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Talk to a mental health physician online in Canada. Book your appointment today.

Mental health physicians are general practitioners who can diagnose and manage common conditions like depression, and anxiety, as well as provide online prescriptions, if necessary.

This service is currently available in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec

A young woman suffering from anxiety and depression looking out the window during winter

Seeing a mental health physician on Maple is easy

First, book an appointment

Looking for mental health practitioners accepting new patients online in Canada? Log in to your Maple account, and select “Mental Health Physician” from the menu of specialists. Next, choose a date and time that works for you.

Speak with a mental health physician for an initial assessment or follow-up.

Next, you’ll be matched with a mental health physician

Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll be prompted to upload any relevant health information, including medications, allergies, and surgeries.

If a mental health physician isn’t able to help based on the details of your request, they’ll let you know in advance and you won’t be charged. Otherwise, your appointment will start at the scheduled time.

Begin your appointment

Log into your Maple account at the scheduled appointment start time. Assessments will be conducted over video.

Depending on your situation, counselling, psychotherapies, and medication can all be effective treatments. A mental health physician will work with you and consider your individual profile when deciding which treatment approach is best.

Get support for ADHD on Maple

Get online support for ADHD symptoms with a comprehensive assessment, treatment, and management plan by a mental health physician, from the comfort of home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a mental health therapist and a mental health physician?

A mental health therapist (clinical psychologist, social worker, or other mental health professional) uses psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to facilitate personal change through self-knowledge, emotional acceptance, and growth. A mental health physician is a general practitioner trained in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions, and can provide prescription medication, if necessary.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a mental health physician?

Both a psychiatrist and mental health physician are medical doctors. A psychiatrist completes additional training to obtain a specialization in psychiatry, which includes specific education in preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental conditions. A mental health physician is a general practitioner who is trained in family medicine with a focus on specific mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, OCD, and depression, while also providing an overall view of your health.

Which mental health conditions can a mental health physician treat virtually?

This kind of physician can diagnose and treat conditions including but not limited to:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Acute adjustment disorders
  • OCD
  • Panic disorder
  • Depression
  • Social Phobia
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Chronic Dysthymia
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disease
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Acute Stress Disorder
  • Binge Eating Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Insomnia
  • Panic Attacks
Which mental health conditions cannot be treated by a mental health physician virtually?

This kind of physician cannot diagnose and treat the following conditions virtually: 

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Schizophrenia Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Substance Use Disorder
When should you seek professional mental health support?

It’s normal to feel stressed out or depressed from time to time, but generally, it’s a good idea to seek help if your mood is disrupted for two weeks or more, or if your mood prevents you from fulfilling routine responsibilities.

Can online therapists prescribe medication?

A mental health therapist cannot prescribe medication, but you can get prescriptions from a mental health physician if they deem it necessary.

What kind of medication can be prescribed by a mental health physician in Canada?

A mental health physician is able to prescribe medication that is pertinent to the condition at hand.

Some of the most common medications for mental health issues are:

  • Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. Elavil
  • Atypical antidepressants, e.g. bupropion (Wellbutrin)
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), e.g. escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac),
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), e.g. duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Other medications like trazorel (Trazodone), a serotonin modulator that enhances antidepressant effects
What causes mental health problems?

Mental health problems can have a wide range of causes. Research shows that some mental illnesses are based on your unique brain chemistry, and some are hereditary. Prolonged exposure to difficult, stressful or traumatic situations can also result in mental health problems.

Can I get an assessment without video chat?

Yes, you can. Along with video, audio chat is available for the purpose of your medical assessment and an accurate diagnosis.

Can I see the same mental health physician after my initial assessment?

Yes, you’ll be able to speak with the same physician for a follow-up appointment if you’d like extra mental health guidance.

Do I need a referral to see a mental health physician in Canada?

No, you do not need a referral to see one in Canada. You can access one on Maple right from this page.

Do mental health physicians on Maple accept insurance?

If you have private insurance, you may be eligible for coverage depending on your plan. Please check directly with your insurer.

Do you need mental health support?

Talk to a mental health physician online in Canada. Book an appointment and get support for conditions like depression, and anxiety today.

A young man that could be dealing with mental health issues