Description
About Dr. Richard Fredrick Gorman
Dr. Richard Fredrick Gorman 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 Insight Diagnostics in Toronto, 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). Dr. Gorman 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. He is committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care in a safe and respectful environment. The practice is focused on fostering a supportive atmosphere where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working collaboratively towards recovery and well-being.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has over 49 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, having begun his practice in 1975. Dr. Gorman is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and experience enable him to address complex mental health issues with a nuanced and effective approach, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment that reflects the latest evidence-based practices.
Dr. Gorman’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, empowering patients through education and understanding. He believes in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, emphasizing evidence-based treatment approaches to achieve optimal outcomes. Based in Toronto, he provides care in English and is dedicated to serving his community with compassion, patience, and professionalism. His goal is to support his patients in achieving improved mental health and a better quality of life.
Common Conditions Dr. Richard Gorman Addresses
Dr. Richard Gorman provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Personality Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
- 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).
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
Other Conditions & 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Richard Gorman for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Richard Fredrick Gorman
- 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.
- 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.
- Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Gorman 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Insight Diagnostics is situated in Toronto's vibrant University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood, offering a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health care. The practice is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Gooderham Building (Flatiron) and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), the facility is wheelchair accessible and aims 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 patients arriving by car. The practice emphasizes confidentiality, privacy, and a non-judgmental atmosphere, fostering a safe space for individuals seeking mental health support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Gorman, 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 Gorman 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 Gorman's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Gorman, 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 Gorman 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.
- Does Gorman offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Gorman, 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 Gorman'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 does a Psychiatrist like Gorman 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. Gorman 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Gorman and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Gorman, 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Gorman?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Gorman will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Gorman or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Gorman, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Gorman 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 Gorman?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Gorman 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
Insight Diagnostics
554 Spadina Crescent
Toronto, ON M5S 2J9
Phone: (416) 964-8713 | Fax: (416) 964-6351
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Gorman 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. Gorman 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/Gorman-Richard-Fredrick/0021660-26449