About
Dr. Kola Olatunbosun Phillips 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 LHSC University Hospital in Ajax, 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 care. Dr. Phillips 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 rooted in a supportive and patient-centered philosophy, fostering a safe environment where individuals can openly explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and has accumulated over five years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2019. Dr. Phillips is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certification reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and continuous professional development in mental health care.
Dr. Phillips’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, respectful, and confidential care to his patients in Ajax, communicating fluently in English. His goal is to foster a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring each individual receives personalized and effective mental health support.
Dr. Kola Phillips provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Personality Disorders
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
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.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
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.
- Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Kola Phillips for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Phillips 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.
LHSC University Hospital is situated in Ajax's Southwood, Pickering Beach neighbourhood, within a well-established healthcare environment. The facility is conveniently located near Ajax Town Hall and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). The hospital complex offers wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities, ensuring comfort and privacy for all patients. Patients can find metered street parking and nearby public lots, providing flexible options for arrival. The setting emphasizes discretion and a welcoming atmosphere, designed to foster trust and confidentiality for individuals seeking mental health care. As a specialized psychiatric service within the hospital, the practice maintains a discreet and professional environment tailored to meet the needs of those requiring mental health support in Ajax.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Phillips, 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 Phillips 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 Phillips's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Phillips, 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 Phillips 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 Kola?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Phillips 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 Phillips offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Dr. Phillips, 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 his 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Dr. Phillips?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Dr. Phillips, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their severity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, and details of past psychiatric treatments. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be useful. Be ready to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down questions you want to ask can ensure a productive consultation.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Dr. Phillips and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Dr. Phillips, is a medical doctor (MD) with specialized training in psychiatry, allowing him to diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and perform certain medical tests. A Psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree in psychology and specializes in psychological assessment and psychotherapy but cannot prescribe medication in Canada. Both work collaboratively, often with overlapping roles, but the psychiatrist's medical training provides additional diagnostic and treatment options.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Dr. Phillips?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting the dose. Dr. Phillips will discuss possible side effects with you. If you experience any adverse effects, it is important to inform his office promptly. Do not stop your medication abruptly without consulting him, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms or worsening of your condition. Dr. Phillips can adjust your medication, suggest alternative options, or provide strategies to manage side effects effectively.
LHSC University Hospital
580 Harwood Avenue S.
Ajax, ON L1S 2J4
Phone: (905) 683-2320
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Phillips 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. Phillips 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/Phillips-Kola-Olatunbosun/0290394-102057