Enhanced Skills Program: Primary Care Mental Health

The Primary Care Mental Health Program is a 6-month PGY3 Residency Program designed to equip family physicians with advanced competencies in the assessment and management of mental health conditions frequently seen in the primary care setting. This training program is based at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) with components at several community sites. It provides enrichment in the areas of diagnostic formulation, psychotherapy modalities, and evidence-based treatments in a variety of patient populations across the lifespan, with opportunities for further exposure to areas of learner clinical interest. Family physicians who complete this program will acquire the skills necessary to serve as a community-based resource and leader in primary care mental health care delivery, education and research.

Program Director: Dr. Sarah Whynot

Faculty Program Committee: Dr. Jennifer Wyman and Dr. Rachel Shour

Length of Program: Six Months (Full time)

Program and Application Eligibility

For funding eligibility, please see the main Enhanced Skills Program page.

N.B.: Those enrolled in a PGY3 Enhanced Skills Program at the time of application are NOT eligible to apply to another PGY3 Enhanced Skills position.

Curriculum Competencies

The Primary Care Mental Health program adheres to CanMEDS-FM goals and objectives to achieve the following competencies:

Medical Expert
Communicator
Collaborator
Leader
Scholar
Health Advocate
Professional

For complete details, please read the goals and objectives.

Sample Rotation

Mood & Anxiety (CAMH): Longitudinal x 6 months
Individual CBT & mixed methods psychotherapy (community based): Longitudinal x 6 months
Family Medicine: Longitudinal x 6 months
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) group therapy (CAMH): Longitudinal x 12 weeks
Fear of Recurrence Therapy group therapy (NYGH): Longitudinal x 6 weeks
Concurrent Disorders (CAMH or community site): 8 weeks
Psychiatric ER & Bridging Clinic (CAMH): 4 weeks
Electives: 12 weeks

Elective opportunities include Perinatal Mental Health, Eating Disorders unit, Women’s Unit, 2SLGBTQ mental health, Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Geriatric Psychiatry

Please note rotations will be overlapping as most are longitudinally oriented.

Unique Program Requirements

A small academic project is required as a component of this program.

Enhanced Skills Program (PGY3) - 2027-2028 Call for Applications: Primary Care Mental Health

Application Process:

Applications are due by 5pm on Wednesday September 30, 2026.

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to Thanu Sabesan at dfcm.enhancedskillscat2@utoronto.ca

Completed Application Form.

Letter of Intent (addressed to the Program Director of the program of choice) addressing objectives and motivations for pursuing additional training.

Current CV

Copy of your medical degree

Three (3) letters of reference, one of which must be from your residency Site Director. All letters should be sent directly to the email address above by referees.

After submission of the application, programs will engage in a file review and extend interview offers.

The successful applicant for the Primary Care Mental Health program will be notified of admission by November 13, 2026.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact: Dr. Sarah Whynot - sarah.whynot@mail.utoronto.ca