Dr. Vhari Elizabeth James-Barnett – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Vhari Elizabeth James-Barnett is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at The Hospital for the Sick Children in Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based care. Her focus is on understanding the developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.

Dr. James-Barnett graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Dublin Trinity College in Ireland. She has over three years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, having been practicing in this specialty since 2021. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her comprehensive training and expertise in mental health care for youth. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. Dr. James-Barnett strives to create a safe, engaging, and supportive space for young people to explore their mental health challenges. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and community resources to develop personalized care plans that promote resilience and positive mental health trajectories. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, respectful, and accessible care to children and adolescents in Toronto, communicating fluently in English to ensure clear understanding and trust with her patients and their families.

Dr. Vhari James-Barnett provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

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.
• 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.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• 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.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

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

• 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.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality 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).
• School Consultation & Collaboration for Children with Psychiatric Needs: Liaising with schools and educational professionals to support the academic and social-emotional needs of children with psychiatric disorders.
• Early Intervention for Psychosis in Youth: Specialized programs for adolescents and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.

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

The Hospital for the Sick Children is situated in Toronto's Lawrenc e Park neighborhood, offering a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health services. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), and is located near the US Consulate. The building is wheelchair accessible, with the aim of providing a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are available nearby, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for families and young patients seeking care. The practice is part of a larger healthcare facility but maintains a specialized, standalone psychiatric service dedicated to youth mental health.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with James-Barnett, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like James-Barnett 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 James-Barnett's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see James-Barnett, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as James-Barnett 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like James-Barnett specialize in?

A Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, focusing on the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents. James-Barnett 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. James-Barnett 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. James-Barnett will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with James-Barnett?

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

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like James-Barnett and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like James-Barnett, 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 James-Barnett offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially James-Barnett, 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 James-Barnett'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.

The Hospital for the Sick Children
2075 Bayview Ave, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Phone: (902) 563-2007 | Fax: (902) 567-7918

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

Dr. James-Barnett is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. James-Barnett for child and adolescent psychiatric 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/JamesBarnett-Vhari-Elizabeth/0326592-117093