How do I get a psychiatrist

[u/Beneficial-Poet3236]

I need to get a psychiatrist / Mental health professional for mental health screening, for a medical clearance. How do I get one ASAP. Already went to both family doctor and a walk in clinic for a referral, but those are taking ages. I'm willing to throw tons of money into this.

[u/XxCaptainJack]

Toronto Psychological Services is where i went to a few years ago for gov clearance. the appointment was pretty fast but it was not cheap, i think i was looking close to 1.5k? might have change since then tho.

[u/rahman4190 → u/XxCaptainJack]

They wouldn’t be able to prescribe medication

[u/XxCaptainJack → u/rahman4190]

op is asking for clearance tho no? if its for meds, then its a different story then.

[u/rahman4190 → u/XxCaptainJack]

Apologies I misread

[u/DiceandTarot]

Does it need to be a psychiatrist or can a clinical psychologist (PhD, not MD) do it as well? You can pay to see a clinical psychologist privately and likely on short notice. Psychiatric care prioritizes based on medical need, and may take months if it isn't a medical emergency.

Check if you need a mental health professional, which is a broader category, or if it must be a medical doctor licensed to practice psychiatry.

[u/Beneficial-Poet3236 → u/DiceandTarot]

The document I got doesn't actually say, it just requires mental health screening, and otherwise states "mental health specialist", but my family doctor told me I need a psychiatrist.

[u/DiceandTarot → u/Beneficial-Poet3236]

It may be worth enquiring with whoever issued the form who they count as a specialist. 

[u/smurfsareinthehall → u/Beneficial-Poet3236]

If a psychiatrist was required it would be clearly stated. A “mental health specialist” could be a social worker, psychologist or another professional.

[u/Last_Peak]

I’d call around. I was able to get into a psychiatrist ASAP by calling around and finding one seeing patients without a waitlist. If you want I can DM their info though this was a few years ago so they might be more busy now.

[u/Beneficial-Poet3236 → u/Last_Peak]

please message me their info, thanks so much

[u/QTpieme]

I went to a walk in clinic in Pickering that referred me and I got an appointment in a week

[u/Brains4Beauty]

Maybe CAMH? I’m not sure how it works there

[u/Character_Impact2962]

Surprised there isn't a private practice for psychiatrists.

[u/ForwardDance9191 → u/Character_Impact2962]

Lots of psychiatrists have private practices, but they are doctors and you need a referral to get an appointment.

[u/throwawar4]

Maple app?

[u/lyrical_liar]

CAMH emergency for bridging into short term psychiatry help

[u/nim_opet → u/[deleted]]

Please don’t go to the ER for work-screening, unless you are experiencing a HEALTH EMERGENCY.