Professional Details
Salutation
Dr.
Full Name
Dr. Sarina Messina
First Name
Sarina
Last Name
Messina
Gender
Female
Languages Spoken
English, French
Medical School
University of Calgary
Year Graduated
1991
Degree (Country)
Canada
Specialty
Psychiatrist
Practice Disciplines
Psychiatry
Membership Status
Active as of 25-Jun-93
Specialty Issue Date
30-Nov-09
Specialty Type
RCPSC Specialist
Registration Class
Independent Practice as of 25 Jun 1993
Licensed By
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Regulator Website
https://www.cpso.on.ca
License Number
64175
Data Sourced From
https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Messina-Sarina/0050196-64175
Facility Name
Wardenwood Health Centre
Address
1915 Baseline Road
City
Ottawa
Province
ON
Postal Code
K2C 0C7
Phone
(613) 233-3976
Fax
(613) 695-1996

Description

Dr. Sarina Messina is a compassionate and dedicated psychiatrist in Ottawa, ON, with a passion for delivering personalized care and staying at the forefront of psychiatric research and practice. With exceptional expertise in psychiatry, she takes a collaborative approach to mental health and treatment, tailoring care to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Her areas of expertise include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related disorders, with a focus on understanding the complex interplay between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. To learn more about Dr. Messina's approach, credentials, and treatment options, explore her all-encompassing approach to mental wellness and recovery.

Profile Highlights

  • Dr. Sarina Messina is a compassionate and dedicated psychiatrist with exceptional expertise in psychiatry, particularly in personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
  • She provides individualized care, thorough examinations, and evidence-based practices to identify underlying causes of mental health concerns and develop personalized treatment plans.
  • Dr. Messina's treatment options include cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and focus on alleviating suffering and improving quality of life for anxiety treatment, and accurate diagnosis and personalized care for depression.
  • Her office is conveniently located with easy public transportation access and ample parking, offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments.
  • Dr. Messina accepts private insurance, extended benefits, cash, and credit card payments, and patients are encouraged to verify coverage before booking an appointment.

About Dr. Sarina Messina

Routinely recognized for her exceptional expertise in the domain of psychiatry, Dr. Sarina Messina has established herself as a compassionate and dedicated professional in Ottawa, ON.

Her personal story is deeply rooted in a passion for understanding human behavior and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This drive has propelled her professional journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to staying at the forefront of psychiatric research and practice.

Throughout her career, Dr. Messina has been drawn to the complexities of the human mind, and her work has been guided by a deep empathy for those struggling with mental health issues. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the trust and respect she has earned from her patients and colleagues alike.

As a seasoned psychiatrist, Dr. Messina continues to inspire confidence and hope in those who seek her care, making her an invaluable asset to the Ottawa community.

Areas of Expertise

As a seasoned psychiatrist, Dr. Sarina Messina has developed a distinct set of areas of expertise that enable her to provide exhaustive mental health care to her patients.

Her extensive experience has equipped her to tackle a broad range of mental health issues, with a particular focus on personality disorders. Dr. Messina is well-versed in diagnosing and treating various personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder.

Dr. Messina's expertise also extends to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related disorders.

She is skilled in developing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient. Her thorough approach to mental health care takes into account the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health issues.

Approach to Mental Health

Every individual's mental health journey is unique, and Dr. Sarina Messina recognizes this by taking a personalized approach to mental wellness.

Her holistic approach focuses on understanding the complex interplay between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence mental health.

Dr. Messina's approach is guided by the following principles:

  1. Individualized care: Tailoring treatment plans to each patient's unique needs and circumstances.
  2. Thorough examination: Conducting in-depth evaluations to identify underlying causes of mental health concerns.
  3. Evidence-based practices: Drawing on the latest research and clinical guidelines to inform treatment decisions.
  4. Collaborative care: Working closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to guarantee all-encompassing support.

Anxiety Treatment Options

Anxiety is a pervasive mental health concern that affects millions of people worldwide, manifesting in a range of symptoms from mild unease to debilitating fear.

As a psychiatrist, Dr. Sarina Messina recognizes the importance of providing effective anxiety treatment options to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life.

Cognitive restructuring is a valuable approach in anxiety treatment, focusing on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.

