending follow-up sessions with both their OTC psychotherapist and psychiatrist as needed.
    • Ongoing collaboration between the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and family doctor will be essential for effective management of mental health conditions.
  7. Client Information:
    • Clients must provide accurate information regarding their mental health history, medical history, and any previous assessments.
    • If relevant, clients may be asked to submit additional documents such as previous diagnostic assessments or school records.

The OTC Team is Proudly Partnered with

Psychotherapy Matters
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416-275-3139
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