About
Dr. Andrea Joyce Nixon 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 St. Michael's Hospital in Burlington, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She 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. Dr. Nixon is committed to offering personalized, compassionate care that respects each patient's unique needs in a safe and confidential environment.
She earned her Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2015, accumulating over nine years of experience in the field. Dr. Nixon is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she stays current with the latest advances in mental health treatment and psychiatric practices.
Guided by a philosophy of collaborative and patient-centered care, Dr. Nixon believes in empowering her patients through education and understanding. She emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches and fosters a therapeutic alliance built on trust, respect, and compassion. Her dedication to the Burlington community reflects her goal of helping patients achieve improved mental well-being and a better quality of life. She provides care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Andrea Nixon provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
- 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.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
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.
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Andrea Nixon for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
- 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.
- Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Nixon 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.
St. Michael's Hospital, located in Burlington's Maple and Dynes neighborhoods, offers a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health care. The practice is situated within a larger healthcare facility that is easily accessible from Aldershot Village, with convenient public transit options via Burlington Transit. 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 ensure ease of access. The location is thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of safety and confidentiality, making it an ideal setting for individuals seeking mental health support in Burlington.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Nixon, 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 Nixon 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 Nixon's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Nixon, 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 Nixon 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 does a Psychiatrist like Nixon 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. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Nixon 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Nixon and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Nixon, 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Nixon?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Nixon will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Nixon or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Nixon, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Nixon can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
St. Michael's Hospital
2030 Barlow Crescent, Department of Family and Community
Burlington, ON L7P 4N8
Phone: (289) 348-1517 | Fax: (289) 427-5606
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Nixon 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. Nixon 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/Nixon-Andrea-Joyce/0257974-90846