Dr. Essam Ahmed Youssef Abd ElMotaal 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 UHN Toronto General Hospital in Kitchener, 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. Dr. ElMotaal adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and ethical care for his patients.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Benha University in Egypt and has accumulated over 9 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2015. Dr. ElMotaal is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his specialized training and competence in the field of psychiatry. His certification and ongoing professional development affirm his commitment to maintaining excellence in mental health care.
Dr. ElMotaal is committed to a collaborative approach to mental health treatment, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in evidence-based practices and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, respect, and confidentiality. Fluent in both English and Arabic, he aims to facilitate open communication and culturally sensitive care for his diverse patient population in Kitchener. His practice is dedicated to creating a discreet, welcoming environment where patients feel safe to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
Dr. Essam ElMotaal provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Personality Disorders
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
- 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.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Essam ElMotaal for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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. ElMotaal 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.
UHN Toronto General Hospital is situated in the heart of Kitchener's Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near Conestoga College's Doon Campus and Sportsworld Crossing, making it accessible for students and professionals alike. Public transit options include Grand River Transit (GRT) bus routes and the ION Light Rail, providing easy access from various parts of the city. The practice location is wheelchair accessible and designed to offer a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate those with mobility needs. The setting is discreet and welcoming, ensuring a safe space for individuals seeking mental health care in Kitchener.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with ElMotaal, 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 ElMotaal 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 ElMotaal's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see ElMotaal, 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 ElMotaal 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 ElMotaal?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with ElMotaal, 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 ElMotaal can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- Does ElMotaal offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially ElMotaal, 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 ElMotaal'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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. ElMotaal?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. ElMotaal 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.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like ElMotaal and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like ElMotaal, 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by ElMotaal?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. ElMotaal will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to ElMotaal or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by ElMotaal, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. ElMotaal can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
UHN Toronto General Hospital
RFE-GS-480, 67 King Street East, Department of Emergency Medicine
Kitchener, ON N2G 2K4
Phone: (184) 426-4299 | Fax: (519) 744-7645
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. ElMotaal 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. ElMotaal 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/Abd-ElMotaal-Essam-Ahmed-Youssef/0256858-91788