FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book an appointment to see a psychiatrist?
You need to ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to send us a referral through electronic fax. Once we receive the referral, we will contact you and invite you to book an appointment through this website. You can then click the book an appointment button on the top right corner and complete the process.
Do I have to pay for the consultation?
If you are enrolled in the BC medical services plan and you have a patient health care number, the visit is completely free.
How many times will I see the psychiatrist and for how long?
Your consultation with the psychiatrist may last up to 45 minutes or an hour. The purpose of the consultation is to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan for your referring provider to follow. You will see the psychiatrist one time, but if there is need to clarify some details you may be seen a second time. There will no follow up care from our psychiatrists.
What if I need to start medications or I have side effects?
If you need to start medications, the psychiatrist will explain to you and your provider how to start the medications and what to do if you have side effects. Your referring provider will continue to have access to the psychiatrist after the consultation is completed. This is to ensure continuity of care and support primary care providers in managing mental health patients in the community.
Do I need to use a computer to attend the appointment?
You can use any device that is connected to the internet. That includes your phone, laptop, tablet or desktop. You will need a device with a camera to enable the video function. It is important for our psychiatrist to see your face in order to conduct a proper mental state examination.
How can I see a counsellor?
You can consult our list of counsellors and choose who you want to see. Our participating counsellors will have access to our psychiatrist for advise and support on your treatment but will not be able to refer you to our psychiatrist. The therapeutic relationship with a counsellor is strictly between you and your counsellor.
Do I have to pay to see a counsellor?
Yes. You will need to pay the counsellor out of pocket or through your private insurance or extended care coverage.
I want to apply for Person with Disability designation, will your psychiatrist fill my form?
No, the psychiatrist will not complete Person with Disability application forms or disability tax credit forms.
Will the psychiatrist renew my prescriptions?
No, the psychiatrist will not renew your prescriptions. Your primary care provider or family doctor will start your prescription and renew as necessary.
What if I want to see the psychiatrist again?
You will have to wait for six months after your initial referral before you can see the psychiatrist again. If you want another consultation, your family doctor or nurse practitioner will have to refer you.
Can I see the psychiatrist after hours or on weekends?
When you book your appointment you will have the option of selecting the time or dates that is most suitable for you depending on the availability of the psychiatrist.
Is my consultation confidential ?
Yes. Your consultation is confidential and your health information is protected under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Privacy Act of Canada.
I don't live in British Columbia, how can I see a psychiatrist?
At the moment we are focusing on patients living in BC and their providers in BC. In the future we will extend the coverage of the site to other provinces.
How many psychiatrists are available on the site?
We are reaching out to psychiatrists in the province and will be expanding our reach to other provinces in the near future.
Will there be other specialists on the site?
We are hoping to provide access to other specialists in the future but this is not available at the moment. We can only provide access to psychiatrists at the moment.