Dr. Khrista Rea Anne Boylan – Psychiatrist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Khrista Rea Anne Boylan 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 Toronto RPO Junction Gardens in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice aligns with the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Boylan 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. She is committed to delivering confidential, respectful, and patient-centered mental health care, fostering a safe space for individuals to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Boylan earned her Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada and has over 20 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, having been in practice since 2004. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and experience enable her to provide expert mental health assessments and treatments tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a high standard of care in her practice.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Boylan aims to build a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, dedicated to supporting her patients' mental health journeys. She provides care in English and is committed to supporting the mental well-being of her patients in Hamilton and surrounding communities.

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

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.

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.

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. Khrista Boylan for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• 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.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• 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.

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

Toronto RPO Junction Gardens is situated in Hamilton's Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood, conveniently close to Eastgate Square (East End). The practice is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transit, making it easy for patients to reach. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Ample parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring convenience for visitors. The practice maintains a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, designed to foster trust and ease for individuals seeking mental health care.

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

Do I need a referral to see Boylan, 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 Boylan 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. Boylan 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. Boylan will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Boylan?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Boylan, 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 Boylan can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

What does a Psychiatrist like Boylan 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. Boylan 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.

Toronto RPO Junction Gardens
237 Barton Street East, PO BOX 70605
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 521-7963

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

Dr. Boylan 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. Boylan 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/Boylan-Khrista-Rea-Anne/0161862-73741