Dr. Sam Masri – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Sam Masri 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 Etobicoke General Hospital 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), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and effective care. Dr. Masri 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 is centered on understanding each patient's unique circumstances to develop personalized treatment plans. 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.

Dr. Masri graduated with a Medical Degree from the University Central Del Este in the Dominican Republic. He has over 22 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, having practiced since 2002. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Psychiatry by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining professional excellence and ongoing education in the field. His extensive clinical background enables him to address a broad spectrum of mental health issues with expertise and compassion.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatments. Dr. Masri believes in building a strong therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, ensuring patients feel supported throughout their mental health journey. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish, he strives to facilitate clear communication and culturally sensitive care for a diverse patient population in Toronto. His dedication to accessible, empathetic, and effective mental health care makes him a trusted resource for those seeking psychiatric support.

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

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.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
• Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.

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.
• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Masri 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 Etobicoke General Hospital in Toronto's Summerhill West, Rathnelly, South Hill, Forest Hill SE neighborhood, Dr. Masri's practice benefits from a discreet and welcoming setting. The hospital is easily accessible via Toronto's public transit system, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), and is situated close to Cabbagetown. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, with designated accessible spots to ensure convenience for those with mobility needs. The practice’s location within a larger healthcare facility allows for integrated, comprehensive mental health services in a secure and confidential setting.

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

Do I need a referral to see Masri, 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 Masri 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Masri and his team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Masri will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What does a Psychiatrist like Masri 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. Masri 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 Masri offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Masri, 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 Masri'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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Masri?

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

Etobicoke General Hospital
315 Avenue Road, Department of Anaesthesia
Toronto, ON M4V 2H2

Phone: (416) 972-9273 | Fax: (647) 494-4686

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

Dr. Masri 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. Masri 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/Masri-Sam/0051674-65653