About
Dr. Richard Murray Finkel 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 London Health Sciences Centre in Richmond Hill, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that all his clinical practices meet rigorous professional guidelines. Dr. Finkel 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 approach emphasizes personalized treatment, aiming to support each patient’s path to recovery and well-being. The practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in Canada and has accumulated over 42 years of experience as a psychiatrist since 1982. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Dr. Finkel has developed a deep expertise in mental health care, continually updating his knowledge with the latest evidence-based practices. His extensive training and clinical experience enable him to address complex mental health issues with compassion and precision.
Dr. Finkel’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He values building a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring that patients feel supported and engaged throughout their mental health journey. Providing care in English, he is dedicated to serving the Richmond Hill community with professionalism and empathy, fostering an environment where patients can feel safe to express their concerns and work toward improved mental health.
Dr. Richard Finkel provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
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.
- Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
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.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Richard Finkel for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Finkel 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.
London Health Sciences Centre's psychiatric facility is located in the vibrant Richmond Hill neighborhood of Langstaff, South Richvale. The clinic is situated within the Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park area, providing a serene environment for mental health care. The practice is easily accessible via public transit, including York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, with the facility being wheelchair accessible to ensure all patients can comfortably attend appointments. The practice emphasizes a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, designed to foster confidentiality and comfort. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for patients' convenience. The clinic's setting within the larger healthcare infrastructure offers patients convenient access to comprehensive medical and mental health services, making it a dedicated space for specialized psychiatric care in Richmond Hill.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Finkel, 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 Finkel 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 Finkel's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Finkel, 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 Finkel 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 Finkel?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Finkel, 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 Finkel can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Finkel 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. Finkel 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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Finkel?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Finkel 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.
London Health Sciences Centre
Room C6 116, 212-9140 Leslie St., University Hospital
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 0A9
Phone: (416) 461-5049
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Finkel 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. Finkel 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/Finkel-Richard-Murray/0025307-30130