About
Dr. Beverly Chuong 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 Lakeridge Health Bowmanville in Whitby's Downtown Whitby, Port Whitby neighborhood, she 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. Her approach is centered on understanding each patient's unique experiences to foster recovery and resilience.
Graduating with a Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands, Dr. Chuong has accumulated over 2 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2022. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her practice aligns with provincial standards and evidence-based guidelines. Her training and ongoing education keep her well-equipped to deliver the highest quality mental health care.
Committed to collaborative care, Dr. Chuong emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes in building a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. In her clinical practice, she employs evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual's needs. Dr. Beverly Chuong provides care in English and is dedicated to supporting her patients in Whitby on their journey toward mental well-being.
Dr. Beverly Chuong provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
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.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
Personality Disorders
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Beverly Chuong for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Chuong 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.
Dr. Beverly Chuong practices at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville, situated in the vibrant Downtown Whitby, Port Whitby neighborhood of Whitby, ON. The facility is conveniently located near the scenic Thickson's Woods Land Trust, offering a peaceful environment for patients. Accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT), the location is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of visitations. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere to foster trust and openness in mental health care.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Chuong, 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 Chuong 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 Chuong's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Chuong, 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 Chuong 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 Chuong?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Chuong will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Chuong or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Chuong, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Chuong can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Chuong 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. She assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health conditions using medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Dr. Beverly Chuong 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 Chuong and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Chuong, 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Chuong 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. Chuong will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
Lakeridge Health Bowmanville
700 Gordon St, Emergency Department
Whitby, ON L1N 5S9
Phone: (905) 430-4055
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Chuong 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. Chuong 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/Chuong-Beverly/0318338-112951