Dr. Nisha Subhashinee Withane – Psychiatrist | Windsor, ON

Dr. Nisha Subhashinee Withane is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory in Windsor, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Dr. Withane's expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of pediatric and adolescent mental health concerns, providing comprehensive evaluation and tailored intervention in a confidential environment.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the Medical University of the Americas (Nevis) in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Since 2023, she has accumulated over a year of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, gaining specialized certification recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with best practices in mental health care for youth, integrating evidence-based approaches into her clinical work.

Dr. Withane believes in a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach, creating a safe, engaging, and supportive space for young people to express themselves. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and other caregivers to develop individualized care plans that promote resilience and positive mental health trajectories. She is committed to providing culturally sensitive and accessible care in English, ensuring that each patient feels heard and respected. Her dedication to the Windsor community is reflected in her compassionate, confidential, and comprehensive mental health services for children and adolescents.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

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

• 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
• 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.
• 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.
• Treatment of Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents (Depression, Anxiety, OCD): Age-appropriate psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for young people experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.

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

Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory is situated in Windsor’s Ojibway neighborhood within the Morton Industrial Park area. The facility offers convenient access via Highway 401, with public transit options provided by Transit Windsor. The location is designed to be discreet and welcoming, with the environment prioritizing patient comfort and privacy. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct building access, ensuring ease of visit for families and young patients. The setting fosters a calm, confidential atmosphere conducive to effective mental health care.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Withane, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Withane 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 Withane's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Withane, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Withane 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 Withane?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Withane 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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

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

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

Does Withane offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Withane, 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 Withane's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory
Room M3871, 3640 Wells St, Hematopathology Division
Windsor, ON N9C 1T9

Phone: (519) 256-6266

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

Dr. Withane is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Withane for child and adolescent psychiatric 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/Withane-Nisha-Subhashinee/0342833-150041