Dr. Hyacinth Sarah Eapen Easo 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 Michael Garron Hospital in Kitchener, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She 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 practice adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safe care for all patients.
Graduating with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada, Dr. Easo has over 15 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2009. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development in psychiatry. Her extensive training and clinical experience enable her to deliver evidence-based, compassionate mental health care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dr. Easo’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. She is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, respect, and open communication. Her approach integrates current evidence-based treatment modalities, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, to support patients in achieving their mental health goals. She provides care in English and is committed to serving the community of Kitchener with a focus on comprehensive, respectful, and accessible mental health services.
Dr. Hyacinth Easo provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
- 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.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- 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).
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Hyacinth Easo 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.
- 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.
- Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Easo 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.
Michael Garron Hospital is situated in the Stanley Park East neighborhood of Kitchener, ON. The practice is located within a modern healthcare facility that is easily accessible via public transit, including Grand River Transit (GRT) bus services and the ION Light Rail. The hospital complex is conveniently situated near landmarks such as Centre In The Square and Kitchener City Hall, making it an ideal location for patients from various parts of the city. 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 visitors. The practice offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, designed to support patients in seeking mental health care in a safe and private setting.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Easo, 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 Easo 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 Easo's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Easo, 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 Easo 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 Easo 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. Easo 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Easo?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Easo will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Easo or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Easo, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Easo can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Easo?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Easo 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 Easo and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Easo, 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.
Michael Garron Hospital
3570 King Street East
Kitchener, ON N2A 2W1
Phone: (519) 749-4300 | Fax: (519) 894-8308
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Easo 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. Easo 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/Easo-Hyacinth-Sarah-Eapen/0214307-80797