Dr. Corine Elizabeth Carlisle – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Corine Elizabeth Carlisle 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 Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus in Toronto, 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 and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring patients receive safe and effective care.

Dr. Carlisle earned her Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in Canada. With over 22 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2002, she has developed a broad expertise in managing complex mental health conditions. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and commitment to professional excellence.

Her clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. Dr. Carlisle is dedicated to applying evidence-based treatment approaches within a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She provides care exclusively in English to serve her Toronto community, ensuring clear communication and personalized attention for each patient.

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

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.

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.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
• 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.

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

Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus is situated in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood, an accessible and vibrant area known for its medical and academic institutions. The facility is located within a larger healthcare complex, providing a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health services. The practice is easily accessible via public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), making it convenient for patients from various parts of Toronto. The location is wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure a comfortable and private experience for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct access to the building, offering ease of access for those arriving by car. The setting aims to foster a calm and confidential atmosphere, emphasizing patient comfort and privacy.

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

Do I need a referral to see Carlisle, 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 Carlisle 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 can I prepare for my first appointment with Carlisle?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Carlisle, 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 Carlisle can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

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

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Carlisle, 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Carlisle?

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

Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus
4th Floor, 790 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5G 1N8

Phone: (416) 901-4352 | Fax: (416) 901-4392

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

Dr. Carlisle 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. Carlisle 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/Carlisle-Corine-Elizabeth/0143345-71232