About
Dr. Amy Janice Colbourne 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 Mount Sinai Family Health Team in Peterborough, 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 safe, ethical, and effective mental health care. The environment is designed to be welcoming, confidential, and respectful, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
Dr. Colbourne earned her Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine in Canada. She has over 6 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, having practiced since 2018. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of psychiatry. Her training and experience enable her to address a broad spectrum of mental health issues with a nuanced and individualized approach.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and adherence to evidence-based treatment strategies. Dr. Colbourne is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and effective mental health care. She provides services primarily in English and is committed to serving the community of Peterborough with compassion and professionalism.
Dr. Amy Colbourne provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
- 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
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Amy Colbourne for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Colbourne 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.
Mount Sinai Family Health Team is situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood, within a vibrant and accessible community hub. The practice is conveniently located near Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Peterborough Square Mall, making it easily reachable by public transit, with Peterborough Transit providing regular service. 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 accommodate patients with mobility needs. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring confidentiality and ease of access for everyone seeking mental health support. It is integrated within a broader healthcare setting, offering specialized psychiatric services within the Mount Sinai Family Health Team, dedicated to serving the mental health needs of the Peterborough community.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Colbourne, 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 Colbourne 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 Colbourne's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Colbourne, 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 Colbourne 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Colbourne and her team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Colbourne will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Colbourne?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Colbourne will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Colbourne or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Colbourne, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Colbourne can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Colbourne offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Colbourne, 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 Colbourne'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 Colbourne and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Colbourne, 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.
Mount Sinai Family Health Team
4th Floor, 1 Hospital Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 7C6
Phone: (705) 743-2121
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Colbourne 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. Colbourne 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/Colbourne-Amy-Janice/0280677-98335