What is Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration (PMVC)?
Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration (PMVC) works by bringing your therapist, family doctor, and psychiatrist together as a collaborative team in order to provide you more effective and timely mental health care.
You are reading this because you and your therapist are exploring a psychiatric assessment. In Ontario, this starts with a referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner. After that, you’ll meet with a psychiatrist through the secure PMVC platform.
Three simple steps to get referred to PMVC:
If you both agree that a psychiatric assessment could help, your therapist will provide you with a referral form to Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration
Take the referral form to your primary care provider, who will complete the referral. Once complete, you’ll be matched with a PMVC psychiatrist.
You’ll be matched with a PMVC psychiatrist, and your therapist will set up the assessment appointment.
PMVC means more integrated mental health care
Psychotherapy Matters is an independent Canadian platform that brings your therapist, psychiatrist, and family doctor together as a team focused on your care. Because your therapist is a PMVC member, they’re involved in every step—even during your psychiatric assessment. This means less waiting, fewer appointments, and better communication, so you feel supported every step of the way.
Some frequently asked questions about how PMVC works:
How long will it take to get an appointment with a psychiatrist?
It can vary, but most appointments are scheduled in less than four weeks.
Where will the appointment with the psychiatrist take place?
The appointment with the psychiatrist will take place online, through a secure video platform. You can decide if you’d like to be in person at your therapist’s office, or at your own home for the appointment. Talk to your therapist about which would be the most comfortable for you.
Your therapist will also be with you throughout the session. They’ll provide the psychiatrist with any context they need, and support you during the assessment.
What happens after the appointment?
You, your therapist, and the psychiatrist will develop the care plan and the next steps. Your family doctor will be kept in the loop and provide guidance as needed. You and your therapist continue working together and follow the care plan.
What happens if more consultations are needed?
PMVC psychiatrists are available for any follow-up consultations as needed.
Your therapist has committed to:
- Being your dedicated individual therapist. They have already been meeting with you, completed an assessment, and established a working relationship.
- Staying present and engaged for the full psychiatric assessment session—whether in person or virtual.
- Supporting the psychiatrist by sharing key clinical background and insights.
- Helping you understand any recommendations, including options for psychotherapy, medications or other investigations.
- Following up with you after the assessment and continuing your psychotherapy care.
- Explaining that psychiatrist fees are fully covered by OHIP.
The psychiatrist has committed to:
- Providing a psychiatric assessment to support your care by offering expert advice to you, your therapist, and your family doctor or nurse practitioner. The psychiatrist serves as a consultant and does not take over your care.
- Being accessible for follow-up consultations, coordinated by your therapist but ongoing care remains with your therapist and family doctor or nurse practitioner.
- Focusing solely on clinical recommendations and treatment planning. The psychiatrist will not complete forms for legal, insurance, or other third-party purposes.
- Offering medication guidance but without prescribing directly. Any prescriptions will be managed by your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Your primary care provider has committed to:
- Considering the psychiatrist’s recommendations and, when appropriate, prescribing medications or ordering tests.
- Communicating with your therapist and psychiatrist as needed to support your care plan.
- Continuing to manage any medical conditions or concerns beyond the scope of the psychiatric consultation.