Psychiatric Consultation Services
OHIP-covered psychiatric consultation through Lotus Counselling Services in Waterdown and surrounding areas across Ontario, as part of a collaborative mental health care model. A referral from a physician or primary care provider is required.
or email our office: info@lotuscounsellingservices.ca
Lotus Counselling Services offers access to psychiatric consultation for eligible clients as part of a collaborative mental health care model.
Our psychiatrist can provide diagnostic consultation and medication-related recommendations to support treatment planning, where clinically appropriate. Psychiatric consultation is designed to complement psychotherapy and primary care.
OHIP covered
Psychiatry consultation, covered by OHIP
Psychiatric consultations are covered through OHIP for clients with a valid Ontario health card.
A referral is required from a physician or primary care provider before an appointment can be booked. Referrals are reviewed for appropriateness and availability.
When a consultation is accepted, the psychiatrist may provide diagnostic impressions, medication recommendations, and treatment planning suggestions. Ongoing prescribing and follow-up care may remain with the client’s primary care provider unless otherwise arranged.
Why psychiatric consultation at Lotus
Consultation that complements your care
Psychiatric consultation at Lotus is designed to work alongside psychotherapy and primary care, not replace them.
A collaborative care model
Psychiatric consultation is offered to eligible clients as part of a collaborative mental health care model, designed to complement psychotherapy and primary care.
Supports treatment planning
Our psychiatrist can provide diagnostic consultation and medication-related recommendations to support treatment planning, where clinically appropriate.
OHIP covered
Psychiatric consultations are covered through OHIP for clients with a valid Ontario health card, when referral and eligibility requirements are met.
Referral based
A referral is required from a physician or primary care provider before an appointment can be booked. Referrals are reviewed for appropriateness and availability.
What it can support
Areas we support at Lotus
Psychiatric consultation works alongside the psychotherapy we already provide for these areas.
Is it right for me?
Is a psychiatric consultation right for me?
A psychiatric consultation might be a helpful next step if any of these sound familiar. If you are unsure, your therapist or primary care provider can discuss whether a referral is appropriate.
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You are working with a therapist or primary care provider and want to explore whether a psychiatric consultation could support your treatment plan.
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You would benefit from diagnostic consultation to help clarify your mental health concerns.
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You have questions about medication and want medication-related recommendations from a psychiatrist.
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You want diagnostic impressions and treatment-planning suggestions to strengthen your overall care.
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You have a referral from a physician or primary care provider, or your provider has discussed one with you.
Not sure if a psychiatric consultation is right for you? Get in touch with our care team to talk it through.
How it works
Psychiatry services process
- 1
Speak with your therapist or primary care provider
If psychiatric consultation may be helpful, your care provider can discuss whether a referral is appropriate.
- 2
Referral submitted
A referral must be completed by a physician or appropriate primary care provider and include relevant clinical information.
- 3
Referral reviewed
Referrals are reviewed to determine whether psychiatric consultation is appropriate and available through Lotus Counselling.
- 4
Consultation appointment
If accepted, the client meets with the psychiatrist for assessment and treatment-planning recommendations.
- 5
Collaborative follow-up
Recommendations may be shared with the referring provider and, where consent is provided, integrated into the client’s psychotherapy treatment plan.
Quick guide
Psychiatry vs. psychotherapy
They do different things, and they can work well together.
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is provided by a medical doctor who can assess mental health concerns, provide diagnoses, and make medication-related recommendations. Psychiatric consultations at Lotus are OHIP-covered when referral and eligibility requirements are met.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy focuses on emotional, behavioural, relational, and mental health concerns through structured talk therapy. Psychotherapy at Lotus may include approaches such as CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and other evidence-based therapies, depending on the client’s goals and clinician fit.
Psychiatry and psychotherapy can work well together. For some clients, psychiatric consultation can help clarify diagnosis, support medication decisions, and strengthen the overall treatment plan.
Serving Waterdown and the surrounding area
Lotus Counselling Services provides psychiatric consultation from our Waterdown clinic at 299 Dundas Street East, with appointments available to clients across Hamilton, Burlington, Flamborough, Dundas, and the wider Golden Horseshoe. We offer both in-person sessions and secure virtual appointments throughout Ontario, so you can meet with a therapist from wherever feels most comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about psychiatric consultation
Do I need a referral for a psychiatric consultation?
Yes. A referral is required from a physician or primary care provider before an appointment can be booked. The referral must include relevant clinical information, and referrals are reviewed for appropriateness and availability.
Who can access psychiatric consultation at Lotus?
Lotus Counselling Services offers access to psychiatric consultation for eligible clients as part of a collaborative mental health care model. Psychiatric consultation is designed to complement psychotherapy and primary care.
Is psychiatric consultation covered by OHIP?
Psychiatric consultations are covered through OHIP for clients with a valid Ontario health card, when referral and eligibility requirements are met.
What does the psychiatrist do during a consultation?
When a consultation is accepted, the psychiatrist may provide diagnostic impressions, medication recommendations, and treatment planning suggestions. Ongoing prescribing and follow-up care may remain with the client’s primary care provider unless otherwise arranged.
What is the difference between psychiatry and psychotherapy?
Psychiatry is provided by a medical doctor who can assess mental health concerns, provide diagnoses, and make medication-related recommendations. Psychotherapy focuses on emotional, behavioural, relational, and mental health concerns through structured talk therapy, and may include approaches such as CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and other evidence-based therapies. Psychiatry and psychotherapy can work well together.
Is psychiatric consultation a crisis service?
No. Psychiatric consultation is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact a local crisis service.
Disclaimer
Psychiatric consultation is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact a local crisis service.
Ready to take the next step?
Talk to us about psychiatric consultation
Speak with your therapist or primary care provider about whether a referral is appropriate. New to Lotus? Book a free consultation to get matched with a therapist.