Dr. Adriana Schawz Carvalhal – Psychiatrist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Adriana Schawz Carvalhal is a dedicated Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at Mackenzie Health in Scarborough, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and effective mental health care. Dr. Carvalhal is committed to fostering a compassionate and respectful environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Carvalhal graduated with a Medical Degree from Fundacao Universidade Federal De Pelotas in Brazil. She has over 16 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, having been practicing since 2008. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist in Psychiatry by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and clinical experience enable her to address a broad spectrum of mental health conditions with expertise and dedication.

Guided by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Carvalhal believes in empowering her patients through education and understanding. She emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches and strives to build a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. Fluent in both Portuguese and English, she is able to effectively communicate with a diverse range of patients in Scarborough, ensuring that language is not a barrier to quality mental health care. Her commitment is to provide personalized, compassionate support to help her patients achieve improved mental health and overall well-being.

Dr. Adriana Carvalhal provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.

Personality Disorders

• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Adriana Carvalhal for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Crisis Intervention & Urgent Psychiatric Assessment (in appropriate settings): Providing rapid assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, acute psychosis, or severe agitation, typically in emergency departments or crisis clinics.
• Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
• Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
• Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Carvalhal for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Mackenzie Health, located in Scarborough, ON, serves the community in areas near central Scarborough. The facility is situated within a prominent healthcare campus close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The practice is housed within a dedicated psychiatric service at Mackenzie Health, designed to provide a discreet and welcoming atmosphere for all patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to ensure convenience for every visitor. The practice prioritizes accessibility, confidentiality, and patient comfort to foster a trusting environment for mental health care.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Carvalhal, a Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Carvalhal are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Carvalhal's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Carvalhal, a Psychiatrist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Psychiatrist such as Carvalhal for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Carvalhal?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Carvalhal will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Carvalhal or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Carvalhal, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Carvalhal can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

Does Carvalhal offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Carvalhal, are trained in various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and may offer it as part of their treatment approach, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with medication. The specific types of psychotherapy offered can vary (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy). It's best to inquire directly with Carvalhal's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Carvalhal and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Carvalhal, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Carvalhal?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Carvalhal, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Carvalhal can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

Mackenzie Health
3050 Lawrence Ave W, Richmond Hill Hospital
Scarborough, ON M1E 4B9

Phone: (416) 431-8101 | Fax: (416) 431-8259

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.

Dr. Carvalhal is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Carvalhal for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Carvalhal-Adriana-Schawz/0208390-80368