Dr. Matthew Simon Haaland – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Matthew Simon Haaland 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 a mental health clinic or hospital department in Toronto, 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 quality and ethical care. Dr. Haaland 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. He is committed to offering compassionate and respectful mental health services within a safe and supportive environment. The practice is dedicated to fostering a trusting relationship, where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their journey toward recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2022, accumulating over two years of clinical experience. Dr. Haaland is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his specialized training and competence in psychiatry. His certification underscores his qualification to provide expert mental health care aligned with provincial standards and best practices.

Dr. Haaland’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual's unique needs. By fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, respect, and open communication, he aims to support his patients in achieving optimal mental health outcomes. Fluent in English, Dr. Haaland is dedicated to providing accessible and compassionate care to residents of Toronto, ensuring they feel comfortable and valued throughout their treatment journey.

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

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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

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.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.

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.
• 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).

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Matthew Haaland for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Located in Toronto's Little Portugal, Trinity neighborhood, Dr. Haaland’s practice is situated within a discreet and welcoming environment. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), and is wheelchair accessible. Patients can expect a comfortable and private setting designed to foster open communication and trust. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The practice aims to provide a discreet, accessible, and patient-centered experience for individuals seeking mental health care in Toronto.

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

Do I need a referral to see Haaland, 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 Haaland 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 does a Psychiatrist like Haaland 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Haaland 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.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Haaland?

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

Does Haaland offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Haaland, 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 Haaland's 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Haaland and his 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. Haaland will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

60 White Squirrel Way
Toronto, ON M6J 1H4

Phone: (416) 535-8501

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

Dr. Haaland 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. Haaland 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/Haaland-Matthew-Simon/0318286-112202