Dr. Robert Brian Hines – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Robert Brian Hines 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 Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. As a licensed member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Hines adheres to the highest standards of medical practice, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care. His role encompasses comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. 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 graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has accumulated over 38 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1986. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Hines's extensive training and clinical expertise underpin his approach to mental health care. He continually updates his skills and knowledge to incorporate the latest advances in psychiatry, ensuring that patients benefit from current, effective treatment modalities.

Dr. Hines is dedicated to a collaborative approach to care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. His clinical philosophy centers on building a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. He believes that effective mental health treatment involves a personalized, evidence-based approach that respects each patient's unique circumstances. Providing care in English, Dr. Hines is committed to supporting his patients in Toronto with compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric services designed to promote mental wellness and resilience.

Dr. Robert Hines 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.
• 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).
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Mood Disorders

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
• Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

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

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Robert Hines 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.
• 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.
• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Located within a reputable mental health facility in Toronto's Runnymede, Swansea neighborhood, Dr. Hines's practice is conveniently situated near the World's Biggest Bookstore Site and Toronto Eaton Centre. The practice is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with multiple public transit options. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to ensure ease of access. The environment is discreet, welcoming, and designed to foster a sense of safety and comfort for every individual seeking mental health support.

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

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

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

What does a Psychiatrist like Hines 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. Dr. Hines 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.

Does Hines offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Hines, 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 Hines'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.

2 Jane Street, Suite 507, Axis Dental
Toronto, ON M6S 4W3

Phone: (416) 962-6956 | Fax: (416) 234-0418

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

Dr. Hines 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. Hines 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/Hines-Robert-Brian/0038381-52357