Dr. Molyn Leszcz – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Molyn Leszcz 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. 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 is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba (Canada) and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 1980, bringing over 44 years of clinical experience. Dr. Leszcz is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 32416. His extensive training and certification underpin his commitment to delivering high-quality mental health services to his patients in Toronto and surrounding areas.

Dr. Leszcz’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He strives to foster a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring each patient feels heard and supported. Fluent in English and Hebrew, he is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, facilitating a more inclusive and understanding environment for mental health care in Toronto.

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

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.
• 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.

Personality Disorders

• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
• 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).

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.
• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Molyn Leszcz 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• 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.

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

Dr. Leszcz practices within a well-established mental health clinic located in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The facility is situated near the Bay Adelaide Centre, easily accessible by public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The practice environment is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and comfortable for all patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a private, supportive atmosphere conducive to open discussion and effective treatment. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for patients attending appointments. The practice emphasizes confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach to mental health care, fostering trust and therapeutic engagement.

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

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

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

Does Leszcz offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Leszcz, 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 Leszcz'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.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Leszcz and a Psychologist?

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

600 University Avenue, Room 918
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5

Phone: (416) 586-4800 | Fax: (416) 586-8654

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

Dr. Leszcz 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. Leszcz 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/Leszcz-Molyn/0027593-32416