This technique helps individuals recognize distorted or unhelpful thinking, and replace it with more balanced and realistic perspectives.

By reframing negative thoughts, individuals can reduce anxiety and develop more adaptive coping strategies.

Exposure therapy is another evidence-based treatment for anxiety, involving gradual and controlled exposure to feared situations or stimuli.

This approach helps individuals confront and overcome their fears, ultimately reducing avoidance behaviors and increasing confidence.

Depression Diagnosis and Care

Many individuals struggle with depression, a complex and multifaceted mental health disorder that affects mood, motivation, and overall well-being.

Depression is often shrouded in myths and stigma, which can prevent people from seeking the help they need.

As a psychiatrist, Dr. Sarina Messina is committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals struggling with depression.

Depression diagnosis and care involve a thorough approach that considers the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.

This includes:

  1. Accurate diagnosis: Ruling out other underlying medical conditions and identifying the specific type of depression, such as major depressive disorder or dysthymia.
  2. Personalized treatment planning: Developing a tailored treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
  3. Breaking down stigma: Educating patients and their loved ones about depression myths and stigma, and promoting a culture of understanding and support.
  4. Ongoing support and monitoring: Regularly monitoring symptoms and adjusting treatment plans as needed to guarantee the best possible outcomes.

Trauma Recovery Services

As individuals navigate the complex landscape of mental health, trauma can often be a underlying factor that contributes to their struggles.

Traumatic experiences can have a profound impact on a person's emotional well-being, leading to persistent feelings of anxiety, fear, and hypervigilance.

Dr. Sarina Messina's trauma recovery services are designed to help individuals process and overcome these traumatic events, promoting healing and recovery.

Through evidence-based therapies, Dr. Messina works with patients to identify and address trauma responses, which can manifest as avoidance behaviors, emotional numbing, or intense emotional reactivity.

By developing emotional regulation skills, individuals can learn to manage their emotions, reducing the intensity and frequency of traumatic symptoms.

Dr. Messina's approach is tailored to each patient's unique needs, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to explore and work through traumatic experiences.

Relationship Counseling

In the intricate web of human connections, relationships play a vital role in our emotional well-being, providing a sense of belonging, support, and validation.

As a psychiatrist in Ottawa, Dr. Sarina Messina recognizes the significance of healthy relationships in maintaining mental health.

Relationship counseling is an essential aspect of her practice, focusing on addressing marital conflicts, communication breakdowns, and emotional disconnections.

Dr. Messina's approach to relationship counseling involves:

  1. Identifying patterns and triggers: Understanding the underlying causes of conflicts and emotional distress in relationships.
  2. Fostering effective communication: Teaching couples effective communication skills to express emotions, needs, and desires.
  3. Building emotional intimacy: Helping partners develop a deeper emotional connection, trust, and understanding.
  4. Developing conflict resolution strategies: Equipping couples with practical tools to manage conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner.

Through couples therapy, Dr. Messina empowers individuals to navigate marital conflicts, strengthen their relationships, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection and understanding.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Dr. Sarina Messina understands that every individual's mental health journey is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is often ineffective.

That's why she takes a personalized approach to treatment, tailoring each plan to meet the specific needs and goals of her patients. This customized care guarantees that individuals receive the most effective and efficient treatment possible, addressing their specific mental wellness concerns.

Through an in-depth assessment and thorough discussion, Dr. Messina works closely with her patients to identify their strengths, challenges, and treatment goals.

She then develops a personalized treatment plan that incorporates evidence-based therapies and interventions, carefully selected to address the patient's specific needs. This holistic approach considers the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of mental wellness, providing that patients receive a thorough and supportive treatment experience.

Patient Testimonials

With a commitment to delivering exceptional care, Dr. Sarina Messina has empowered numerous individuals to set out on transformative healing journeys.

Her dedication to providing personalized treatment plans has yielded remarkable results, as evident in the following patient testimonials:

  1. Mental Breakthroughs: "Dr. Messina's empathetic approach helped me uncover the root causes of my anxiety, leading to profound mental breakthroughs and a renewed sense of purpose."
  2. Holistic Healing: "Dr. Messina's inclusive treatment plan addressed my physical and emotional well-being, allowing me to experience a deeper sense of healing and balance."
  3. Empowerment Through Education: "Dr. Messina took the time to educate me about my condition, empowering me to take control of my mental health and make informed decisions about my care."
  4. Compassionate Support: "Dr. Messina's kindness, understanding, and non-judgmental attitude created a safe space for me to explore my emotions and overcome my fears."

