Norfolk General Hospital and Holmes House have added a new addiction psychiatrist to their team.
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Dr. Tanya Hauck’s arrival “marks a monumental step forward” in offering comprehensive care to people facing concurrent mental health issues and substance use disorders, said a news release.
People with these disorders are up to three times more likely to experience a mental health issue in their lifetime compared to those without substance use issues.
Hauck focuses on personalized care, team education and evidence-based treatments, said the release. She works closely with the team at Holmes House, which includes psychiatrists, counselors, addiction physicians, nurse practitioners and peer support workers.
Together they create individualized treatment plans to help clients address both mental health and addiction issues.
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“I enjoy teaching and capacity building, and I hope to work together to provide concurrent disorders services to more people who need them in a recovery and strengths focused way,” said Hauck. “I aim to collaborate with Holmes House, the emergency department, the impatient units, the wider community, and meet clients and providers wherever they are located.”
At Holmes House, Hauck provides expert assessments, treatment recommendations and guidance on therapeutic strategies. Alongside resident psychiatrists, including the current elective resident, Dr. Ashley Warnock, Hauck co-facilitates groups that help clients learn practical tools to manage emotions, cope with stress, and build stronger relationships.
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“These programs make a meaningful difference, giving clients the skills they need to take control of their lives and move toward recovery,” said the news release.
Holmes House in Simcoe is operated by Norfolk General Hospital and funded by the Ministry of Health. It offers 24/7 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 emergency department, Hauck provides consultations and training for handling complex cases, such as stimulant-induced psychosis, PTSD, and severe withdrawal.
“(Hauck’s) expertise and insights will be much appreciated, and we look forward to working with her to provide excellent care for patients and families affected by addictions and mental health concerns,” said Dr. Robin Martin-Godelie, chief of staff.
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Looking ahead, Hauck plans to expand virtual consultation services at Norfolk General, making specialized care more accessible for patients with urgent needs.
“I grew up on a sideroad, and a strongly believe we all deserve access to subspecialty medical services, no matter what our postal code is,” said Hauck. “In mental healthcare, I often see clients excluded from tertiary services due to living out of catchment.”
Hauck completed her undergraduate PhD, medical school, psychiatry residency, addictions fellowship and clinical epidemiology Master of Science at the University of Toronto, where she studied for 20 years. She has been practicing as an addictions psychiatrist since 2020.
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