Description
About Dr. Carmen Elizabeth Wiebe
Dr. Carmen Elizabeth Wiebe 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 Southlake Regional Health Centre in Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). 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. Patients can trust in her commitment to delivering personalized and compassionate mental health services in a confidential setting.
Dr. Wiebe graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada. She has accumulated over 22 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, practicing since 2002. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and adherence to rigorous professional standards in psychiatry.
Her clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. Dr. Wiebe is dedicated to evidence-based treatment approaches and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She provides care in English and is committed to supporting her patients in Toronto through compassionate, respectful, and effective mental health treatment tailored to individual needs.
Common Conditions Dr. Carmen Wiebe Addresses
Dr. Carmen Wiebe provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- 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.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
Mood Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.
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).
- Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to 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. Carmen Wiebe for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Carmen Elizabeth Wiebe
- 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.
- Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Wiebe 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Southlake Regional Health Centre is situated in Toronto's Little Portugal, Trinity neighborhood, offering convenient access from the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) and Toronto Police HQ. The facility is well-connected by public transit, including TTC services such as the Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes. The location is designed to be discreet and welcoming, with the facility being wheelchair accessible and providing a comfortable, private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct building access, ensuring ease of access for patients attending appointments. The practice is a specialized psychiatric service within a larger healthcare setting, dedicated to providing confidential and respectful mental health care in a calm and supportive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Wiebe, 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 Wiebe 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 Wiebe's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Wiebe, 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 Wiebe 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 Wiebe and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Wiebe, 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.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Wiebe specialize in?
- A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialized training in psychiatry, which is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Wiebe is trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can provide a range of treatments including psychotherapy, medications, and sometimes other interventions like ECT or rTMS.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Wiebe?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Wiebe is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Wiebe 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. Wiebe will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
Contact & Licensing Information
Southlake Regional Health Centre
60 White Squirrel Way
Toronto, ON M6J 1H4
Phone: (416) 535-8501 | Fax: (416) 595-6399
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Wiebe 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. Wiebe 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/Wiebe-Carmen-Elizabeth/0143351-71463