Dr. Michael Peter Chan – Psychiatrist | Kingston, ON

Dr. Michael Peter Chan 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 Mount Sinai Hospital in Kingston, 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 safe, effective, and ethical care. Dr. Chan 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 approach emphasizes compassion, understanding, and collaboration, fostering a supportive environment for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and has over 36 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, having practiced since 1988. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and commitment to excellence in mental health care. Throughout his career, Dr. Chan has dedicated himself to staying current with the latest developments in psychiatry, integrating evidence-based practices into his clinical work to provide the highest quality of care to his patients.

Dr. Chan’s clinical philosophy centers on a collaborative approach to mental health treatment. He believes in empowering his patients through education and understanding, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. His practice emphasizes individualized care, tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English, Dr. Chan is committed to providing accessible, compassionate, and effective mental health services to the Kingston community, helping patients navigate their mental health journeys with dignity and support.

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

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• 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.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
• 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.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.

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

Mount Sinai Hospital in Kingston's Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood serves as the practice setting for Dr. Chan. The hospital's location is conveniently situated near the St. Mary's Cathedral and Hotel Dieu Hospital Site, accessible via Kingston Transit routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, with designated accessible spots to ensure ease of access. The practice offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, integrating within a larger healthcare setting while maintaining a specialized focus on psychiatric care. Patients can expect a respectful environment designed to support their mental health journey in a convenient and accessible location.

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

Do I need a referral to see Chan, 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 Chan 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 Chan?

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

What does a Psychiatrist like Chan 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. Chan 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Chan and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Chan, 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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

Mount Sinai Hospital
Room 19-231C, 752 King Street West, Department Of Paediatrics
Kingston, ON K7L 4X3

Phone: (613) 544-4900 | Fax: (613) 540-6113

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

Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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/Chan-Michael-Peter/0040731-54707