Dr. Amin Ali Muhammad – Psychiatrist | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Amin Ali Muhammad 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 St Catharines, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His work adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Muhammad 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. Patients can expect a compassionate, respectful, and confidential environment, aimed at fostering recovery and well-being for each individual.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Karachi in Pakistan and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2019, accumulating over 5 years of clinical experience. Dr. Muhammad is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and ongoing professional development ensure that he stays current with the latest evidence-based practices in mental health care, enabling him to deliver effective and personalized treatment plans for his patients.

Dr. Muhammad believes in a collaborative approach to mental health, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. His clinical philosophy centers on building a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. He is committed to providing holistic care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in Gujarati, Hindi, Panjabi/Punjabi, Sindhi, and Urdu, in addition to English, Dr. Muhammad facilitates clear and culturally sensitive communication with a diverse patient population in St. Catharines. He strives to create a welcoming, discreet, and supportive environment where patients feel safe exploring their concerns and working towards their mental health goals.

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

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• 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.

Personality Disorders

• 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).
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
• 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.
• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Muhammad 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. Muhammad practices at a well-established mental health clinic in St Catharines, situated in an accessible area near central St Catharines. The facility is located close to local points of interest, with convenient access via local public transit. The environment is designed to be discreet and welcoming, ensuring patients feel comfortable and at ease. The clinic offers wheelchair accessibility, and metered street parking along with nearby public lots are available for visitors. The setting aims to provide a private and supportive atmosphere, fostering open communication and trust in the therapeutic process.

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

Do I need a referral to see Muhammad, 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 Muhammad 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 Muhammad and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Muhammad, 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.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Muhammad?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Muhammad, 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 Muhammad can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

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

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

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

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

2nd Floor, 1200 Fourth Avenue
St Catharines, ON L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647 | Fax: (289) 398-1067

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

Dr. Muhammad 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. Muhammad 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/Muhammad-Amin-Ali/0256891-91940