About
Dr. Peter Jason Cordell 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 Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Kitchener, 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 a supportive, compassionate, and respectful environment where patients can feel safe to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 3 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2021, Dr. Cordell is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certification ensure that he adheres to the highest standards of medical practice and ethical care in Ontario.
Dr. Cordell adopts a collaborative approach to mental health care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He is committed to evidence-based treatment approaches and building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust, respect, and open communication. Providing care primarily in English, he dedicates himself to serving the Kitchener community with compassion and professionalism, always prioritizing the individual needs of his patients.
Dr. Peter Cordell provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
Personality Disorders
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- 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).
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.
- 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.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Peter Cordell for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Cordell 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.
Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario is situated in the vibrant Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood. The practice is conveniently accessible from Grand River Hospital (KW Campus) and offers easy access via the Iron Horse Trail. Patients can reach the location using Grand River Transit (GRT) bus and ION Light Rail services. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots. The practice is designed to ensure discretion and a welcoming atmosphere, integrated within a larger healthcare setting or as a specialized standalone psychiatric service within the hospital, emphasizing confidentiality and patient-centered care.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Cordell, 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 Cordell 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 Cordell's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Cordell, 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 Cordell 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Cordell?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Cordell will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Cordell or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Cordell, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Cordell can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Peter Jason Cordell?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Cordell 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Cordell and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Cordell, 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Cordell?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Cordell, 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 Cordell can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Cordell 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. Cordell 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. He is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatric care tailored to each patient's needs.
Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
850 King St W
Kitchener, ON N2G 1E8
Phone: (519) 749-4300 | Fax: (519) 749-4215
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Cordell 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. Cordell 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/Cordell-Peter-Jason/0310871-109071