Dr. Amir Rezaei Ardani

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

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.
• Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• 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.
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
• 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. Amir Ardani for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
• 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.
• 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. Ardani 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.

Public health and preventive medici in St Thomas's areas near central St Thomas neighborhood offer a welcoming and discreet environment. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients to reach. The practice is committed to providing a comfortable and private setting for all patients. 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, ensuring ease of access for everyone. The environment emphasizes confidentiality, discretion, and patient comfort, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health support.

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

Do I need a referral to see Ardani, 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 Ardani 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 Ardani offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Ardani, 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 Ardani'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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Ardani?

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

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Ardani and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Ardani, 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 Ardani?

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

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

Public health and preventive medici
401 Sunset Dr, postgraduate medical education, nor
St Thomas, ON N5R 3C6

Phone: (519) 646-6100

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

Dr. Ardani 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. Ardani 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/Rezaei-Ardani-Amir/0338519-136004