As a member of the military, Psychiatrists belong to the Medical Specialist occupation in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and provide care and clinical leadership in mental health services at Canadian Forces Health Services facilities across Canada. They work closely with primary health care providers and multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care for CAF members. Telepsychiatry is also an available option to assist in the care of members located in remote areas of Canada or on international operations. CAF psychiatrists may also participate in military operations and training within Canada and internationally. CAF psychiatrists can also be involved in research, policy development and implementation, mentorship and education of other health care professionals and military members.
The primary responsibilities of CAF psychiatrists are to:
- Provide clinical care for CAF members in Canada. These activities include:
- diagnostic assessments and follow-up care with an emphasis on medication management
- collaboration with the clinicians of the multidisciplinary mental health team
- supporting primary care clinicians in determinations of the military members’ operational readiness, as well as identifying occupational-related restrictions and limitations related to mental disorders
- Provide subject matter expert (SME) recommendations and advice to the local and regional Canadian Forces Health Services Clinic medical leadership as well as to the local military leadership; and
- Contribute to the development and application of mental health-related policies within the CAF.
CAF psychiatrists work in mental health services clinics which are typically co-located with Canadian Forces Health Services Clinics on army, air force and naval bases across Canada, providing out-patient type of care for military members. CAF psychiatrists work closely with the referring primary care clinician and ensure a supportive, multidisciplinary, team approach to patient care. In addition to psychiatrists, these teams include mental health nurses, psychologists, addiction counsellors, social workers and administrative support. Telepsychiatry is used as a modality to reach members remotely located in Canada or deployed on international operations.
If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.
