Psychotherapy and Psychiatrist Consultation in Ontario
Sometimes therapy alone may not answer every question related to mental health. In certain situations, you may benefit from meeting with a psychiatrist to clarify a diagnosis, review medication options or provide additional medical guidance.
At Wise Hearts Therapy, psychotherapy sessions can be complemented through collaboration with Psychotherapy Matters, a virtual clinic that connects individuals with an Ontario-based psychiatrist. This partnership allows individuals receiving psychotherapy to access psychiatric consultation without navigating complex referral systems on their own.
Psychiatrist consultations are conducted virtually, making this service accessible for individuals living in Sudbury and communities throughout Northern Ontario.
A collaborative approach between the therapist and psychiatrist
Mental health care often works best when professionals collaborate. Through the Psychotherapy Matters platform, therapy sessions and psychiatric consultations can be connected within the same care process.
When a psychiatric consultation may be helpful, Wise Hearts Therapy can help facilitate a referral to an Ontario psychiatrist through the Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic.
During the consultation, your therapist is present in the virtual meeting. This collaborative approach allows your therapist to provide helpful context about your experiences while supporting you throughout the appointment. Working together in this way helps reduce the confusion that can sometimes occur when different professionals are involved in care without communication.
Accessing a psychiatrist through Psychotherapy Matters
Psychotherapy Matters is a virtual clinic designed to improve access to psychiatric care across Ontario.
Through this platform, individuals receiving psychotherapy in Ontario may be able to meet with a psychiatrist within a few weeks, depending on availability.
Psychiatric consultations through Psychotherapy Matters are covered by OHIP, which means there is no additional cost for the psychiatrist appointment itself. You may still pay for the time your therapist spends participating in the consultation, but the psychiatric care remains publicly funded.
Because the appointment takes place online, individuals living outside major urban centres can access psychiatric consultation without travelling long distances.
What a psychiatrist consultation can help with
A psychiatrist consultation can provide additional medical insight when certain mental health questions require specialised evaluation.
During a virtual appointment, the psychiatrist may help with:
mental health diagnosis
reviewing current medications
starting or adjusting psychiatric medication
recommending treatment strategies
communicating recommendations to your family doctor
When needed, the psychiatrist can also provide medication recommendations to your primary care physician. This coordinated approach ensures that everyone involved in your care remains informed and aligned.
Communication between your care providers
After the psychiatric consultation, a summary of the appointment is typically sent to your family doctor outlining the discussion and recommended treatment plan.
If further follow-up with the psychiatrist is necessary, additional appointments can often be arranged through the Psychotherapy Matters platform without requiring a new referral each time.
This system allows your therapist, psychiatrist and family doctor to remain connected throughout your care, creating a more coordinated mental health support system.
Psychiatrist consultations accessible across Ontario
Because consultations are conducted virtually, individuals across Ontario can access psychiatric care through this collaboration.
Wise Hearts Therapy is available whether you are in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or elsewhere in Ontario. This supports a more consistent follow-up and helps maintain the same structure from one session to the next. Meeting with a virtual psychiatrist in Ontario allows you to receive specialised mental health care without leaving your home region.
Requesting a consultation
If you would like to discuss your situation or explore whether therapy or psychiatric consultation may be helpful, you can request a free 15-minute phone or video consultation.
You can also learn more about the Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic here: https://psychotherapymatters.com/
FAQ’s
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Ontario?
In many cases, a referral is required to access psychiatric services. Through Psychotherapy Matters, your therapist in Ontario can help facilitate this referral when a psychiatric consultation may be beneficial.
Are psychiatrist consultations covered by OHIP?
Yes. Psychiatric consultations arranged through Psychotherapy Matters are typically covered by OHIP. However, the time your therapist spends participating in the consultation may still be billed as part of psychotherapy services.
Can I meet with a psychiatrist online in Ontario?
Yes. Psychotherapy Matters allows individuals to meet with a virtual psychiatrist in Ontario through secure video consultations.
Can my therapist attend the psychiatrist appointment with me?
Yes. With your permission, your therapist can join the virtual consultation to help support you and provide helpful context to the psychiatrist.