Psychiatric Consultations
While you do not need a medical diagnosis to begin or engage in psychotherapy, sometimes meeting with a consulting Psychiatrist to evaluate a diagnosis or to get recommendations for medications or psychotherapy, can be helpful. Sometimes people live in an area where there isn't a Psychiatrist or the wait time is unreasonably long. Cynthia Forrest is Verified with Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic (PMVC) to bring this service to our clients. It is only available to people who live in Ontario and you must physically be in the province at the time of your appointment. It is not required or recommended for everyone. If you think this may be a helpful opportunity for you, please let us know. This service is only available to our clients who are receiving psychotherapy.
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Psychotherapy Matters
Psychotherapy Matters is a virtual or on-line clinic that helps connect Therapists, Clients, Family Doctors & Psychiatrists to work together to support you - our clients! A consulting Psychiatrist usually only sees you once or maybe, twice - to answer a specific question. If medication is recommended, you will need to get your prescription from your Family Doctor. If you don't have a Family Doctor, you can go to a walk-in clinic to see a doctor. You would continue to see your Therapist and do the work you were doing while you are waiting for your appointment. The consulting Psychiatrist may have recommendations for your psychotherapy and you can decide with your Therapist, how they are implemented.
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PMVC - What is a Virtual Clinic?
A Virtual Clinic means that your consultation with a Psychiatrist happens remotely. They won't be in the room with you, but they will be able to see and hear you. Your Therapist will also be in the virtual meeting. You will be able to see and hear them too, but they will also be connected to both of you, remotely. A secure videoconferencing platform called OTN is used for this clinic. You will work with your Therapist to connect to this service, if this is a good choice for you.
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So I Just Show Up?
No. You will need to do some things to prepare for the consultation. You will need to work with your Therapist to collect important information, ahead of time; and You will need to visit your Family Doctor, before AND after your consultation. Your therapist will help you to figure out what needs to happen to prepare for your consultation and then, schedule it.
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Is this Free?
No. You will need to have a VALID Ontario Health Card in order for your consultation to be booked. Your Psychiatrist is then paid by OHIP. When you see your Family Doctor to get your referral signed, and again after your consultation - for follow up and if needed, a prescription - they are also paid by OHIP. However, OHIP does not pay for your private practice Therapist and so, hourly rates apply.
