Putting Together your Mental Healthcare Team: A Quick Guide
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Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult. If you’re struggling with your ability to focus or reach out, the challenge of finding an effective healthcare team may feel like too much.
Let me break it down for you so that you can take the first steps to assembling your team. I support all of my clients in finding their dream team, and you can message to work with me here.
For those of you who want to get started yourself, read on. Note that this article pertains to outpatient care within Ontario, Canada.
Members of your Mental Healthcare Team:
Medical Doctor: General Practitioner (GP)
Your GP is and always will be your starting point with your health concerns in Ontario. While Naturopathic Doctors (like myself) are highly trained in diagnostics and know when to suggest you go to the emergency or see your family doctor, your GP is able to refer you to specialists.
GPs are the hub of the conventional medical system. They can get you on a list for OHIP-subsidized therapy, refer you to a psychiatrist, refer you to other publicly funded programs like group programs, and aid with applications for accessibility services or WSIB. GPs may also prescribe treatment themselves if they believe they can diagnose and manage your condition.
I recommend all of my clients have a family doctor (aka GP) because it is much more difficult to access the healthcare system and advocate for your rights as a patient without one. I used Health Care Connect to find my GP. If you’re in Ontario and looking for a GP, follow the instructions on their site here.
*Note: Nurse Practitioners (NP) may also serve as your primary provider in Ontario and can also refer to specialists and prescribe medication.
$ = Free (OHIP-covered)
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Medical Doctor: Psychiatrist
If your primary care provider (GP or NP) thinks that you need more expert evaluation or medical management you will receive a referral to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that have completed four extra years of training in mental health. They may also be able to recommend different types of therapy, but usually they are focussed on fine-tuning your pharmaceuticals (meds).
$ = Free (OHIP-covered) usually your time is limited
Therapist
You may have heard me say “I think everyone should have a therapist” and I’ll say it again! I think everyone should have a therapist. While Medical and Naturopathic Doctors may help ease your overwhelm and search for any physical cause of your symptoms, therapists help you uncover and solve why you feel the way you do from a mental and emotional level. Therapists can also help you discover your most authentic self and slowly but surely become that person.
There are many types of therapy - you can review this article on a few of them here. In my opinion, the most important part of choosing a therapist is the fit- both the style of therapy and the individual should suit your healing process. It is possible that one therapist may help your for a time then a different therapist will be needed you grow and your problems change.
You don’t have to like your therapist, but you have to trust them. I know a number of therapists to refer to based on whom I think would fit each individual client best. It’s always a good idea to ask for a short phone call to get a feel for what it’s like to work with them before your first appointment as well.
$ = 100-300/hour; some are OHIP-covered if referred by your MD; covered by most extended benefits.
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Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
As a Naturopathic Doctor serving clients with mental health struggles, my primary goal is to help reduce their overwhelm and clear brain-fog so that they are able to engage in therapy and their life! When you feel deeply depressed, anxious, manic or scattered, it is difficult to focus on therapy and follow through with your goals. Medications can help with these feelings, but certain medications can also worsen brain-fog and energy. Whether or not my clients are on medications, I offer research-based natural treatments that are safe and effective.
Unlike a supplement sales person, Naturopathic Doctors take the time to understand your health history and verify that none of our suggested treatments interact with any of your medications or allergies. I also frequently correspond to the other members of my clients’ care teams to keep them informed of our work together.
Another aspect of Naturopathic care that I value is the wholistic system of health. After an hour-long intake and possible lab tests, I am able to determine if my clients’ symptoms are due to a hormonal imbalance, thyroid conditions, nutrient deficiencies or other organic cause.
I also aim to alleviate physical pain, improve sleep and balance energy so that my clients may engage in life and feel like themselves again.
Note: ND’s cannot prescribe or de-prescribe psychiatric medication in Ontario.
$ = 100-300/hour; covered by most extended health benefits. HST Exempt
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are undervalued members of the healthcare team in my opinion. If you are on medication, I highly suggest getting to know your local pharmacist. They can tell you everything you want to know about side effects, what not to take with your medication, and they may be helpful to you when you start to taper-off. I suggest getting to know one or two pharmacists and inquiring if you can ask them questions over the phone since most pharmacies are not built for confidential discussions.
$ = Free (OHIP-covered)
Nutritionist or Dietitian
Add a nutritionist if you require a detailed and personalized diet plan. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am skilled in selecting which diet may be best for you based on your symptoms and test results, but a Nutritionist may provide weekly plans and recipes.
Nutritionists cannot order lab tests and do have extensive training on how to differentiate your condition from all of the possibilities (like a Medical or Naturopathic Doctor). They are, however, experts in how to successfully stick to different diets accounting for your tastes, budget, allergies and cooking skills!
$ = $60-200/hour; Holistic nutritionists are not covered by extended health benefits, but Dieticians often are (Dieticians are regulated healthcare providers).
Health Coach
Health coaches are experts in helping you set goals and stick to them. If the goals your Naturopathic Doctor and your therapist set with you sound amazing but never actually get done-you may want a health coach. This is not a regulated profession under the Regulated Professions Act (RPA), but there are certifications such as the Health Coach Alliance (HCA).
$ = 30-300/hour; Usually not covered by extended health benefits.
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Other Providers
In the end, your healthcare team can be as unique as you are! Your general practitioner (GP) can quarterback your conventional team, while a Naturopath is perfect to organize your complementary practitioners.
Most providers offer a free 15 minute phone call to determine if you would be a good fit. Make sure you ask them if they are knowledgeable in with your conditions and how much time and money will be needed to achieve results.
Speaking with your Priest, Rabbi, or other spiritual advisor is an excellent idea. We often neglect our spiritual wellbeing. If you experience pain the following are well worth considering: Registered Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to any of these regulated healthcare practitioners, though sometimes referrals are required by your insurance provider.
The Bottom Line
If you struggle with a mental health condition or hope to prevent one from recurring, starting with a family doctor (GP) and a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is a great start. The relationships you form with your care team will help you keep accountable to your goals and support you in times of crisis. It’s not easy to share your pain with others, but I find it is often necessary if you want to heal that pain.
If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to work with me, please contact me here or message me on Instagram @dr.joy.nd .
Also, if there are any other practitioners that have helped you with your mental health journey, I would love to hear about it!
In Health,
