Dr. Margaret Karolina Hahn – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Margaret Karolina Hahn is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Hahn focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. She provides comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Her approach emphasizes a compassionate, family-centered, and developmentally-informed model, ensuring that young patients feel supported and understood. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges of children and adolescents.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and has over 15 years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2009. Dr. Hahn is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development enable her to stay current with the latest advancements in mental health care for youth, ensuring her patients receive evidence-based and effective interventions.

Dr. Hahn’s clinical philosophy centers on a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. She strives to create a safe, engaging, and supportive space for young people to express themselves and explore their concerns. Collaborating closely with families, schools, and other healthcare professionals, she aims to foster resilience and promote positive mental health trajectories. Fluent in English, French, and Polish, Dr. Hahn is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, facilitating better understanding and care. Her dedication to her patients in Toronto reflects a genuine commitment to improving the mental well-being of children and adolescents, helping them navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Tourette's Syndrome & Tic Disorders (Psychiatric Co-morbidities): Addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions like ADHD or OCD in individuals with Tourette's or other tic disorders.
• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.

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.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
• 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.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Margaret Hahn 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.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation of Children & Adolescents: Specialized assessment of developmental, emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders in children and teenagers, involving interviews with the child, parents, and often school input.
• School Consultation & Collaboration for Children with Psychiatric Needs: Liaising with schools and educational professionals to support the academic and social-emotional needs of children with psychiatric disorders.
• 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. Hahn 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.

McMaster Children's Hospital is situated in Toronto's vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighborhoods. The facility is conveniently accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with multiple transit options for easy access. The hospital is integrated within a larger healthcare complex, providing a seamless experience for patients and families. The practice location is wheelchair accessible and designed to offer a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for those arriving by car. The facility's discreet and welcoming atmosphere aims to make every visit as reassuring and stress-free as possible, fostering a sense of trust and comfort for young patients and their families.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Hahn, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Hahn 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 Hahn's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Hahn, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Hahn 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 Hahn?

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

Does Hahn offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Hahn, 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 Hahn'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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Hahn?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Hahn 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.

McMaster Children's Hospital
250 College Street, Department of Paediatrics
Toronto, ON M5T 1R8

Phone: (416) 535-8501 | Fax: (416) 979-4292

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

Dr. Hahn is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Hahn for child and adolescent psychiatric 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/Hahn-Margaret-Karolina/0260234-91868