Dr. Elaine Michele Bradley – Psychiatrist | Whitby, ON

Dr. Elaine Michele Bradley 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 Toronto General Hospital in Whitby, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based care. Dr. Bradley 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.

She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). Since 2021, she has accumulated over 3 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, developing a deep understanding of mental health treatment across diverse patient populations. Her ongoing professional development and certification reflect her commitment to maintaining a high standard of psychiatric expertise and clinical excellence.

Dr. Bradley's clinical philosophy centers on a collaborative approach to mental health care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes that building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect is essential for effective treatment. Her practice focuses on providing personalized, evidence-based interventions tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English, she strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for her patients in Whitby, fostering a space where individuals feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working towards recovery and well-being.

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

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.

Mood Disorders

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Elaine Bradley 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.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
• 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.
• 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.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• 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.

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

Toronto General Hospital's outpatient psychiatric services are situated in the vibrant Downtown Whitby neighborhood, within close proximity to Thickson's Woods Land Trust and easily accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots. The location offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, integrated within a larger healthcare setting, designed to ensure confidentiality and ease of access for individuals seeking mental health care in Whitby.

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

Do I need a referral to see Bradley, 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 Bradley 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 Bradley?

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

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

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Bradley will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Bradley or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Bradley, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Bradley 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 Bradley and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Bradley, 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 Bradley 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. Bradley 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. She is committed to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based psychiatric care to support individuals' mental health journeys.

Toronto General Hospital
8 Eaton South #231, 700 Gordon St
Whitby, ON L1N 5S9

Phone: (905) 430-4055 | Fax: (905) 430-4480

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

Dr. Bradley 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. Bradley 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/Bradley-Elaine-Michele/0310637-109418