Psychiatrists are medical doctors that have specific training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. In order to become a psychiatrist, one has to complete medical school followed by a 5-year specialized training program in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are able to perform physical exams, order diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, brain scans), admit and discharge patients to and from the hospital, and fill out medical forms. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications as well as perform psychotherapy (“talking therapy”). Psychiatrists assume the overall responsibility for patient care.
At PEPP, the psychiatrists are responsible for:
- Conducting comprehensive assessment for establishing the diagnosis of first episode psychosis (excluding mood disorders) and lead team discussions about the suitability of new clients
- Encouraging client and family engagement in the program along with the assigned Case Manager
- Developing recommendations for treatments including the available anti-psychotic medications the efficacy of these drugs and their common side effects
- Utilizing the Mental Health and Health Care Consent Acts, as necessary
- Providing care for in-patient and out-patients treatment
- Leading and participating in psycho-education workshops for clients and families
- Supervising team members as required, including residents, medical students, outreach case managers, and other allied health professionals
- Participating in individual and program research, ongoing evaluation and program development
- Coordinating care with community providers
