Dr. Lucy Church Barker – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Lucy Church Barker 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 William Osler Health System 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. Dr. Barker adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. Her practice is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and confidential environment for all patients, emphasizing compassion and understanding in every interaction.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has over 6 years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2018. Dr. Barker is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development enable her to stay current with the latest evidence-based treatments and clinical guidelines in mental health care.

Dr. Barker’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education, and building a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She believes in providing individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Her approach emphasizes open communication, patient involvement in decision-making, and integrating evidence-based practices to promote recovery and well-being. She provides her services in English and is dedicated to supporting patients throughout their mental health journey in Toronto.

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

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Barker 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.

William Osler Health System is situated in Toronto's University of Toronto, Harbord neighbourhood, within a modern healthcare campus that provides specialized psychiatric services. The facility is conveniently located near Meridian Hall, accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with multiple transit options ensuring easy access. The area is equipped with metered street parking and nearby public lots, offering convenient options for patients arriving by car. The building is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing patient comfort and confidentiality, and is integrated within a larger hospital setting dedicated to comprehensive health services.

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

Do I need a referral to see Barker, 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 Barker 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 Barker?

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

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Barker?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Barker 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 psychiatrist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

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

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Barker, 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.

Does Barker offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Barker, 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 Barker'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. It is recommended to discuss your preferences and needs regarding psychotherapy during your appointment to determine the best approach for your care.

William Osler Health System
76 Grenville St, Brampton Civic Hospital
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

Phone: (416) 323-6230 | Fax: (416) 323-6356

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

Dr. Barker 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. Barker 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/Barker-Lucy-Church/0288684-101531