Introducing
Psychotherapy Matters
Virtual Collaboration
(PMVC)
A shared-care approach that brings your therapist, family doctor, and psychiatrist together—focused on your care.
- PMVC is an independent Canadian platform that connects your therapist with family doctors and psychiatrists.
- Because your therapist is a PMVC member, they remain closely involved in every step of the process, including the psychiatric assessment session itself.
- Our shared-care model improves communication, avoids fragmentation, and puts your goals at the centre of treatment. We believe mental health care works best when professionals collaborate—not in silos, but as a team focused on your well-being.
Just 3 simple steps…
Step 1:
See your therapist
If you and your therapist agree that a psychiatric assessment could help, they’ll provide you with a referral form and explain everything.
Step 2:
Request a referral
You’ll take the form to your family doctor or nurse practitioner, who completes the referral to PMVC.
Step 3:
Meet your team
Once your referral is received, we’ll schedule a psychiatric assessment session, where you will meet with your therapist and the psychiatrist together.
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 family doctor or nurse practitioner 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.
Questions?
Ask your therapist.
We’re here to support you—together.