About
Dr. Avni Pardasani 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 West End Family Practice in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. 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. Her approach is rooted in a commitment to evidence-based practices and patient-centered care. The practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and confidential mental health services. The clinic offers a welcoming environment designed to support patients in their journey toward wellness, with a focus on privacy, comfort, and accessibility.
Dr. Pardasani graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has over 4 years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2020. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification enable her to deliver specialized mental health care tailored to each individual’s needs, incorporating the latest clinical guidelines and research developments.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Pardasani strives to build a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, fostering an environment where patients feel valued and supported. She is dedicated to providing compassionate mental health services to the Hamilton community, communicating fluently in English, and ensuring each patient receives personalized and effective care.
Dr. Avni Pardasani provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- 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.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
Personality Disorders
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- 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).
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Avni Pardasani for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Pardasani 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.
West End Family Practice is situated in the vibrant Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods of Hamilton, ON. The practice is conveniently accessible within the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area, with numerous public transit options available via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for patients with varying mobility needs. The practice fosters a discreet, welcoming atmosphere designed to support patients in seeking mental health care comfortably and confidentially.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Pardasani, 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 Pardasani 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 Pardasani's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Pardasani, 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 Pardasani 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Pardasani and her 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. Pardasani 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 Pardasani?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Pardasani 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Pardasani?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Pardasani will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Pardasani or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Pardasani, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Pardasani can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
West End Family Practice
Unit 2, 50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
Phone: (905) 522-1155
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Pardasani 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. Pardasani 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/Pardasani-Avni/0303247-106195