About
Dr. Mari Kozak 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 Postgraduate Medical Education in Oakville, 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), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based care. Dr. Kozak 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 is rooted in a commitment to understanding each patient's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment for mental health recovery.
She obtained her Medical Degree from the University of Tichreen in Syria and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2024. Dr. Kozak is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and certification reflect her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of psychiatric practice in Canada. She continually updates her expertise through ongoing education and clinical experience, ensuring that her patients benefit from the latest developments in mental health care.
Dr. Kozak’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. She strives to build a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. Her dedication to patients in Oakville is evident in her compassionate approach and her focus on providing personalized treatment plans. She offers care in English and is committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working toward improved mental well-being.
Dr. Mari Kozak provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Personality Disorders
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- 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).
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Mari Kozak for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
- Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Kozak 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.
Postgraduate Medical Education's practice in Oakville is situated in the West Oak Trails, Glen Abbey West neighborhood, providing a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health care. The facility is conveniently accessible from Oakville GO Station and is well served by Oakville Transit, making it easy for patients to reach. The practice is located within a larger healthcare setting, ensuring seamless integration with other medical services. 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 parking for those attending appointments. The practice is designed to maintain confidentiality and foster a calm, supportive atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health support.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Kozak, 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 Kozak 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 Kozak's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Kozak, 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 Kozak 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.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Kozak and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Kozak, 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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Kozak?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Kozak 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 Kozak offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Kozak, 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 Kozak'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.
Postgraduate Medical Education
Room M106 Medical Science Building, 3001 Hospital Gate, University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Medicine
Oakville, ON L6M 0L8
Phone: (905) 845-2571
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Kozak 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. Kozak 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/Kozak-Mari/0328657-119467