Dr. Ashwin Ramasubbu – Psychiatrist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Ashwin Ramasubbu 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 the Courtice Health Centre in Ottawa, 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 a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Ramasubbu's practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical care for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2021, accumulating over 3 years of clinical experience. Dr. Ramasubbu is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his expertise and commitment to excellence in mental health care. His training encompasses a broad spectrum of psychiatric disciplines, enabling him to address complex mental health conditions with an evidence-based approach.

Dr. Ramasubbu’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect. He is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs and circumstances. Fluent in English, he provides compassionate and comprehensive psychiatric services to adults in Ottawa, fostering a safe and supportive environment for healing and recovery.

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

Personality Disorders

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

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.
• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).

Mood Disorders

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ramasubbu 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.

Located within the Courtice Health Centre in Ottawa’s Overbrook, Castle Heights, and Vanier South neighborhoods, Dr. Ramasubbu’s practice is situated in a welcoming and accessible environment. The facility is conveniently accessible via Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar St entrance) and the University of Ottawa, with multiple public transit options including OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). The practice is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to facilitate ease of access. Patients can expect a discreet, welcoming atmosphere dedicated to supporting their mental health journey.

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

Do I need a referral to see Ramasubbu, 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 Ramasubbu 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Ramasubbu?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ramasubbu will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ramasubbu or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ramasubbu, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ramasubbu 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. Ramasubbu 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. Ramasubbu will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What does a Psychiatrist like Ramasubbu 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Ramasubbu 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.

Courtice Health Centre
713 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1K 0T2

Phone: (613) 945-1060

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

Dr. Ramasubbu 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. Ramasubbu 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/Ramasubbu-Ashwin/0302911-105981