About
Dr. Katrina Danielle Fenicky 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 Mount Sinai Hospital in St Thomas, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). 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 approach emphasizes a respectful, confidential, and patient-centered environment, fostering trust and collaboration to support each individual's mental health journey.
Dr. Fenicky graduated with a Medical Degree from Semmelweis University Faculty of Medicine in Hungary. She has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2022, accumulating over two years of experience in the field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and certification ensure she maintains high standards of clinical excellence and ethical practice in her psychiatric services.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a commitment to collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the application of evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Fenicky strives to build a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, ensuring her patients feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their care. Fluent in both English and French, she facilitates effective communication with a diverse patient population in St Thomas, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all seeking mental health support.
Dr. Katrina Fenicky provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
- 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. Katrina Fenicky for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Fenicky 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.
Mount Sinai Hospital in St Thomas is conveniently situated in the areas near central St Thomas' neighborhood. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit, with multiple bus routes serving the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of arrival for those visiting from different parts of the city. The setting is designed to be discreet and welcoming, fostering a sense of safety and confidentiality for individuals seeking mental health care. The hospital's integration within a larger healthcare framework allows for seamless collaboration with other medical professionals, ensuring comprehensive support for patients' overall well-being.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Fenicky, 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 Fenicky 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 Fenicky's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Fenicky, 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 Fenicky 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Fenicky?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Fenicky, 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 Fenicky can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Fenicky and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Fenicky, 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Fenicky and her team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Fenicky will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Fenicky?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Fenicky 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.
- Does Fenicky offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Fenicky, 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 Fenicky'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.
Mount Sinai Hospital
189 Elm St, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
St Thomas, ON N5R 5C4
Phone: (519) 631-2030
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Fenicky 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. Fenicky 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/Fenicky-Katrina-Danielle/0318358-111922