Dr. Hau Van Truong – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Hau Truong 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 Windsor Regional Hospital in Toronto, 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. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and effective care for all patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has accumulated over 17 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2007. Dr. Truong is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development. His extensive training and clinical experience enable him to address complex mental health needs with confidence and compassion.

Dr. Truong is committed to a collaborative approach to mental health care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in establishing a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual. Fluent in English, he provides care with a focus on fostering a supportive environment for his patients in Toronto, helping them navigate their mental health journeys with confidence and hope.

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

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• 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.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

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.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.

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

• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.
• Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
• 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.

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

Windsor Regional Hospital's psychiatric services are situated in Toronto's vibrant St. James Town, Cabbagetown neighborhood, within a facility that is easily accessible via public transit. The practice is conveniently located near Union Station and the historic Gooderham Building (Flatiron), making it easy for patients to reach by TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The hospital is committed to accessibility; the facility is wheelchair accessible and strives to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, with designated accessible parking spots to ensure ease of access. The psychiatric unit is integrated within Windsor Regional Hospital, offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere dedicated solely to mental health care, ensuring confidentiality and a focus on patient well-being.

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

Do I need a referral to see Truong, 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 Truong 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 does a Psychiatrist like Truong 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Truong 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.

Does Truong offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Truong, 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 Truong'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.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Truong and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Truong, 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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Truong?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Truong 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Truong?

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

Windsor Regional Hospital
600 Sherbourne Street, Ouellette Campus
Toronto, ON M4X 1W4

Phone: (647) 722-4147 | Fax: (866) 711-8504

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

Dr. Truong 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. Truong 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/Truong-Hau-Van/0181612-77895