About
Dr. Oleg Anatolievich Savenkov 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 UHN Princess Margaret Hospital in St. Catharines, 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 offering compassionate and respectful mental health care within a safe and confidential environment, fostering trust and collaboration with each patient.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Novosibirsk Medical Institute in Russia and has over 17 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, practicing since 2007. Dr. Savenkov is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics. His extensive training and ongoing professional development allow him to deliver evidence-based, personalized care tailored to each individual's needs.
Dr. Savenkov is committed to a collaborative approach, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. Fluent in both English and Russian, he is able to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population in St. Catharines, ensuring language is not a barrier to quality mental health care. His clinical philosophy centers on providing holistic, patient-centered treatment that promotes recovery, resilience, and well-being.
Dr. Oleg Savenkov provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- 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).
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Oleg Savenkov 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Savenkov 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.
UHN Princess Margaret Hospital is situated in the vibrant areas near central St. Catharines, ON. The facility is conveniently accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients to reach. It is situated within a larger healthcare complex, ensuring comprehensive support and integration with other medical services. The hospital is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for those arriving by car. The environment is discreet and welcoming, designed to foster a sense of safety and confidentiality for individuals seeking mental health care.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Savenkov, 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 Savenkov 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 Savenkov's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Savenkov, 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 Savenkov 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Savenkov 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. Savenkov will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Savenkov 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. Savenkov 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 Savenkov?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Savenkov will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Savenkov or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Savenkov, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Savenkov can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Savenkov offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Savenkov, 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 Savenkov'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 Savenkov and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Savenkov, 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.
UHN Princess Margaret Hospital
1200 Fourth Avenue, Department of Medical Imaging
St Catharines, ON L2R 6P9
Phone: (905) 378-4647
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Savenkov 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. Savenkov 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/Savenkov-Oleg-Anatolievich/0184948-76830