Children’s Psychiatry Clinic

Download: Psychiatric Consultation Request referral form

Eligibility

Individuals aged 1-17 years who meet the following criteria:

A) Diagnosis of an intellectual disability confirmed by a psychologist OR diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder confirmed by a physician or psychologist.

B) Complex needs profile, characterized by at least one of the following:

      • Current or recent escalation in challenging or disruptive behaviours (e.g., aggression, self-injury, inappropriate sexual behaviour, violent thinking, etc.)
      • Current or recent escalation in symptoms related to a diagnosed mental health condition (e.g. anxiety, mood disturbance, psychosis) and/or a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
C) Consultation with a family physician, pediatrician or psychiatrist for diagnostic clarification or treatment planning.
D) Client, family and/or clinical team have the impression that consideration of medication support is needed.

Scope of Clinic

Once eligibility is confirmed and the referral is accepted, referral documentation is required including previous psychological assessment, psychiatric and/or pediatrician consultation notes.

Psychiatry will operate in a consultative model with a case-by-case determination of the appropriate length of treatment and follow-up. Generally, the goal of treatment would be to facilitate clinical stability as assessed by the psychiatrist with a clear plan on next steps to support primary care colleagues. This would typically involve discharging the client back to the family doctor after a period of approximately 6 months.

Discharge from Children’s Psychiatry Clinic

Clients and/or their families will be informed of an approaching discharge decision and rationale for this. Discharging back to the care of the primary care provider will occur with recommendations for the next steps and will occur when the psychiatrist has the impression that the patient is stable and appropriate for primary care management. This decision will be on a case-by-case basis given that stability determination is individually specific and a clinical decision.

Referrals

Referrals are accepted from physicians or nurse practitioners, using the attached Psychiatric Consultation Request form.
Referral decisions will follow a first-come, first-served system generally. Complex and more urgent referrals will be prioritized, based upon the judgement with a monthly multi-disciplinary team meeting to support the triaging process. On average, there is a 6 month wait for non-urgent referrals.

For further information or to inquire about referring to the Children’s Psychiatry Clinic, please contact 519-741-1121 ext. 2220.