Dr. Jasmine Gandhi is a dedicated Psychiatrist practicing at Kingston General Hospital in Ottawa, ON. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a broad spectrum of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Her practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Gandhi provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. She is known for her compassionate approach and dedication to supporting her patients' mental health and well-being, fostering a safe and respectful environment for all.
With a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba and over 19 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2005, Dr. Gandhi is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and clinical expertise allow her to deliver evidence-based, individualized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is committed to continuous professional development and stays current with the latest advances in psychiatric treatments and research.
Dr. Gandhi’s clinical philosophy centers on a collaborative care model that emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes in building strong therapeutic alliances based on trust, respect, and open communication. Her approach integrates evidence-based treatment modalities with a compassionate understanding of each patient’s personal circumstances. Providing care in English, she is dedicated to supporting her patients in Ottawa through comprehensive, respectful, and effective mental health care.
Dr. Jasmine Gandhi provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
- 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.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
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.
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
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.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Jasmine Gandhi for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Gandhi 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.
Dr. Jasmine Gandhi practices at Kingston General Hospital, situated within Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The facility is conveniently accessible from the Centretown Business Area and the Glebe Shopping District, with excellent public transit options including OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus services. The hospital's psychiatric unit is integrated within a larger healthcare setting, ensuring seamless access to comprehensive medical services. The location is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct access to the hospital facilities, facilitating easy and discreet access for patients and visitors alike. The practice aims to create a welcoming, discreet atmosphere to foster trust and openness in mental health care.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Gandhi, 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 Gandhi 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 Gandhi's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Gandhi, 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 Gandhi 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 Gandhi 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. Gandhi 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Gandhi?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Gandhi, 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 Gandhi can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Gandhi?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Gandhi will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Gandhi or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Gandhi, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Gandhi can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Gandhi offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Gandhi, 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 Gandhi's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.
Kingston General Hospital
501 Smyth Road, Department of Urology
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
Phone: (613) 737-8010 | Fax: (613) 737-8115
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Gandhi 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. Gandhi 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/Gandhi-Jasmine/0161954-73828