Article content
Norfolk General Hospital and Holmes House have added a new addiction psychiatrist to their team.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Article content
Article content
Dr. Tanya Hauck’s arrival “marks a monumental step forward” in offering comprehensive care to people facing co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems, a news release said.
People with these disorders are up to three times more likely to experience mental health problems in their lifetime compared to people without addiction problems.
Hauck focuses on personal care, team education and evidence-based treatments, the release says. She works closely with the team at Holmes House, which includes psychiatrists, counsellors, addiction specialists, nurses and peer supporters.
Together, they create individualized treatment plans to help clients address both mental health and addiction issues.
Advertisement 3
Article content
“I enjoy teaching and capacity building, and I hope to work together to provide co-occurring disorder services to more people who need them in a way that focuses on recovery and strength,” says Hauck. “I aim to engage with Holmes House, the A&E, the patient units, the wider community and meet customers and suppliers wherever they are.”
At Holmes House, Hauck provides expert assessments, treatment recommendations and guidance on therapeutic strategies. Along with resident psychiatrists, including current resident Dr. Ashley Warnock, Hauck co-facilitates groups that help clients learn practical tools to manage emotions, manage stress, and build stronger relationships.
Advertisement 4
Article content
“These programs make a meaningful difference, giving clients the skills they need to take control of their lives and move toward recovery,” the press release states.
Holmes House in Simcoe is run by Norfolk General Hospital and funded by the Ministry of Health. It offers 24-hour withdrawal management, a 21-day residential program, day treatment options and the Addictions Supportive Housing program, which provides up to a year of housing and life skills support to clients.
In the hospital’s emergency department, Hauck provides consultations and training to manage complex cases, such as stimulant-induced psychosis, PTSD and severe withdrawal.
“(Hauck’s) expertise and insight will be greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working with her to provide excellent care to patients and families affected by substance abuse and mental health issues,” said Dr. Robin Martin-Godelie, Chief of Staff.
Advertisement 5
Article content
Moving forward, Hauck plans to expand virtual consultation services at Norfolk General, making specialized care more accessible to patients with urgent needs.
“I grew up on a side street, and I’m a firm believer that we all deserve access to subspecialty medical services, no matter what our zip code is,” Hauck said. “In mental health care, I often see clients excluded from tertiary services because they live outside the catchment area.”
Hauck completed her PhD, medical school, psychiatry residency, substance abuse fellowship and clinical epidemiology Master of Science at the University of Toronto, where she studied for 20 years. She has practiced as an addiction psychiatrist since 2020.
Article content
