Dr. Don Dhaminda Prasannajith Colonne – Psychiatrist | Burlington, ON

Dr. Don Dhaminda Prasannajith Colonne 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 Burlington, 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. His practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Graduating with a Medical Degree from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Dr. Colonne has accumulated over 31 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1993. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics in Ontario. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to advancing mental health care through ongoing education, clinical excellence, and compassionate patient engagement.

Dr. Colonne’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He strives to build a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, ensuring each patient feels heard and supported. Fluent in English and Sinhalese, he facilitates effective communication with a diverse range of patients in Burlington, fostering an inclusive and understanding environment for mental health recovery.

Dr. Don Colonne 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.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

Mood Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Don Colonne 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.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Colonne 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. Colonne practices at a well-established mental health clinic located in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The facility is conveniently situated near Burlington City Hall and Mapleview Shopping Centre, making it easy to access via public transit, including Burlington Transit. The practice is designed to be welcoming and discreet, with wheelchair accessibility and a calm, private environment to ensure patient comfort. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, facilitating an easy and stress-free visit for all patients.

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

Do I need a referral to see Colonne, 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 Colonne 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 can I prepare for my first appointment with Colonne?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Colonne, 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 Colonne can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Colonne?

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

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

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

Does Colonne offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Colonne, 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 Colonne'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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Colonne 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. Colonne will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

Unit 12, 1182 North Shore Boulevard East
Burlington, ON L7S 1W7

Phone: (905) 631-1939 | Fax: (905) 631-0513

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

Dr. Colonne 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. Colonne 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/Colonne-Don-Dhaminda-Prasannajith/0134147-70874