Family doctors manage much of Canada’s mental health burden: depression, generalized anxiety, panic, insomnia, ADHD, and substance-related concerns. We use validated screening when helpful, discuss therapy first-line for many conditions (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), and prescribe medications when appropriate with follow-up for efficacy and side effects. For self-help orientation, CAMH publishes trustworthy public information; crisis care is not outpatient—if you are unsafe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Canada’s nationwide suicide crisis line is 988 (talk/text).
Complex psychosis, severe eating disorders, or acute mania typically need psychiatry— we facilitate referral.
What This Service Includes
Screening
PHQ-9, GAD-7, or other tools—not labels alone.
Therapy referrals
CBT, DBT-informed programs, EAP, or community counselling where available.
Med management
Start low, go slow, monitor interactions (e.g., QT, bleeding risk).
What to Expect
Listen
Safety check: suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance use, domestic violence.
Plan
Diagnosis discussion, therapy vs meds, work/school notes if appropriate.
Follow-up
Early follow-up after starting or changing medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—protected health information rules apply; rare legal exceptions (imminent harm) are explained if they arise.
911 or your nearest ER for immediate danger; call/text 988 for suicide crisis support in Canada.
For ADHD when diagnosis is supported by history, collateral information, and monitoring—including cardiovascular risk and misuse potential.
We prioritize safer long-term strategies for anxiety/insomnia; if benzodiazepines are used, we discuss dependence, falls, and taper plans.