Professional Details
Salutation
Dr.
Full Name
Dr. Anson Liu
First Name
Anson
Last Name
Liu
Gender
Male
Languages Spoken
Chinese, English
Medical School
State University of New York at Buffalo
Year Graduated
2011
Degree (Country)
United States
Specialty
Psychiatrist
Practice Disciplines
Psychiatry
Membership Status
Active as of 01-Oct-18
Specialty Issue Date
01-Oct-18
Specialty Type
CPSO Recognized Specialist
Registration Class
Restricted as of 01 Oct 2018
Licensed By
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Regulator Website
https://www.cpso.on.ca
License Number
117034
Data Sourced From
https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Liu-Anson/0324225-117034
Hospital Location
Guelph
Hospital Privileges
Homewood Health Centre
Address
80 Waterloo Ave
City
Guelph
Province
ON
Postal Code
N1H 0A1
Phone
(519) 821-8089
Extension
2059

Description

About Dr. Anson Liu

Dr. Anson Liu 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 reputable mental health clinic in Guelph, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Dr. Liu adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice maintains excellence in patient care. He 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. His compassionate approach aims to create a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in the United States. Since 2018, Dr. Liu has been practicing as a Psychiatrist, accumulating over 6 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting his advanced training and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in psychiatric care. Throughout his career, he has focused on delivering personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Dr. Liu values collaborative care and patient empowerment through education and understanding. His clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based approaches, ensuring treatments are grounded in the latest research. He is dedicated to building strong, respectful relationships with his patients in Guelph, recognizing the importance of a therapeutic alliance for effective mental health treatment. Additionally, Dr. Liu speaks Chinese, which facilitates communication with a broader range of patients and helps create a more inclusive and comfortable environment for diverse communities.

Common Conditions Dr. Anson Liu Addresses

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

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.

Mood Disorders

  • Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.
  • 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.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

  • Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
  • 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. Anson Liu for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Anson Liu

  • 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.
  • Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
  • Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
  • Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
  • Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Liu 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.

Practice Location & Accessibility

Located in the heart of Downtown Guelph, near Exhibition Park, Dr. Liu's practice is conveniently accessible for residents in the Guelph area. The clinic is situated close to the University of Guelph South Entrance and is easily reachable via Guelph Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring ease of access for visitors. The practice maintains a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, prioritizing patient comfort and confidentiality to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Liu, 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 Liu 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 Liu's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Do I need a referral to see Liu, 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 Liu 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 does a Psychiatrist like Liu 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Liu 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.
What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Liu?
It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Liu will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Liu or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Liu, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Liu can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Does Liu offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
Many psychiatrists, including potentially Liu, 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 Liu's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.
When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Liu?
A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Liu is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.
How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Liu and his team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Liu will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

Contact & Licensing Information

80 Waterloo Ave
Guelph, ON N1H 0A1

Phone: (519) 821-8089

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

Dr. Liu 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. Liu 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/Liu-Anson/0324225-117034

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