The Utilization of Physician Services for Mental Health in Ontario

As the mental health care system shifts from an institutional to community-based model of care, a lack of focus on the second largest sector of care delivery has become evident. This report analyzes the evolving role of fee-for-service physicians, particularly of family physicians and psychiatrists, in the provision of mental health care.

The report compares data on mental health care from 1992/93 and 1997/98 and looks at regional spending patterns, the extent and nature of ‘shadow’ care, recipients of mental health care by general practitioner, psychiatrist or both, frequent users and types of services received, and changes over time.