Attending a Psychiatric Assessment | Mindsense Psychiatry

Why You’ve Been Referred

You’ve been referred to MindSense for an independent medical examination (IME) by one of our experts. Our role is to provide an objective, trauma-informed assessment based on your history and our findings. We do not offer treatment or ongoing care - that remains the role of your treating medical team. After your assessment, a written report will be sent to the person or organization that referred you. Your consent will always be requested before the assessment begins. At MindSense, we understand this process can feel unfamiliar. Our priority is to make your experience as respectful, clear, and supportive as possible.

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What to Expect

Duration

Depends on the specialist you are being referred to however, appointments usually take 1-2 hours.

Assessment Options

MindSense assessments are conducted in a face-to-face setting, via telehealth, in your own home or an office organized for you to attend.

Preparation

The consultant will ask questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your history, trauma, condition, and current circumstances.

What to Consider

Support Person

You can have a support person present. Not everyone is appropriate to act as a support person during your assessment - they are not allowed to engage with the MindSense consultant on your behalf.

Consider if the person supporting you is aware of your history, and whether or not you believe it may be more challenging to talk to the consultant if a person close to you is present.

Telehealth Considerations

Video assessments can be conducted as long as you are situated in a private, quiet room with a good internet connection.

Please make sure you complete the test call to avoid any technical problems on the day of your assessment.

Accommodations

If you have specific needs that may help reduce distress during your assessment, we encourage you to speak with your legal representative or referrer in advance.

While not all accommodations can be guaranteed, MindSense is committed to making the process as comfortable and respectful as possible.

Aftercare

It is important that your health practitioner is aware of the assessment prior to it taking place. After the assessment, you may experience a range of emotions. Having a plan of who you may talk to (family, friend, GP, psychiatrist, psychologist) is worthwhile. Some people may plan to meet with someone afterwards if they anticipate they will be distressed.

If you do not have a support person to speak with following the assessment and need help finding support please notify the MindSense team.

Additional Resources

Download our Client Information Sheet Here for more information.

We are here to support you through this process.

For more information, email info@mindsensepsychiatry.ca or call 1 (833) 995-6565.

Helpline Numbers

Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 9-8-8

For First Nations, Inuit, Métis People
1-855-242-3310 (toll-free)

Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)

For additional resources visit the Government of Canada website.

How long will the assessment take?

Typically, one to two hours.

Is this about treatment?

No. Treatment is always provided by your GP and other services.

Can you tell me what the report will say?

No, not at the interview, but the report will usually be available to you from the referrer. We advise that it may be best to read the report for the first time along with a member of your treating team such as your GP, psychologist or psychiatrist.

Is it confidential?

Unlike when you see someone for treatment, this letter is being released to a third party (the referrer). The report may then go to further parties at the direction of your solicitor. Any questions regarding this should be directed to the person who has made the referral. We will only release the report to the referrer, unless we have your consent to release it to any other third party.

What if I don’t want to speak about something?

The consultant will ask many questions that are broad and relevant for the assessment.

If there is something you do not want to talk about with the consultant, you are encouraged to talk to your lawyer prior to the assessment to express your concerns. It is important to be open about your history so the assessment is thorough. You will be given the opportunity to take short breaks (5-10 minutes) if needed.

What are my rights during the IME process?

Yes, absolutely. MindSense is committed to ensuring that the rights of examinee’s are transparent and upheld. Examinee’s have:

Right to Dignity and Respect
Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Right to Informed Consent
Right to Be Free from Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Retaliation
Right to Participate in Decisions Affecting Them
Right to Understand the Assessment Process
Right to File a Complaint or Grievance
Right to Accessibility and Accommodation
Right to Cultural and Personal Considerations
Right to Safety

Attending a MindSense Assessment