Description
About Dr. Andrew Toyin Olagunju
Dr. Andrew Toyin Olagunju is a dedicated Psychiatrist practicing in Hamilton, ON, 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. He provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Practicing at a mental health clinic or hospital department in Hamilton's Corktown, Stinson neighborhood, Dr. Olagunju is committed to delivering high-quality mental health services within the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). The practice fosters a confidential, respectful, and welcoming environment, ensuring patients feel safe and supported as they work towards mental wellness.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria and has accumulated over 4 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2020. Dr. Olagunju is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist in Psychiatry by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, reflecting his specialized training and commitment to excellence in mental health care. His clinical expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, with a focus on delivering evidence-based and patient-centered treatment approaches.
Dr. Olagunju’s philosophy centers on collaborative care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust, respect, and open communication. His approach involves integrating the latest clinical evidence with personalized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs. He provides care in English and is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of his patients in Hamilton, fostering an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their recovery journey.
Common Conditions Dr. Andrew Olagunju Addresses
Dr. Andrew Olagunju 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.
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Andrew Olagunju for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Andrew Toyin Olagunju
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Olagunju 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Olagunju's practice is situated within a reputable mental health clinic in Hamilton's Corktown, Stinson neighbourhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transit, with stops nearby serving Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site (Stoney Creek) and Eastgate Square. The clinic 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 practice offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere designed to foster confidentiality and ease for patients seeking mental health support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Olagunju, 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 Olagunju 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 Olagunju's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Olagunju, 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 Olagunju 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 Olagunju offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Olagunju, 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 Olagunju'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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Olagunju and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Olagunju, 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 Olagunju?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Olagunju will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Olagunju or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Olagunju, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Olagunju 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. Olagunju 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. Olagunju will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Olagunju?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Olagunju 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
100 West 5th St
Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7
Phone: (905) 522-1155
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Olagunju 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. Olagunju 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/Olagunju-Andrew-Toyin/0326180-116849