Dr. Lauren Francis Forrest – Psychiatrist | Milton, ON

Dr. Lauren Francis Forrest 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 Hamilton General Hospital in Milton, 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. Dr. Forrest adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her patients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based care. Her practice is committed to fostering a supportive and respectful environment where patients can feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working towards recovery and well-being.

With a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada, Dr. Forrest has over 4 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since starting her practice in 2020. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and expertise in mental health care. Her clinical background is rooted in a thorough understanding of psychiatric conditions, diagnostic acumen, and personalized treatment planning to meet each patient's unique needs.

Dr. Forrest’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. She is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, aiming to support her patients' journey towards mental wellness. Fluent in English, she provides compassionate care to the Milton community, ensuring every patient feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their mental health journey.

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

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

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.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Lauren Forrest 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.

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

Hamilton General Hospital, situated in the Milton Central/North/East (Old Milton, Dempsey, Clarke, Beaty, Coates) neighborhood, offers easy access to mental health services. The practice is conveniently located within a larger healthcare setting accessible via Milton Transit, with nearby parking options including metered street parking and public lots. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. The practice's discreet location within Hamilton General Hospital ensures a welcoming atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health support, emphasizing confidentiality and respectful care. The setting, combined with its integration within a comprehensive hospital network, fosters a safe space for patients to address their mental health concerns with confidence and ease.

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

Do I need a referral to see Forrest, 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 Forrest 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 Forrest and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Forrest, 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 Forrest?

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

Does Forrest offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Forrest, 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 Forrest'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.

Hamilton General Hospital
McMaster Wing - 2nd Floor Room 263, 217 Main St E, Division of Infectious Diseases
Milton, ON L9T 1N9

Phone: (905) 693-4240 | Fax: (905) 693-0596

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

Dr. Forrest 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. Forrest 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/Forrest-Lauren-Francis/0303273-106991