Dr. John Thomas Maher – Psychiatrist | Barrie, ON

Dr. John Thomas Maher 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 Kingston General Hospital in Barrie, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and effective psychiatric care. Dr. Maher provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. He is committed to fostering a supportive environment where patients can feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working collaboratively toward recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has over 23 years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2001. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Maher maintains a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice. His extensive clinical experience enables him to approach each patient with insight, compassion, and a tailored treatment plan designed to meet individual needs.

Dr. Maher's clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust, respect, and open communication. Dedicated to serving the Barrie community, he provides care in English and strives to create a safe, welcoming space where patients can explore their mental health concerns, gain understanding, and work toward achieving their personal goals.

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

Mood Disorders

• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
• 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.

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.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

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

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. John Maher 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Kingston General Hospital's psychiatric unit is situated within the Letitia Heights neighborhood of Barrie, ON. The clinic is easily accessible via Highway 400 and is located along a busy commercial corridor, providing convenient access for patients. Public transit options, including Barrie Transit, serve the area, ensuring easy travel for those using public transportation. 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, to facilitate ease of visitations. The practice operates within a larger healthcare setting that emphasizes discretion and welcoming care, offering a discreet and professional environment for mental health treatment.

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

Do I need a referral to see Maher, 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 Maher 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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Maher?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Maher 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 Maher and a Psychologist?

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

Does Maher offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Maher, 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 Maher'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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Maher?

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

Kingston General Hospital
21 Bradford Street
Barrie, ON L4N 1W2

Phone: (705) 726-5033 | Fax: (705) 726-4887

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

Dr. Maher 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. Maher 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/Maher-John-Thomas/0057340-68928