Dr. Peter Emile Cook – Psychiatrist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Peter Emile Cook 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 Hamilton, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), 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 delivering 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 British Columbia Faculty of Medicine (Canada) and has over 42 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1982. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Cook brings extensive expertise and a nuanced understanding of mental health conditions to his practice. His clinical training emphasizes a thorough, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients receive personalized and effective care.

Dr. Cook's clinical philosophy is rooted in collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. He is dedicated to supporting his patients in Hamilton through an approach that values open communication, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing support. He provides care exclusively in English, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with his patients.

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

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

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

Personality Disorders

• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.

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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• 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.
• 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. Cook 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. Cook practices within a mental health clinic located in the Corktown or Stinson neighbourhood of Hamilton, ON. The facility is situated in a vibrant area near Dundas Valley Conservation Area, offering a peaceful environment for mental health care. Accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transit, the location is convenient for patients traveling from various parts of the city. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and strives to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by car. The setting is designed to be discreet and welcoming, emphasizing confidentiality and patient comfort.

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

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

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

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Cook?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Cook 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 Cook?

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

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

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

What does a Psychiatrist like Cook 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. Cook 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.

Suite 1500, 100 W 5th Ave
Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7

Phone: (905) 522-1155 | Fax: (905) 381-5601

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

Dr. Cook 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. Cook 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/Cook-Peter-Emile/0028497-33320