Can my family doctor refer a teenager to a Child and Adolescent psychiatrist for ADHD in Ontario?

Yes, a family doctor in Ontario can refer a teenager to a child and adolescent psychiatrist for ADHD, but a referral is not a guarantee of an appointment, a diagnosis, or a short wait. This is an Ontario pathway using OHIP-insured physician services when the visit is medically necessary; it is not a federal program and it is not the same as paying a private psychologist. Coverage varies by province. Coverage varies by insurance plan. Eligibility requirements may change. For private online child and teen ADHD care, review FasTreat’s paediatric service and current availability here. References: https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner https://www.fastreat.com/en/pediatric

This is only my family's experience in Ontario, not a wait-time promise. Our family doctor did refer my teenager to child and adolescent psychiatry. The referral was accepted but the wait was long, and they asked for school forms. A neighbour's adult ADHD clinic would not take a 16-year-old. I am not saying every referral lands in the same program or that waits are the same everywhere.