Therapist-Accompanied Psychiatric Assessment & Consultation

Are you looking for a psychiatric assessment in Ontario, but feeling overwhelmed by long waitlists or the thought of navigating the system alone?

As part of our commitment to your healing, we are proud to offer collaborative psychiatric consultation services through our partnership with Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic (PMVC), so you can now access timely, OHIP-covered psychiatric consultation, with your therapist by your side.

This service is available to clients who may benefit from a psychiatric evaluation, diagnostic clarity, or medication support as part of their therapy journey, with your therapist at your side every step of the way.

Trauma-informed, collaborative mental health care and support every step of the way.

What Is PMVC?

Psyotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic is a secure, Ontario-based virtual platform that connects therapists and their clients with licensed psychiatrists for timely, collaborative consultations.

Through PMVC, we can:

  • Facilitate virtual psychiatric assessments

  • Involve your therapist directly in the session

  • Support a team-based approach to care

  • Shorten wait times compared to traditional psychiatric referrals

You don’t need to leave your therapist or your therapeutic relationship to explore psychiatric options—we stay involved and connected to ensure your care remains consistent and grounded in trust.

Why You Might Be Referred for a Psychiatric Consultation

You and your therapist might consider a psychiatric consultation if you are:

  • Experiencing symptoms that are impacting your daily functioning (e.g., depression, anxiety, sleep issues, emotional dysregulation)

  • Wondering if medication could support your progress

  • Seeking a clearer diagnosis or treatment recommendations

  • Curious about whether which medication might complement your mental health care

A consultation is simply an informed conversation—not a commitment to medication or psychiatric intervention.

What to Expect from the Process

  1. Referral Discussion
    Your therapist will talk with you about the benefits of a consultation and help you decide if it’s the right next step.

  2. Simple Referral Process
    We take care of the referral paperwork and scheduling through PMVC.

  3. Virtual Appointment with Psychiatrist
    You will meet with a psychiatrist virtually, and your therapist will attend the session with you.

  4. Integrated Recommendations
    Any psychiatric recommendations (including medications, diagnoses, or treatment strategies) are shared with you and your therapist, ensuring full transparency and collaboration.

  5. Continued Care with Your Therapist
    Your therapist remains your primary care provider throughout. If medication is prescribed, PMVC will coordinate with your family doctor or specialist as needed.

Our Approach to Medication and Mental Health

We know that for many clients, the idea of speaking with a psychiatrist can feel intimidating or overwhelming. Our role is to support you, not push you. We view medication as one potential tool, not the only solution, and only explore it when you’re ready, informed, and involved in every step of the process.

This collaborative model ensures:

  • You never have to navigate psychiatry alone

  • Your therapy stays connected to your broader care

  • You receive timely, compassionate support tailored to your needs

Why Choose Therapist-Accompanied Psychiatric Assessment?

Most people in Ontario wait months for a referral to a psychiatrist. Often, these assessments happen in isolation, without your therapist’s insight or continued support. That disconnect can leave you feeling confused, unheard, or unsure of how to move forward.

This service changes that.

As your therapist, I will be present during your psychiatric consultation to:

  • Offer clinical history and relevant context

  • Advocate for your needs and ensure your voice is heard

  • Support you emotionally during a high-stakes conversation

  • Help integrate any recommendations into our ongoing work together

This is mental health care that’s collaborative, coordinated, and person-centred.

Benefits of Therapist-Accompanied Psychiatric Assessment

  • Faster access to a psychiatrist (compared to traditional referral routes)

  • Reduced anxiety about the process—your therapist is with you

  • Clearer communication between all parts of your care team

  • Integrated treatment planning that reflects your values and goals

  • Improved outcomes through continuity and collaboration

Common Questions

  • Yes. The psychiatrist’s time is fully covered by OHIP. Only your therapist’s time preparing, being present, and follow-up is billed privately.

  • Consultations are typically scheduled within 2–6 weeks after intake is completed.

  • No. As a therapist with a partnership with Psychotherapy Matters, I can directly facilitate this referral.

  • Absolutely. This service is meant to enhance our work together, not replace it.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t have to go through this alone. If you’ve been wondering whether medication might help, or you want clarity around a diagnosis, this service offers a supported path forward, with someone who knows your story walking beside you.

Book a Therapist-Accompanied Psychiatric Assessment & Consultation today.
Or reach out to schedule a free consultation call if you have questions.