SERVICES

Assessments place significant value in the athlete’s role and status in their sport(s) at that time, and treatment plans are made with special emphasis on consideration and incorporation of training and competition (as appropriate) into their wellness and recovery. Assessment and treatment plans can involve individuals or groups/teams. Individuals and teams may also seek treatment in the form of developing strategies to enhance their performance and reach competition goals.

Treatment plans and further investigations may include medical investigations, imaging, psychotherapy, and medication management. Medication management is selected as a treatment modality if it is considered warranted due to the severity of symptoms, and always with informed consent from the individual. If medications are indicated, special consideration is made with respect to side effects that can affect sport performance, weight gain, level of sedation, and prohibited medication lists. Proper medical documentation is completed as required to mediations that are medically indicated but appear on prohibited lists for competition.

Although the clinic is physically located in Guelph, ON, Dr. Edwards has the flexibility of seeing patients at any of her locations in Guelph or Burlington, as well as through an online secure platform (Livecare Connect). Access would be obtained in the same way (physician referral).

Crisis services and walk-in appointments are not available at this clinic. Active safety concerns such as recent self harm behaviour or active suicidal ideation must be managed by local crisis services. Intensive psychiatric follow up for moderate to severe mental illness should be managed by appropriate community clinics and agencies. This clinic does not have the capacity to manage behavioural emergencies.

This is a different type of mental health clinic. It is dedicated to the mental health of athletes and sessions occur in an environment that is conducive and encouraging of movement and activity. The clinical space includes a heavy bag, exercise balls, free weights, therapeutic resistance bands, and a few regular chairs. Proper medical documentation is completed as required for medications that are medically indicated but appear on the prohibited list for competition.

Psychiatric consultation

Psychiatric consultation is available to assess mental health challenges in referred athletes. Follow up may be offered if necessary and appropriate. As this is a specialty medical clinic, referrals are required from a physician, and information from the consultation is provided to the referring physician (and the family physician, if the referring physician is different) with consent from the athlete.