Dr. Sarah Candace Payne – Psychiatrist | Richmond Hill, ON

Dr. Sarah Candace Payne 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 a mental health clinic in Richmond Hill, 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 conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Her practice is committed to delivering confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University (Canada) and has accumulated over 4 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2020. Dr. Payne is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining high standards of practice and professionalism. Her certifications and ongoing education ensure she stays current with advances in mental health treatment and evidence-based approaches.

With a philosophy rooted in collaborative care, Dr. Payne emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes in building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, utilizing evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to each individual's needs. She provides care predominantly in English, dedicating herself to serving the Richmond Hill community with compassion and professionalism.

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

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.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
• 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. Sarah Payne 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

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

Located in the Central Richmond Hill area, Dr. Payne's practice is situated within a modern mental health clinic in the Mill Pond neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible from Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park and Elgin Mills Crossing Shopping Centre, with public transit options via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The practice offers a welcoming and discreet environment, ensuring patient privacy and comfort. The location is wheelchair accessible and provides ample parking, including metered street parking and nearby public lots. The setting is designed to be welcoming, private, and easily accessible to facilitate a positive experience for all patients seeking mental health care.

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

Do I need a referral to see Payne, 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 Payne 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.

Does Payne offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Payne, 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 Payne'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.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Payne?

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

What does a Psychiatrist like Payne 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. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Payne 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.

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

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

10 Trench St
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3

Phone: (905) 883-1212 | Fax: (905) 883-2241

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

Dr. Payne 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. Payne 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/Payne-Sarah-Candace/0302554-106279