Dr. Mohammad Attar Khan – Psychiatrist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Mohammad Attar Khan, a Forensic Psychiatrist, has expertise at the interface of mental health and the law, providing assessments and care within legal contexts. Practicing at a mental health clinic or hospital department in Thornhill, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Khan conducts specialized psychiatric evaluations for legal contexts, such as fitness to stand trial or criminal responsibility assessments, and may provide treatment for mentally disordered offenders. His focus is on delivering expert, compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of each individual involved in or requiring assessment for legal proceedings. The practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Ayub Medical College in Pakistan and has accumulated over 8 years of dedicated experience as a Forensic Psychiatrist since 2016. Dr. Khan is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification enable him to deliver comprehensive forensic psychiatric evaluations and interventions within the legal and mental health systems.

Dr. Khan’s clinical philosophy emphasizes maintaining objectivity and upholding the highest ethical principles in medicolegal assessments. He aims to provide clear, thorough, and unbiased psychiatric opinions that support the fair administration of justice. Dedicated to serving the community in Thornhill, he speaks multiple languages including Arabic, Hindi, Pashto, and Urdu, ensuring accessible communication for diverse patient populations. His approach prioritizes patient dignity, confidentiality, and collaborative care to foster trust and positive outcomes.

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

Personality Disorders

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.

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

• 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.
• Expert Witness Testimony in Legal Proceedings: Providing expert psychiatric opinion and testimony in court cases involving mental health issues.
• Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for Psychiatric Conditions (Legal/Insurance): Conducting objective psychiatric evaluations for insurance claims, disability assessments, or other legal matters.
• 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.
• Treatment & Rehabilitation of Mentally Disordered Offenders (in correctional or specialized forensic settings): Providing psychiatric care and rehabilitation services to individuals with mental disorders who are incarcerated or under the jurisdiction of a review board.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Khan 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. Khan practices at a mental health clinic within a reputable hospital department located in the areas near central Thornhill. The facility is situated close to local points of interest, with easy access via public transit, including buses and the GO train. The practice environment is designed to be discreet and welcoming, with the convenience of wheelchair accessibility and a commitment to providing a comfortable and private space for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some offering direct building access to facilitate ease of entry for patients and visitors. The clinic aims to foster a calm and confidential atmosphere, ensuring patients feel secure and respected throughout their care journey.

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

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Forensic Psychiatrist like Khan 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 Khan's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Khan, a Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist such as Khan 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Khan and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Khan, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Khan?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Khan 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.

What does a Forensic Psychiatrist like Khan specialize in?

A Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist, specializing in Forensic Psychiatry. Khan 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. He applies his expertise in legal contexts, assessing mental state at the time of offenses, fitness to stand trial, and risk of future violence, often providing expert testimony in court.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Khan 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. Khan will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What does it mean if Khan is involved in Forensic Psychiatry?

As a Forensic Psychiatrist, Khan has specialized expertise at the intersection of mental health and the law. He may conduct psychiatric evaluations for legal purposes, such as assessing an individual's fitness to stand trial, criminal responsibility (mental state at the time of an alleged offense), or risk of future violence. He might also provide treatment to individuals with mental disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system (e.g., in correctional facilities or forensic hospitals) or offer expert testimony in court. His role often includes providing objective opinions to support legal decision-making and ensuring that justice is served with the patient's well-being in mind.

7181 Yonge St
Thornhill, ON L3T 0C7

Phone: (833) 820-8800 | Fax: (888) 238-2029

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

Dr. Khan is a licensed Forensic 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. Khan 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/Khan-Mohammad-Attar/0342398-150497