Dr. Peter Ian Collins – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Peter Ian Collins 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 Baycrest 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. Dr. Collins adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and effective care tailored to each individual's needs.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has over 35 years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 1989. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), he maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development, integrating the latest evidence-based practices into his clinical work. His extensive training and experience enable him to provide expert mental health evaluations and treatments across a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Collins' clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the application of evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring that every patient in Toronto receives compassionate and personalized mental health care. He provides services in English and strives to create a safe, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working toward recovery and well-being.

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

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• 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).
• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• 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.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• 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.

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

Baycrest is located in Toronto's vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), and is wheelchair accessible, aiming to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots. The practice offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, ensuring patients feel secure and respected as they seek mental health care. Situated close to the University Settlement Recreation Centre and Chinatown, the location is ideal for those seeking confidential and accessible psychiatric services in Toronto.

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

Do I need a referral to see Collins, 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 Collins 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.

What does a Psychiatrist like Collins 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. Collins 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 Collins?

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

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

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

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

Baycrest
Room 278, 250 College Street, Kimel Family Building
Toronto, ON M5T 1R8

Phone: (416) 979-6847 | Fax: (416) 979-6965

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

Dr. Collins 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. Collins 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/Collins-Peter-Ian/0038428-52404