About
Dr. Chinedu Sunday Ogbonna 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 Sault Ste. Marie, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Ogbonna 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. His approach is rooted in a commitment to supporting patients through personalized, evidence-based care and fostering a safe, respectful environment for mental health treatment.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria and has accumulated over 10 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2014. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Ogbonna is well-qualified to deliver expert mental health services aligned with provincial standards. His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure he remains current with the latest advances in psychiatric practice and treatments.
Dr. Ogbonna’s clinical philosophy centers on a collaborative approach to mental health care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. His goal is to tailor treatment plans to each individual’s unique needs, utilizing a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to the Sault Ste. Marie community, helping patients achieve better mental health and overall well-being.
Dr. Chinedu Ogbonna 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.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
- 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.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Chinedu Ogbonna for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
- Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ogbonna 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.
Situated in the West End neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie, Dr. Ogbonna's practice is located within a well-equipped mental health clinic close to Algoma Steel and residential areas. Easily accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit, the facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a welcoming and discreet environment for all patients. Ample parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots. The practice emphasizes privacy and comfort, ensuring patients feel safe and supported during their visits, whether for routine assessments or ongoing treatment.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Ogbonna, 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 Ogbonna 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 Ogbonna's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Ogbonna, 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 Ogbonna 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. Ogbonna 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. Ogbonna will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Ogbonna?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Ogbonna, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Ogbonna can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Ogbonna?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ogbonna will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ogbonna or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ogbonna, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ogbonna can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Ogbonna offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Ogbonna, 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 Ogbonna'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 does a Psychiatrist like Ogbonna 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. Ogbonna 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.
750 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 0A8
Phone: (705) 759-3434 | Fax: (705) 256-3494
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Ogbonna 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. Ogbonna 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/Ogbonna-Chinedu-Sunday/0285912-100053