About
Dr. Michael Kounine 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 The Credit Valley Hospital in Vaughan, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He 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 practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Kounine graduated with a Medical Degree from Donetsk Medical Institute in Ukraine and has over 19 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2005. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification enable him to deliver specialized mental health services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
With a commitment to collaborative care, Dr. Kounine emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches and fosters a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Fluent in English and Russian, he is able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients in Vaughan, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all seeking mental health care.
Dr. Michael Kounine provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
- Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
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.
- 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.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Michael Kounine for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Kounine 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.
The Credit Valley Hospital is situated in Vaughan's Concord Central neighborhood within the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Area, serving as a central hub for healthcare and community services. The psychiatric practice is conveniently located within this facility, easily accessible from the Maple Community Centre and Vaughan Mills Area. Public transit options are plentiful, with York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva buses providing regular service to the vicinity. 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 access for those visiting for mental health services. The setting is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and supportive, fostering a safe space for patients to seek care.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Kounine, 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 Kounine 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 Kounine's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Kounine, 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 Kounine 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 Kounine?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Kounine 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Kounine?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Kounine will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Kounine or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Kounine, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Kounine can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Kounine 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. Kounine 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Kounine 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. Kounine will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
The Credit Valley Hospital
1520 Steeles Avenue West, Lab Medicine and Pathology Dept
Vaughan, ON L4K 3B9
Phone: (905) 597-4457 | Fax: (905) 597-4458
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Kounine 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. Kounine 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/Kounine-Michael/0206304-80208