Dr. Kevin Robert McLeod 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 Okotoks, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. 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 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.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Alberta, including certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His credentials reflect a thorough preparation to deliver high-quality mental health services aligned with provincial standards.
Dr. McLeod's clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and adherence to evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English, he strives to foster a supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health support in Okotoks.
Dr. Kevin McLeod 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.
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
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.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Kevin McLeod for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. McLeod 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Situated in a mental health clinic or hospital department within Okotoks, Dr. McLeod's practice is conveniently located in an area near central Okotoks, easily accessible via local public transit. The practice is nestled amidst local points of interest and offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring convenient access for patients seeking mental health care in a confidential setting.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with McLeod, a Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like McLeod are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 McLeod's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see McLeod, 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 McLeod 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. McLeod and his 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. McLeod will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by McLeod?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. McLeod will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to McLeod or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by McLeod, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. McLeod can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What does a Psychiatrist like McLeod 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. McLeod 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.
11 Cimarron Common
Okotoks, AB T1S 2E9
Phone: (403) 995-2712
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. McLeod is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. McLeod for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=473494ea-432b-480b-a950-69a46992b651&i=964