Dr. Donna Eileen Stewart – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Donna Eileen Stewart 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 Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. 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. Dr. Stewart adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and confidential care. The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, fostering a safe and respectful environment for individuals seeking mental health support.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 52 years of experience as a psychiatrist since 1972. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), she maintains a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to the latest clinical standards in mental health care.

Dr. Stewart’s clinical philosophy is rooted in collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. She values building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, aiming to support her patients' journey toward recovery and well-being. Fluent in English, she provides compassionate and personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs in Toronto's diverse community.

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

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).

Personality Disorders

• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• 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. Donna Stewart for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Stewart 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. Stewart's practice is situated within a discreet and welcoming environment in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with nearby public transit options. It is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring ease of access for individuals seeking mental health care. The practice is committed to maintaining a respectful atmosphere that prioritizes patient confidentiality and comfort.

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

Do I need a referral to see Stewart, 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 Stewart 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Stewart and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Stewart, 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 Stewart 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. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Stewart 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.

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Stewart 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 psychiatrist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

Does Stewart offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Stewart, 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 Stewart's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Stewart?

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

200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-3846 | Fax: (416) 340-4185

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

Dr. Stewart 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. Stewart 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/Stewart-Donna-Eileen/0016648-21433