Dr. Alex Thomas Raben – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Alex Thomas Raben 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 Trillium Health Partners Mississaug in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. 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 practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical care. The practice is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and confidential environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and work collaboratively towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Raben earned his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). Since beginning his practice in 2020, he has accumulated over four years of experience as a Psychiatrist, gaining extensive expertise in mental health care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which certifies his specialized training and competence in psychiatry. His dedication to ongoing professional development ensures he stays current with advances in psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy, providing his patients with evidence-based and compassionate care.

Guided by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Raben emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance rooted in trust, respect, and open communication. His approach involves integrating the latest clinical research with personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs. Fluent in English, Dr. Raben provides care to patients in Toronto, committed to supporting their journey toward mental wellness through compassionate, ethical, and effective psychiatric services.

Dr. Alex Raben 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.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.

Personality Disorders

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

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.
• 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. Alex Raben for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• 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.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Raben 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. Raben practices at Trillium Health Partners Mississaug, located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Parkdale, Roncesvalles in Toronto. The facility is conveniently situated near Ontario Legislative Building and Queen's Park, with accessible public transit options including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The location is designed to be welcoming and discreet, ensuring patients feel comfortable during their visits. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate individuals with mobility needs. The surroundings foster a calm and professional atmosphere, encouraging open dialogue and personalized care.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Raben, 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 Raben 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 Raben's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Raben, 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 Raben 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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Raben?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Raben 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. Raben 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. Raben will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

Does Raben offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Raben, 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 Raben'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.

What does a Psychiatrist like Raben 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. Raben 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 Raben?

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

Trillium Health Partners Mississaug
347 Roncesvalles Avenue, General Internal Medicine
Toronto, ON M6R 2M8

Phone: (416) 863-5377 | Fax: (647) 254-9214

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

Dr. Raben 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. Raben 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/Raben-Alex-Thomas/0303053-107020