Why would I need to consult a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are equipped to diagnose and address a wide range of mental illnesses and psychiatric disorders, encompassing conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and substance abuse issues (among others).

 

What distinguishes consulting a psychiatrist on Laso MD from waiting for a referral from my family doctor?
In 2018, the average waiting time to see a psychiatrist through a physician referral in Canada exceeded two months. To address the challenge of delayed access to care for individuals without a family doctor and to offer quicker response times, Laso MD utilizes a network of psychiatrists across provinces.

While this approach may, in some cases, limit our psychiatrists’ access to provincial funding, requiring patients or their insurance companies to cover appointment costs, it eliminates the need for a physician referral to access care through Laso MD.

Further details about our RAMQ-covered psychiatry service can be found here.

 

What distinguishes a psychiatrist, psychologist, and psychotherapist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health and psychiatric disorders. They undergo additional training and licensing to diagnose and treat mental illnesses, addressing both the physical and mental health aspects, and having the authority to prescribe medications. On the other hand, psychologists and psychotherapists are not medical doctors.

They possess specialized degrees allowing them to assess and treat specific mental illnesses. Psychologists typically emphasize cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral strategies, while psychotherapists often concentrate on talk therapy. Neither psychologists nor psychotherapists have the authority to prescribe medications.

 

Can I consistently have sessions with the same psychiatrist?
Certainly, if you prefer to have sessions with the same psychiatrist, you can select that option when scheduling your appointments.

 

Will the psychiatrist engage in talk therapy?
While certain psychiatrists may incorporate talk therapy into their treatment approach, their primary focus is on evaluating, diagnosing, and addressing the root cause of mental illness. They examine potential physical factors, such as chemical imbalances, to address the issue.

In some cases, psychiatrists may recommend psychotherapists for talk therapy after prescribing medication or proposing alternative treatment methods. To enhance the accessibility of treatment, we also provide psychotherapy in specific provinces.

 

What should I expect in my initial appointment?
Your first appointment is scheduled for a complete hour. The psychiatrist will go over your medical and mental health history, delve into your current concerns, and pose detailed questions to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation.

They may also conduct specific mental health assessments or recommend laboratory work. By the conclusion of the session, the psychiatrist aims to diagnose your condition and may prescribe medication or refer you to talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or other therapeutic interventions.

 

Are there any limitations on who is eligible for psychiatry on Laso MD?
Yes, psychiatry on Laso MD is exclusively accessible to adults aged between 18 and 64, and it is not available for pregnant women. Individuals outside of these age brackets should seek assistance from a subspecialist, a service that we currently do not provide.

Additionally, please note that our psychiatry service does not encompass treatment or assessments for ADHD.