IntroductionThe number of psychiatrists continues to grow in Canada. Patient psychiatry utilization statistics, including reasons for termination of such services, are important factors that have the potential to impact future Canadian and international psychiatry service policies and practices. In addition, understanding the reasons for psychiatry service termination is necessary to improve service quality and effectiveness.AimsThis study focused on utilization trends, perceived effectiveness of psychiatry services, and reasons for termination of psychiatry services in Canada.MethodPrevalence of psychiatry service use, perceived effectiveness, and reasons for termination of such services were investigated in a Canadian sample (n = 25,113). Prevalence rates were investigated by geography, sex, and age. Data were self-reported and collected through a national Canadian phone survey focused on mental and physical health.ResultsResults highlight that a small percentage of participants reported utilizing psychiatry services. The majority of participants using such services perceived them as useful. Across geographical regions, reasons for discontinuing services were most often related to completing treatment, feeling better, or not seeing the treatment as helpful.ConclusionsThis study explored psychiatry utilization trends, perceived psychiatry effectiveness, and reasons for patient termination of such services. Results are explored through a geographical region breakdown, sex differences, and age stratification. Implications for policy, practice, and training are discussed from a Canadian and international perspective.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

I wish to make it clear at once that for the purpose of this paper I am taking the definition of psychiatry as being synonymous with the term psychological medicine—in other words, the study of the subject as a whole.

I deeply appreciate the honour that the Royal Medico-Psychological Association has paid me in electing me President for this Year.

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