These testimonials demonstrate Dr. Messina's ability to foster a supportive environment, facilitating her patients' mental breakthroughs and healing journeys.

Education and Credentials

Dr. Sarina Messina earned her Medical Degree from a prestigious institution, marking the beginning of her journey in the field of psychiatry.

She then completed her Psychiatry Residency program, further solidifying her expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders.

Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Messina has demonstrated a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest research, advancements, and best practices in psychiatry.

Her extensive education and training have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional care to her patients.

Dr. Messina holds a valid medical license and is certified by the relevant professional organizations.

Her credentials are an endorsement to her dedication to delivering high-quality patient care and her passion for improving mental health outcomes.

Office Location and Hours

Conveniently situated in a prime location, Dr. Sarina Messina's psychiatry office is easily accessible by public transportation and offers ample parking for clients.

The office is designed to provide a comfortable and calming atmosphere, perfect for individuals seeking mental health services.

Office Details:

  1. Office Decor: The office is tastefully decorated with a focus on creating a soothing environment, allowing clients to feel at ease during their sessions.
  2. The Waiting Room is spacious and quiet, equipped with comfortable seating and complimentary refreshments.
  3. Extended Hours: Dr. Messina's office offers flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate clients' busy schedules.
  4. Accessibility: The office is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all clients can easily access the facility.

Dr. Messina's office is designed to prioritize clients' comfort and convenience, allowing them to focus on their mental health and well-being.

Insurance and Payment Options

As part of Dr. Sarina Messina's commitment to providing accessible mental health care, her office accepts various insurance and payment options.

Dr. Messina's office is dedicated to making her services available to as many patients as possible. To achieve this, she accepts payment from various sources, including private insurance and extended benefits plans.

Insurance/Payment Option Accepted
Private Insurance
Extended Benefits
Cash
Credit Card

Please note that it is the patient's responsibility to verify their coverage before booking an appointment. Dr. Messina's office will provide any necessary documentation to support claims. If you have any questions or concerns about insurance and payment options, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Booking an Appointment

Booking an appointment with Dr. Sarina Messina is a straightforward process designed to accommodate your busy schedule.

Our office understands the importance of timely access to mental health services, and we aim to minimize waiting lists and scheduling challenges.

To book an appointment, please follow these steps:

  1. Contact our office: Reach out to us by phone or email to inquire about availability and schedule a consultation.
  2. Choose a convenient time: Our staff will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule, ensuring minimal disruptions to your daily routine.
  3. Provide necessary information: Please have your health card and any relevant medical information ready to share with our staff.
  4. Confirm your appointment: Once scheduled, you will receive a confirmation of your appointment details, including date, time, and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Same-Day Appointment in Case of an Emergency?

In crisis situations, timely access to care is vital. While same-day appointments for non-emergency issues may be limited, many psychiatrists prioritize urgent matters, offering flexible scheduling to address immediate needs and provide swift support during critical moments.

Do You Offer Online Therapy Sessions or Only In-Person?

Yes, online therapy sessions are available, offering virtual convenience and remote accessibility for clients. This flexible approach guarantees timely support, bridging geographical gaps and facilitating care for those who require it, whenever and wherever needed.

Can I Bring a Friend or Family Member to My Sessions?

When considering therapy, having a support system can enhance personal comfort. While it's understandable to want a friend or family member present, typically, sessions are reserved for individualized focus; however, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis with prior discussion and consent.

How Long Are Typical Therapy Sessions With Dr. Messina?

Typical therapy sessions usually last 45-60 minutes, with frequency varying depending on individual needs, ranging from weekly to bi-weekly or monthly sessions, allowing for consistent progress and tailored support throughout the therapeutic journey.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Patients Seeking Therapy?

Typically, therapists set age ranges for their practice; some specialize in child therapy (ages 5-12) or adolescent counseling (13-18), while others work with adults or seniors, ensuring tailored support for diverse developmental needs and concerns.

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