About
Dr. Alexander Gerald Michael Hocko 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 or hospital department in London, 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 conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. His approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and effective treatment. 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.
Dr. Hocko graduated with a Medical Degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada. Since 2020, he has accumulated over four years of experience as a Psychiatrist, honing his expertise in mental health care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), adhering to the highest standards of professional practice and ethics. His certifications and ongoing professional development ensure he remains current with the latest advancements in psychiatry and mental health treatment.
Driven by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Hocko is dedicated to empowering his patients through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust, respect, and open communication. His clinical approach integrates evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to each individual's unique needs. Fluent in English, Dr. Hocko provides compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to residents of London, always prioritizing patient dignity and holistic well-being.
Dr. Alexander Hocko provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
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.
- 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.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- 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. Alexander Hocko for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- 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.
- 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. Hocko 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. Hocko practices at a mental health clinic located in London's Hyde Park, Masonville (West) neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near Fanshawe College (Main Campus) and Masonville Place Mall, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Public transit options are readily available through the London Transit Commission (LTC), with stops nearby ensuring easy access. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available via metered street parking and nearby public lots, offering flexibility for visitors. The setting is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and conducive to confidential mental health care.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Hocko, 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 Hocko 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 Hocko's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Hocko, 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 Hocko 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.
- Does Hocko offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Hocko, 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 Hocko'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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Hocko?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Hocko, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Hocko can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Hocko?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Hocko will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Hocko or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Hocko, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Hocko can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Hocko 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. Hocko will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
2170-40 Lambton Dr
London, ON N6G 2V4
Phone: (519) 661-3030 | Fax: (519) 661-3380
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Hocko 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. Hocko 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/Hocko-Alexander-Gerald-Michael/0302251-105794