About
Dr. Edward Toma Matti 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 Waterloo, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Dr. Matti adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice maintains excellence in patient care. 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 approach is patient-centered, compassionate, and evidence-based, fostering a safe environment for individuals seeking mental health support.
Dr. Matti graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Mosul in Iraq and has accumulated over 29 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1995. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure that he remains current with the latest advances in psychiatric medicine and therapeutic techniques, allowing him to tailor his approach to each patient's unique needs.
Committed to collaborative care, Dr. Matti believes in empowering his patients through education and understanding. He emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches and strives to build a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect. Fluent in English, he provides care in a clear and compassionate manner, dedicated to supporting his patients' journey toward recovery and well-being in the Waterloo area. His practice is grounded in the principles of confidentiality, respect, and holistic support, ensuring every patient feels heard, valued, and cared for.
Dr. Edward Matti provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant 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).
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Edward Matti for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- 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.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Matti 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. Matti's practice is located within a well-established mental health clinic in the Waterloo East (Glenridge, Lincoln Heights) neighborhood, an accessible area in Waterloo, ON. The setting is ideal for individuals seeking discreet and welcoming mental health care. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, making it easy for professionals and residents in the area to access. Public transit options include Grand River Transit (GRT) bus and ION Light Rail services, providing excellent connectivity. 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 access for those arriving by car.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Matti, 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 Matti 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 Matti's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Matti, 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 Matti 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. Matti 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. Matti will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Matti?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Matti, 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 Matti can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Matti?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Matti will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Matti or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Matti, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Matti can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Unit 1, A-91 Bridgeport Rd E
Waterloo, ON N2J 2K2
Phone: (519) 647-1945 | Fax: (519) 647-1942
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Matti 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. Matti 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/Matti-Edward-Toma/0157362-77072