Psychiatric Consultation

If you’re interested in a formal assessment or medication advice for a mental health condition, your therapist can schedule an initial consultation with a psychiatrist through the PMVC network. The wait time varies depending on the specifics of your situation; however, you can usually be seen by a psychiatrist within 4-10 weeks following the request. Most people wait 6-18 months to see a psychiatrist in Ontario.

Before the consultation, your therapist will complete a referral form to be signed by your primary health care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, or walk-in clinic doctor), who will be responsible for any medication management as needed. Your therapist can book the consultation once your primary health care provider faxes the signed form to PMVC.

During the consultation, your therapist will be present the whole time to provide a sense of comfort and contribute relevant information to assist the psychiatrist in their assessment. This initial consultation is usually 90-120 minutes. We suggest preparing for two hours.

After the consultation, the psychiatrist will prepare a report containing diagnostic information, medication recommendations, and/or suggestions for continued therapeutic care to share with your therapist and primary health care provider. If you or your therapist have questions about the recommendations, a follow-up call can be booked. Follow-up calls are usually 30-60 minutes. We suggest preparing for one hour.

What is the cost?

Both a psychiatrist and your therapist will participate in the consultation process. The only cost involved is your therapist’s regular fees, as the psychiatrist’s time is covered by OHIP.

For the initial consultation, you will typically pay three times your therapist’s hourly rate. This covers all paperwork, and the time your therapist will spend preparing and accompanying you to the consultation.

For follow-up appointments, you will typically pay for one hour at your therapist’s hourly rate.

Note: If you wish to obtain a diagnosis for ADHD, the PMVC program charges an additional $350 fee through their new ADHD Matters program. Reduced rates may be available (speak with your therapist for more information).

PMVC is designed for collaborative care; the consultations are meant to happen within the context of an existing and ongoing therapeutic relationship.

To be eligible for a PMVC consultation, you must be attending individual therapy. You must attend a minimum of two appointments with your therapist before requesting a PMVC consultation, and you must attend regular therapy appointments (e.g., weekly or biweekly) between the time that a consultation is booked and initial attendance.

These are policies from PMVC, not Corinne Carter Therapy or our therapists. We are not able to make exceptions to PMVC’s policies.

While it might be beneficial to explore the option of seeing a psychiatrist with your therapist, ultimately, the choice is up to you. You might want to see a psychiatrist if:

• You’re experiencing mental health symptoms that are getting in the way of your daily life and functioning

• You’d like to try medication to find relief from symptoms of a mental health condition

• You suspect you have an undiagnosed mental health condition (or have self-diagnosed and now want to pursue a formal assessment)

• You’d like to get a second opinion for a mental health diagnosis or prescription