Dr. Shreekant Sharma 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 Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in Brantford, 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. Sharma 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 care tailored to each patient's unique needs, fostering a safe and supportive environment for recovery and well-being.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Punjab University in India and has over 34 years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 1990. Dr. Sharma is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of psychiatric practice and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Sharma’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, ensuring that his patients feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their treatment journey. In addition to English, he speaks Hindi, Panjabi/Punjabi, and Urdu, enabling him to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in Brantford and the surrounding community.
Dr. Shreekant Sharma provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- 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.
- Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
Mood Disorders
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Shreekant Sharma for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Sharma 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.
Dr. Sharma's practice is situated within Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, located in the Eagle Place and Echo Place neighborhood of Brantford. The hospital is conveniently accessible via public transit, including Brantford Transit, and is situated near notable landmarks such as the Bell Homestead National Historic Site. 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 ease of access. The psychiatric service operates as a specialized, discreet unit within the hospital, dedicated to delivering focused mental health care in a welcoming setting.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Sharma, 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 Sharma 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 Sharma's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Sharma, 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 Sharma 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. Sharma 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. Sharma will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- Does Sharma offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Sharma, 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 Sharma'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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Sharma?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Sharma, 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 Sharma can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Sharma?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Sharma will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Sharma or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Sharma, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Sharma can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
40 Shellington Place
Brantford, ON N3S 0C5
Phone: (519) 751-4317 | Fax: (519) 751-4321
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Sharma 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. Sharma 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/Sharma-Shreekant/0050493-64472