Dr. Chijioke Tagbo Ukwe – Psychiatrist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Chijioke Tagbo Ukwe 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 a mental health clinic or hospital department in Scarborough, 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. Ukwe adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, professional care for his patients.

He obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Nigeria and has over 8 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2016. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms his expertise and adherence to rigorous professional standards. Throughout his career, Dr. Ukwe has developed a compassionate approach, emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based treatment strategies to support mental health recovery and well-being.

Dr. Ukwe’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, empowering patients through education and understanding, and building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect. He is committed to providing accessible mental health services in Scarborough and speaks both English and Igbo, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. His dedication is rooted in fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working towards recovery.

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

Personality Disorders

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

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.
• Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• 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.

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

• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ukwe 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 in a welcoming and discreet setting within a mental health clinic near central Scarborough, Dr. Ukwe's practice is easily accessible via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct building access, ensuring ease of visit for patients and their families. The practice is situated in an area close to local points of interest and is designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking mental health support.

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

Do I need a referral to see Ukwe, 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 Ukwe 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 Ukwe?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ukwe will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ukwe or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ukwe, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ukwe can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

Does Ukwe offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Ukwe, 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 Ukwe'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 Ukwe and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Ukwe, 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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Ukwe?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Ukwe 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 does a Psychiatrist like Ukwe 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. Ukwe 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.

3030 Birchmount Rd
Scarborough, ON M1W 3W3

Phone: (416) 495-2563 | Fax: (416) 495-2426

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

Dr. Ukwe 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. Ukwe 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/Ukwe-Chijioke-Tagbo/0319574-114182