Dr. David Andrew Murray – Psychiatrist | Guelph, ON

Dr. David Andrew Murray 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 Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Guelph, 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. Murray adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered care. His practice is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and confidential environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and work collaboratively towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Murray graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 10 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2014. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in the field of psychiatry. His professional development includes continuous education in the latest evidence-based practices, enabling him to provide the most current and effective mental health treatments available.

Dedicated to collaborative care, Dr. Murray emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. His clinical philosophy centers on building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. He strives to tailor treatment plans to each individual's unique needs, incorporating evidence-based approaches such as medication, psychotherapy, and other interventions when appropriate. Providing care exclusively in English, Dr. Murray is committed to supporting his patients in Guelph with compassionate, comprehensive mental health services.

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

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
• 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.

Personality Disorders

• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. David Murray 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital is situated in Guelph’s Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighbourhood, conveniently accessible via the Commercial Corridor and the University of Guelph South Entrance. The practice is easily reachable by public transit, with Guelph Transit services connecting patients to the facility. The location is designed with accessibility in mind; the facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring ease of access for visitors. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, integrated within a larger healthcare setting to support comprehensive mental health care.

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

Do I need a referral to see Murray, 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 Murray 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. Murray 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. Murray will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Murray and a Psychologist?

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

What does a Psychiatrist like Murray 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. Murray 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. He specializes in Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) and is committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based mental health services to his patients in Guelph.

Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital
147 Wyndham St N, Department of Family Medicine
Guelph, ON N1H 4E9

Phone: (519) 763-1914 | Fax: (519) 836-4447

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

Dr. Murray 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. Murray 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/Murray-David-Andrew/0257826-91824