Accessing Additional Supports: Therapy, Psychiatry & Assessments

psychiatrist assessment Guelph

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

In some situations, therapy is one part of a larger support system.

Depending on what you’re experiencing, it can be helpful to explore:

  • psychiatric support for medication

  • formal assessments (such as ADHD)

  • additional medical or mental health services

If that becomes relevant, I can help guide you through your options.

Collaborative Care Through Psychotherapy Matters

I work in collaboration with Psychotherapy Matters, a network that connects clients with:

  • psychiatrists (for consultation, diagnosis, and medication support)

  • physicians and specialists

  • assessment services

This allows for a more integrated approach, where therapy and medical support can work alongside each other when needed.

What This Can Look Like

If we notice that additional support might be helpful, we can:

  • talk through what you’re experiencing

  • explore whether a referral feels right for you

  • connect you with appropriate services

There’s no pressure to pursue anything—you remain in control of your careGentle Skills We Might Use

  • Body cues for yes/no; window of tolerance check-ins

  • One-line boundary scripts (work, family, dating, co-parenting)

  • Values-based decision mini-frames (“Does this honour my energy?”)

  • Repair/rupture steps when a boundary wobbles

  • Reflective journaling to reinforce self-respect

    ADHD Assessments

    If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD might be part of your experience, this is something we can explore together.

    This might include:

    • understanding your patterns and challenges

    • discussing whether a formal assessment could be helpful

    • connecting you with assessment providers if you choose to move forward

    You don’t need to decide this on your own.

A Supportive, Integrated Approach

Some people benefit from therapy on its own.

Others find that a combination of therapy, assessment, or medication support feels more helpful.

There isn’t one “right” path.

The focus is on finding what supports you in a way that feels thoughtful, collaborative, and not overwhelming.

If You’re Unsure Where to Start

You don’t need to figure everything out before reaching out.

We can begin with what you’re noticing—and take the next steps together from there.

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions.

Sometimes it’s:

  • “Is therapy enough for what I’m experiencing?”

  • “Do I need medication?”

  • “Should I be assessed for something like ADHD?”

You don’t have to have those answers before starting.

Part of the work we do together can include figuring that out—at your pace, and in a way that feels supportive.

 FAQs

  • Psychotherapy Matters is a network that connects therapists, physicians, and psychiatrists to support more integrated care.

    If additional support feels helpful, this allows for a smoother referral process—so you don’t have to navigate it on your own.

  • No.

    As a Registered Psychotherapist, I do not prescribe medication or provide formal medical diagnoses.

    However, I can support you in understanding what you’re experiencing and connect you with appropriate professionals if needed.

  • If it feels relevant, we can talk through what you’re experiencing and whether a psychiatric consultation might be helpful.

    If you choose to move forward, I can connect you with services through Psychotherapy Matters or other appropriate providers.

    You are always in control of whether or not to pursue a referral.

  • Yes—in a supportive and collaborative way.

    If you’re wondering whether ADHD might be part of your experience, we can:

    • explore your patterns and challenges

    • talk through whether an assessment could be helpful

    • connect you with qualified professionals for formal assessment

  • If you decide to do an assessment, we fill out the paperwork together for you to bring to your doctor and your doctor does the referral. Then I book you in with a psychiatrist and I am with you for the appointment, so I can advocate for you and ask questions. Then a full diagnosis and medication recommendations are sent to your doctor.