Dr. Joshua Smalley
Comprehensive mental health care for Individuals and families with Dr. Joshua Smalley MD, MSc (MHPE), FRCPC, Psychiatrist
Dr. Joshua Smalley, MD, MSc (MHPE), FRCPC
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Psychiatrist
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
- Key Areas of Focus: Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Subspecialist (6+)
- Core Therapy Approaches: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Therapy
“Helping people make sense of complex symptoms and move forward with clear, evidence-based recommendations and genuine hope.”
☑VirtualServices ☑In-Person Services
Is Dr. Joshua Smalley the right match for you?
I work best with children, teens, adults, and families navigating complex mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, ADHD, and challenges connected to major life transitions. Many people I see are looking for more than short term medication strategies. They want clarity, stronger relationships, and a plan that helps them move toward truly thriving. As a Royal College-certified psychiatrist with advanced training in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, I provide consultative psychiatric care that emphasizes careful assessment, clear formulation, and practical, individualized recommendations grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches. I also have advanced training in diagnostic assessment, including comprehensive evaluations for ADHD and autism.
In addition to my work as Medical Director at Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, I work with active members of the Canadian Armed Forces as a contracted consultant psychiatrist. I also have a special interest in supporting health care providers, including physicians, who require psychiatric care and collaborate with the Ontario Medical Association Physician Health Program.
I lead group psychotherapy programs and bring experience in medical leadership and program development, including past work as Medical Director at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). In addition to clinical work, I provide supervision for clinicians who want to strengthen their psychotherapy skills. I have a background in health professions education and I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa.
My approach tends to fit best with patients who value collaboration, thoughtful treatment plans, and a respectful, nonjudgmental space. If you are looking for a quick fix or a purely medication-only approach without broader consideration of therapy and lifestyle factors, I may not be the best fit.
Education
My training combines rigorous medical specialization with advanced expertise in health professions education, which supports careful clinical judgment, clear communication, and collaborative care.
Doctor of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (McMaster University, 2014); Master of Health Professions Education, Cum Laude (Maastricht University, 2023); Postgraduate Sub-Specialty Residency in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, 2020); Postgraduate Residency in Psychiatry (Dalhousie University, 2019); and Bachelor of Health Science (Honours), Summa Cum Laude (McMaster University, 2011). This blend of clinical and educational training informs an approach that is structured, evidence-based, and tailored, with an emphasis on helping patients and families understand what is happening, what options exist, and what the next best steps are.
Work Experience
Across my clinical training and practice, I have worked in a wide range of settings including inpatient acute care, psychiatric emergency services, consultation-liaison psychiatry, outpatient care, early intervention for psychosis, and consultation within a medical specialty clinic for gender-affirming care, as well as community-based psychiatry and work with military members. I also bring leadership experience in quality improvement, program evaluation, and care model design, alongside a strong track record in curriculum development, teaching, and mentorship at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Together, these experiences support a thoughtful, systems-aware approach to psychiatric care that prioritizes safety, equity, and practical recommendations that fit real-world lives.
To Get Started, please...
Complete our intake formGetting Started
with Psychiatric Services
Working with a psychiatrist may involve comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and medical treatment, including medication management.
Here is an overview of how to get started.
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If you are ready to book an appointment, you can book directly online or call Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres at 1-800-765-4992.
For the first appointment, I recommend you book a 90-minute Initial Assessment and Treatment session, either online or in person. The extra time (over a regular 60-minute session) is because the first session is a busy one. In this session, we will establish a relationship, assess the presenting problem, identify goals, and ideally, I will do some teaching about the cognitive model and leave you with something to work on before your second session.
If you would rather book a regular 60 minute session for the first appointment feel free to do so. We will fit as much into the time as we can.
Be sure to choose the appointment option that matches your preference - in person or online. If you want to switch between in-person and online at a later date, email us and we will update your appointment.
Booking Your Appointment
Psychiatry services require a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner. Once your referral is received, our Care Concierge Navigation Team will guide you through the next steps and coordinate your initial appointment.
Account Creation
After your referral is submitted, you’ll be asked to complete secure online forms to provide background information. This helps our team understand your needs and ensures your appointment is as efficient and personalized as possible.
Scheduling Recommendations
Once your forms are reviewed, a member of our care team will contact you to schedule your first appointment. In some cases, we may schedule time-limited follow-up appointments to help complete the consultation and provide thorough recommendations.
Preparing for Your First Session
Your first appointment may begin with a member of the clinical team (such as a nurse or physician assistant), with all patients ultimately meeting with a psychiatrist either the same day or shortly after. Come prepared to discuss your current concerns, history, and goals so we can complete a comprehensive assessment and develop personalized recommendations for your care.
Payment Info
Fees
VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON:
- Individual Therapy (60 mins): Inquire
- Initial Psychodiagnostic Consult (30 minutes): Inquire
Additional services such as telephone consultations, letters, and form completions that take longer than 15 minutes will be invoiced at the hourly rate.
You're Welcome Here.
Take a 3D tour, explore photos, and get comfortable with our clinic before your first visit.Our Mission
At Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, our mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health care.
We are committed to tailoring our services to meet your unique needs, so you can heal and learn to thrive. We aspire to redefine mental health care by blending compassion, cutting-edge treatments, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our Values
Empathy
We approach every patient with understanding, compassion, and respect.
Innovation
Integrity
Collaboration
Growth
Why Choose Us?
At Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, we pride ourselves on providing trauma-informed, evidence-based care in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Our team of dedicated clinicians work collaboratively to ensure every patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. Whether you’re seeking psychiatry, psychotherapy, or specialized assessments, our holistic approach ensures you’ll find the support you need to thrive.