About
Dr. Kathiraveloo Santher 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 a mental health clinic or hospital department in Niagara Falls, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and effective care. 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 approach is centered on understanding each patient's unique needs to foster recovery and well-being. The practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
Dr. Santher graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and has accumulated over 48 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1976. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in the field of mental health care. Over the decades, he has continually refined his skills, embracing evidence-based practices to ensure his patients receive the most effective treatments available.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Dr. Santher is dedicated to offering personalized treatment plans that integrate medication, psychotherapy, and other modalities tailored to each individual's circumstances. He also speaks Tamil in addition to English, facilitating communication with a diverse patient population in Niagara Falls. His compassionate approach aims to support patients in achieving their mental health goals within a safe and welcoming environment.
Dr. Kathiraveloo Santher provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
- Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
Personality Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
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.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.
- 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. Kathiraveloo Santher for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
- 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.
- Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
- 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.
- 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. Santher 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. Santher practices at a discreet mental health facility located in the vibrant Clifton Hill Tourist Area, Fallsview Area neighborhood of Niagara Falls, ON. The clinic offers a welcoming environment with views of the iconic American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, providing a calming setting for patients. Easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT), the facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure comfort and privacy for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots. The environment is intended to be discreet and inviting, fostering a sense of safety and confidentiality for individuals seeking mental health support.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Santher, 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 Santher 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 Santher's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Santher, 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 Santher 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 Santher 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. Santher 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 Santher?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Santher will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Santher or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Santher, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Santher 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 Santher?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Santher 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Santher?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Santher, 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 Santher can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
5546 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X2
Phone: (905) 358-0171 | Fax: (905) 323-7598
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Santher 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. Santher 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/Santher-Kathiraveloo/0024654-29476