Dr. Elyse Diedre Dubo – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Elyse Diedre Dubo 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 the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her clinical practice aligns with the latest guidelines and ethical standards. Dr. Dubo 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. Her approach emphasizes a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique circumstances, fostering a safe and supportive environment for recovery and well-being.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 1993, bringing over 31 years of clinical experience. Recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Psychiatry, she maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence. Her certifications reflect her dedication to providing evidence-based mental health care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Dr. Dubo’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education, and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She believes that effective mental health treatment combines scientific rigor with compassionate understanding, ensuring that patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their treatment plans. Providing care in English, she is committed to supporting her patients in Toronto with a thoughtful and personalized approach to mental health, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

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

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.
• 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)

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

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
• 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.
• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Elyse Dubo for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto's Lawrence Park neighborhood offers a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health care. Situated near Exhibition Place and Trillium Park, the facility is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), providing convenient transit options for patients. The practice location is fully wheelchair accessible and designed to promote comfort and privacy for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate those with mobility needs. The environment is tailored to ensure a respectful and confidential experience, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards mental wellness.

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

Do I need a referral to see Dubo, 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 Dubo 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Dubo?

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

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Dubo?

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

What does a Psychiatrist like Dubo 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. Dubo 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 Dubo?

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

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Room 1085, 2 St Clair West
Toronto, ON M4N 3N1

Phone: (647) 793-6709 | Fax: (647) 689-7006

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

Dr. Dubo 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. Dubo 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/Dubo-Elyse-Diedre/0045391-59369