Dr. Peter Chukwumah Ajueze – Psychiatrist | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Peter Chukwumah Ajueze 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 Ottawa Hospital in Sudbury, 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 care that is safe, ethical, and evidence-based. 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. Dr. Ajueze’s approach is centered on delivering personalized and respectful mental health services within a confidential and supportive environment, fostering trust and collaboration with his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Benin in Nigeria and has accumulated over 11 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2013. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his rigorous training and commitment to ongoing professional development. His extensive clinical background enables him to offer expert evaluation and management tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Dr. Ajueze’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the application of evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, which is crucial for successful mental health treatment. Fluent in English, Ibo, and Yoruba, he facilitates effective communication with a diverse patient population, ensuring that language barriers do not impede access to quality mental health services. His commitment is to support his patients in Sudbury on their journey towards recovery and well-being.

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

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.

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.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• 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.

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

• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ajueze 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 Ottawa Hospital is situated in Sudbury's Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, Ramsey Lake Area neighbourhood. The practice is conveniently located within the hospital complex, providing easy access via public transit, specifically GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). 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 access for patients and visitors. The surroundings are discreet and welcoming, designed to foster a safe atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health care. The practice is well-integrated within the larger healthcare setting, offering specialized psychiatric services in a dedicated environment for mental health evaluation and treatment.

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

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Ajueze 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 Ajueze?

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

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Ajueze?

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

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

The Ottawa Hospital
41 RAMSEY LAKE ROAD, Department of Anaesthesia
Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1

Phone: (705) 523-7100

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

Dr. Ajueze 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. Ajueze 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/Ajueze-Peter-Chukwumah/0282232-99521