Dr. Carla Susana Garcia

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

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
• Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

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

• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• 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.
• Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnostic Evaluation: In-depth clinical interview to assess mental health status, including review of psychiatric and medical history, family history, psychosocial factors, symptom patterns, and formulation of a multiaxial diagnosis according to DSM/ICD criteria.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Garcia 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.

The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre is situated in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor, also known as the Discovery District, an area renowned for its medical and research institutions. The facility is conveniently located near Osgoode Hall and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The practice environment is designed to be discreet and welcoming, ensuring patient comfort and privacy. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct building access, allowing for easy access for those arriving by car. This setting provides a professional yet welcoming atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health care within a larger healthcare context.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Garcia, 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 Garcia 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 Garcia's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Garcia, 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 Garcia 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Garcia and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Garcia, 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Garcia 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. Garcia will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

Does Garcia offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Garcia, 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 Garcia'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.

The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre
200 Elizabeth Street, Box 912
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-3387 | Fax: (416) 340-4198

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

Dr. Garcia 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. Garcia 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/Garcia-Carla-Susana/0169093-74966