About
Dr. Ikechukwu Chimeziri Nwachukwu 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 Scarborough Health Network in Vaughan, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He adheres to the high standards and professional guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Nwachukwu provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. His approach is rooted in confidentiality and respect, fostering a safe environment for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
He obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Nigeria (Nigeria) and has over 13 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2011. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Nwachukwu is well-qualified to deliver expert mental health care in accordance with Ontario’s regulatory standards. His extensive training and experience enable him to address a diverse range of psychiatric conditions with evidence-based practices.
Dr. Nwachukwu is committed to collaborative care, believing in empowering his patients through education and understanding of their mental health conditions. He strives to build a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, ensuring personalized treatment plans that meet each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English and Igbo, he facilitates communication with a broader patient demographic, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. His dedication to the Vaughan community underscores his goal of providing accessible, compassionate, and effective mental health services.
Dr. Ikechukwu Nwachukwu provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- 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.
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
Mood Disorders
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Ikechukwu Nwachukwu for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Nwachukwu 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.
Scarborough Health Network in Vaughan's Maple neighbourhood offers a conveniently accessible setting for mental health care. Situated near Highway 400 Access and Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan, the facility is easily reachable by car and public transit. Patients can arrive via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, with the facility being wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure a comfortable and private environment for all visitors. Metered street parking and nearby public lots provide ample options for parking. The practice emphasizes discretion and a welcoming atmosphere, aiming to provide a discreet, professional, and supportive space for mental health services.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Nwachukwu, 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 Nwachukwu 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 Nwachukwu's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Nwachukwu, 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 Nwachukwu 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Nwachukwu and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Nwachukwu, 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 Nwachukwu?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Nwachukwu will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Nwachukwu or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Nwachukwu, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Nwachukwu 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 Nwachukwu?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Nwachukwu 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.
Scarborough Health Network
Tower 1, 3200 Major Mackenzie Drive West, General Campus Oncology Clinic
Vaughan, ON L6A 5A9
Phone: (905) 417-2000 | Fax: (905) 417-3745
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Nwachukwu 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. Nwachukwu 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/Nwachukwu-Ikechukwu-Chimeziri/0289749-101950