One-on-one
Psychiatric Assessment
For adults wishing to clarify the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis and/or those interested in starting or reviewing their medications.
You’ve tried to manage your symptoms, but nothing seems to work.
- Your symptoms are persistent or getting worse.
- You’ve made lifestyle changes and tried talk therapy, but they didn’t fully resolve your problem.
- You’re wondering whether you may have a mental health diagnosis.
- You suspect your current diagnosis is inaccurate.
- You’ve been hesitant to take medications but are now ready to give them a try.
- You have a complex mental condition that requires episodic medication reviews.
Get the expert medical help you need.
MindThrive collaborates closely with a highly experienced psychiatrist who serves as the Medical Director of a mental health program at an academic teaching hospital and is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Together, we offer comprehensive assessments that consider the full range of factors contributing to your current challenges — emotional, psychological, medical, and social.
The psychiatrist will carefully evaluate your symptoms, provide a formal diagnosis if appropriate, and offer medication recommendations tailored to your needs. These recommendations are shared with your family physician to ensure continuity of care and a coordinated treatment approach.
- According to the Fraser Institute,
- Canadians wait nearly 6 months to see a psychiatrist.
According to the Fraser Institute,
Canadians wait nearly 6 months to see a psychiatrist.
Our average wait time is 1 month.
Psychiatric assessment
How It Works
1
ASSESSMENT WITH PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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If you are an EXISTING client:
Your therapist will give you a referral form for your family doctor to fill-out. Once we receive the completed referral, we will schedule your appointment with the psychiatrist.
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If you are a NEW client:
The assessment will take place over two separate appointments. First, you’ll meet with a psychotherapist to talk about what’s been happening in your life lately and how it’s been affecting you.
- We’ll explore your family history, childhood, schooling, health challenges, relationships, career and important life events. We’ll also delve into past mental health challenges, diagnoses, treatments and outcomes.
- We’ll identify your specific goals for psychotherapy and choose the best type of therapy to meet those goals. Together, we’ll develop a Psychotherapy Treatment Plan to guide your journey in therapy.
2
Assessment with Psychiatrist
Then, you’ll meet with the psychiatrist. He’ll dive deeper into your mental health history and current symptoms. If appropriate, he’ll make a formal diagnosis and explore your goals for psychiatric treatment (which may include medications).
The psychiatrist will then write a report summarizing his findings and medical recommendations.
3
Personalized Recommendations
A copy of both the psychotherapist’s and psychiatrist’s report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for evaluation. Your physician can then start your treatment by following the psychiatrist’s detailed medication recommendations.
Psychiatric assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychiatrist?
Do I need to see a psychiatrist?
If you’re struggling with your mental health and your symptoms are negatively affecting your quality of life, then it may be time to seek help.
Remember, mental health conditions are very common. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
What is a “Psychiatric Assessment?”
What is the assessment process, and how long do the appointments take?
- If you’re an EXISTING client:Your therapist will give you a referral form for your family doctor to fill-out. Once we receive the completed referral, we’ll schedule your appointment with the psychiatrist.
- If you’re a NEW client:The assessment process involves meeting with two mental health professionals on separate days:
- FIRST APPOINTMENT: You meet with a psychotherapist to collect all the information related to your case and to develop a Psychotherapy Treatment Plan. The duration of this session varies (depending on the complexity of your case) but, on average, takes approximately two hours.
- SECOND APPOINTMENT: You meet with the psychiatrist to clarify your diagnosis and, if relevant, devise a Psychiatric Treatment Plan. This session usually takes 60 minutes.
How long does it take to complete a full Psychiatric Assessment?
How much does a Psychiatric Assessment cost?
- If you’re an EXISTING client:
Your meeting with the psychiatrist is fully covered by OHIP.
- If you’re a NEW client:The assessment with the therapist (to develop the Psychotherapy Treatment Plan) is $370*.Your assessment with the psychiatrist (to devise a Psychiatric Treatment Plan) is fully covered by OHIP.
*This fee is not covered by OHIP but is tax deductible and may be partially covered through extended health insurance plans. Each insurance provider (and coverage plan) is different, so it is important to check your particular plan to confirm the details of your coverage.
What payments do you accept?
What is the wait-time to book a Psychiatric Assessment?
According to the Fraser Institute, Canadians wait nearly 6 months to see a psychiatrist.
Our wait times vary depending on the psychiatrist’s availability, but on average, patients wait approximately one month to start their assessments.
Does the Assessment take place in person or virtually?
The entire Assessment process takes place virtually. you’ll attend both sessions by logging in to a secure online platform from the comfort of your home.
What is your cancellation policy?
- APPOINTMENT WITH PSYCHOTHERAPIST: If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you’ll be billed for the full cost of the session ($370).
- APPOINTMENT WITH PSYCHIATRIST: If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you’ll be billed $222.50 (the equivalent of the OHIP billing fee).
How do I book a Psychiatric Assessment?
- If you’re an EXISTING client:Your therapist will give you with a referral form for your family doctor to fill-out. Once we receive the completed referral, we’ll schedule your appointment with the psychiatrist.
- If you’re a NEW client:Your family doctor (or other medical professional) must send us a completed referral to start the assessment process and schedule your first appointment.
Book a FREE Navigation Session to discuss your case with the psychotherapist and obtain a referral form.
