Dr. Maria Teresa Koczorowska – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Maria Teresa Koczorowska 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 London Health Sciences Centre 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), ensuring quality and ethical care. She 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.

Dr. Koczorowska graduated with a Medical Degree from the Academy of Medicine in Cracow, Poland. With over 30 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1994, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her advanced training and commitment to excellence in mental health care.

Her clinical philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, empowering patients through education and understanding. Dr. Koczorowska is dedicated to evidence-based treatment strategies, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She speaks Polish in addition to English, which helps facilitate communication with a broader range of patients. Her commitment is to provide compassionate, respectful, and effective mental health support to those in Toronto seeking to improve their well-being.

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

Mood Disorders

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• 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.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
• 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. Maria Koczorowska 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.
• 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.
• Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

London Health Sciences Centre is situated in Toronto's The Annex, North Midtown, and Yorkville neighborhoods, offering a discreet and welcoming environment. The practice is located within a larger healthcare facility, providing integrated services and easy access. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. It is well-connected via public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), facilitating convenient access from various parts of Toronto. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The practice's setting emphasizes confidentiality and a calming atmosphere, designed to support patients during their mental health journey.

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

Do I need a referral to see Koczorowska, 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 Koczorowska 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Koczorowska?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Koczorowska will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Koczorowska or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Koczorowska, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Koczorowska can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Koczorowska?

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

What does a Psychiatrist like Koczorowska 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. Koczorowska 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.

London Health Sciences Centre
Room E6 323A, 53 Melgund Rd
Toronto, ON M5R 2A1

Phone: (416) 924-3854 | Fax: (416) 924-9428

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

Dr. Koczorowska 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. Koczorowska 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/Koczorowska-Maria-Teresa/0047834-61812