Dr. Jane Browning Evans – Psychiatrist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Jane Browning Evans 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 Credit Valley Hospital in Ottawa, 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 is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Evans graduated with a Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine (Canada). With over 32 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1992, she has developed extensive expertise in mental health care. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics in Ontario.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Evans is dedicated to providing personalized care in Ottawa, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She provides care in English and is committed to supporting her patients' mental health journeys with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Jane Evans 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.
• Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• 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.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
• 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).

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Jane Evans 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• 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. Evans 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.

Credit Valley Hospital is situated in Ottawa's vibrant Centretown South (Golden Triangle) neighborhood, offering convenient access for patients. The facility is located near Chinatown Gateway and Little Italy, providing a culturally rich environment. Easily accessible via OC Transpo, including O-Train LRT and bus routes, the location is well-connected and designed to accommodate public transit users. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring convenient parking options. The setting fosters a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, integrated within a larger healthcare facility, or as a specialized standalone psychiatric service within the hospital, dedicated to mental health care.

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

Do I need a referral to see Evans, 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 Evans 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 does a Psychiatrist like Evans 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. Evans 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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Evans 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. Evans 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 Evans?

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

Does Evans offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Evans, 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 Evans'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.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Evans?

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

Credit Valley Hospital
201-125 Somerset St W
Ottawa, ON K2P 0H7

Phone: (613) 230-0586 | Fax: (855) 930-3659

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

Dr. Evans 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. Evans 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/Evans-Jane-Browning/0040170-54146