Dr. Sabrina Lauren Botsford – Psychiatrist | Windsor, ON

Dr. Sabrina Lauren Botsford is a dedicated Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a mental health clinic within Windsor, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her patients receive care that meets the highest professional and ethical guidelines. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Botsford is committed to offering a confidential and respectful environment that fosters trust, understanding, and collaborative care for her patients.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 2 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2022, she is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and ongoing professional development enable her to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices in mental health care, ensuring her patients benefit from the most effective treatments available.

Dr. Botsford’s clinical philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes in building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, tailoring her treatment plans to meet each individual's unique needs. Her dedication to her patients in Windsor involves providing care in English, with a focus on fostering a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Sabrina Botsford provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Mood Disorders

• Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Sabrina Botsford for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnostic Evaluation: In-depth clinical interview to assess mental health status, including review of psychiatric and medical history, family history, psychosocial factors, symptom patterns, and formulation of a multiaxial diagnosis according to DSM/ICD criteria.
• Crisis Intervention & Urgent Psychiatric Assessment (in appropriate settings): Providing rapid assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, acute psychosis, or severe agitation, typically in emergency departments or crisis clinics.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Botsford for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Botsford's practice is situated within a discreet mental health clinic located in the Downtown Windsor neighborhood. The facility is part of a larger healthcare complex, easily accessible via public transit options provided by Transit Windsor. The clinic is situated near Tecumseh Mall, offering convenient access for patients. The building is wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate patients with mobility needs. This setting aims to provide a welcoming, confidential, and accessible atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health care in Windsor.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Botsford, a Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Botsford are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Botsford's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Botsford, a Psychiatrist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Psychiatrist such as Botsford for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Botsford?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Botsford will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Botsford or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Botsford, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Botsford can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

What does a Psychiatrist like Botsford specialize in?

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialized training in psychiatry, which is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Botsford is trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can provide a range of treatments including psychotherapy, medications, and sometimes other interventions like ECT or rTMS.

Does Botsford offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Botsford, are trained in various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and may offer it as part of their treatment approach, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with medication. The specific types of psychotherapy offered can vary (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy). It's best to inquire directly with Botsford's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

London Health Sciences Centre, 1030 Ouellette Ave, Division of Nuclear Medicine Department of Medical Imaging
Windsor, ON N9A 1E1

Phone: (519) 254-5577

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.

Dr. Botsford is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Botsford for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Botsford-Sabrina-Lauren/0318672-111888