Psychiatric Assessments
What Is a Psychiatric Assessment?
A psychiatric assessment is a clinical appointment with a psychiatrist that helps clarify a patient’s mental health concerns, symptoms, history, diagnosis, and treatment needs. At the Centre for Psychodynamic Insights, psychiatric assessments are available to patients located in Ontario and are completed by a psychiatrist.
A psychiatric assessment can be helpful for patients seeking diagnostic clarification, wondering whether medication may be appropriate, or looking for psychiatric input as part of their broader mental health care. However, a psychiatric assessment is not a replacement for ongoing psychotherapy.
Patients who are interested in beginning psychodynamic psychotherapy may book a consultation with one of our clinicians. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is available to patients across Canada, while psychiatric assessments are available only to patients located in Ontario and require a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
To request a psychiatric assessment at the Centre for Psychodynamic Insights, patients must complete the form at the bottom of this page. This helps our team gather the information needed to begin the intake process.
Patients must also have a referral faxed to us by a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Referrals can be faxed to: +1 (647) 723-0195
Once the form and referral have been received, our team will review the information and follow up regarding next steps.
For patients who are interested in psychodynamic psychotherapy rather than a psychiatric assessment, a medical referral is not required. Psychodynamic psychotherapy consultations can be booked by patients located anywhere in Canada.
Next Steps
Psychiatric Assessments for Ontario Patients
Psychiatric assessments at the Centre for Psychodynamic Insights are available to patients who are located in Ontario at the time of service. Because psychiatric care is regulated provincially, this service is intended specifically for Ontario patients.
During the assessment, the psychiatrist will take time to understand the patient’s current concerns, mental health history, relevant medical history, medications, family history, and any previous treatment experiences. The goal is to develop a clearer understanding of the patient’s difficulties and provide appropriate psychiatric recommendations.
What Can a Psychiatric Assessment Help With?
A psychiatric assessment may help clarify symptoms related to mood, anxiety, trauma, attention, personality functioning, emotional regulation, sleep, eating concerns, substance use, or other mental health difficulties.
It can also support treatment planning by helping determine whether a diagnosis may be present, whether medication may be appropriate, whether psychotherapy may be recommended, or whether additional medical, psychological, or community supports may be helpful.
What Can I Expect During the Assessment?
A psychiatric assessment is usually more structured than a psychotherapy session. The psychiatrist may ask about the patient’s symptoms, when they began, how they affect daily functioning, and what factors may make them better or worse. The appointment may also include questions about physical health, medications, substance use, family history, relationships, work or school functioning, and safety concerns.
The psychiatrist’s role is to understand the patient’s overall clinical picture and provide recommendations that are appropriate to their needs. These recommendations may include psychiatric diagnosis, medication options, follow-up care, psychotherapy, lifestyle considerations, or coordination with other health professionals when appropriate.
Psychiatric Assessment and Medication
Some patients seek a psychiatric assessment because they are wondering whether medication may help with their symptoms. A psychiatrist can assess whether medication may be clinically appropriate and can discuss possible benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Medication is not always recommended. In some cases, psychotherapy, additional assessment, medical follow-up, or other supports may be more appropriate. When medication is recommended, the psychiatrist will discuss this with the patient and consider their symptoms, history, preferences, and overall treatment goals.
Is a Psychiatric Assessment Right for Me?
A psychiatric assessment may be appropriate if you are located in Ontario and are looking for diagnostic clarification, psychiatric recommendations, or support in understanding whether medication may be helpful.
It may also be helpful if you have been experiencing ongoing mental health symptoms and would like a psychiatrist’s opinion as part of your care. Patients interested in psychotherapy alone can book a consultation for psychodynamic psychotherapy, whether they live in Ontario or elsewhere in Canada.
Psychiatric Assessment Request Form
Please complete the form below to request a psychiatric assessment. Once your form has been received, a member of our team will confirm receipt by email and add you to the waitlist.