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TeleLink Mental Health Program
TeleLink specialists have a range of expertise on topics that include, but are not limited to:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Disruptive behaviour disorders
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Learning difficulties
- Attachment disorders
- Psychosis/thought disorders
- Transgender care
What we do: programs and services
Direct clinical consultation
A direct, one-time clinical consultation with a mental health specialist (psychiatrist, social worker, nurse practitioner, psychologist). The consultation is conducted with the child/youth and can include their family and clinical care provider(s). A clinical consultation can provide:
- Diagnostic clarification
- Treatment recommendations
- Medication review and recommendations for referring provider to prescribe
- Help prioritize treatment in complex cases
- Assist in managing safety and risk
A report will be sent to the referring provider 10 business days following the appointment. A follow-up appointment may be requested by the referring provider or mental health specialist.
We do not provide ongoing mental health care, counselling or medication prescriptions.
Professional-to-professional consultation
A consultation between a clinical care provider(s) and a mental health specialist (without the child/youth and their family present). This is an opportunity for a provider or interdisciplinary team (e.g., primary care team, etc.) to talk with the consulting specialist and may be useful when:
- Child/Family does not consent to a direct clinical consultation
- Child/Family does not show up for their appointment
- A follow-up to a direct clinical consultation where a provider may have questions about treatment recommendations
Program consultations
A capacity building service for clinical care providers to access expert mental health specialists to consult on clinically relevant cases and topics. Our specialist meets monthly with a designated group of providers to discuss clinical, program-wide and community issues. Topics discussed may include:
- Individual youth and their emotions/behaviours
- Diagnosis
- Case formulation and management
Submit a program consult request
Education sessions
- Requested education sessions can cover a wide range of clinical topics and can be delivered as a one-time session or presented as a short education series. Education sessions are tailored to the needs of the requesting agency and can be of an introductory or advanced level to meet the needs of the diversity of practitioners.
- Provincial education sessions are scheduled, provincial-wide webinars available to child and youth mental health providers throughout the academic year (new topic ~ every two weeks). For more information on our provincial sessions, please email telepsychiatry@sickkids.ca.
Benefits of TeleLink
- All clinical services are offered virtually using secure platforms (OTN, Zoom Healthcare), removing the need for travel
- Shorter wait list for specialist services compared to those in many local communities
- Bilingual services available in English and French, interpretation can be arranged for other languages at no cost
Eligibility
- Age 0-18 (up to 18th birthday)
- Presents with mental health concerns
Exclusion criteria
- Custody/access assessments
- Parenting capacity assessments
- Youth justice assessments for court purposes
- Immediate risk assessment (contact local Emergency Dept)
Referrals
Who can refer
Physicians and Nurse Practitioners within Ontario with an active OHIP billing number can refer. These can include:
- Physicians at a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic
- Nurse practitioners
- Paediatricians
How to refer
Referrals are only accepted online via eCHN and must be submitted by a primary care provider with an active OHIP billing number. TeleLink services children/youth living anywhere in Ontario.
Appointments for the Tele Mental Health Service typically last between 1 to 2 hours.
- Consent form with child/youth signature
- Referral package that includes details about current concerns, previous work done with the youth, and complete service provider information (service provider’s fax number must be included)
- All materials must be submitted through eCHN
When submitting a referral, please include all relevant documentation such as previous assessments (psychiatric, educational, speech/language, drug/alcohol, psychological), school records (IEP, interviews, report cards), youth justice court documents, and any pertinent medical information.
To ensure an effective consultation, we recommend limiting participants to the child/youth, their parent(s) or caregiver, and one primary care provider (if consent has been provided).
This is a one-time consult. Follow ups and second opinions can be requested in the eCHN portal.
The specialist may want to speak with everyone present in the meeting. They may ask questions about family history, birth history, medical history. They will ask many questions to get to know the client/family and their situation.
Contact us
General inquiries:
- Phone: 1-877-507-7301
- telepsychiatry.inquiries@sickkids.ca
Intake inquiries:
- Phone: 416-813-6503
- telepsychiatry@sickkids.ca