Dr. Shrenik Pratapbhai Parekh – Psychiatrist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Shrenik Pratapbhai Parekh 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 Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He 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 rooted in a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health, aiming to support each patient’s unique journey toward wellness.

Dr. Parekh graduated with a Medical Degree from Gujarat University in India and has accumulated over 12 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2012. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), adhering to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics. His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure that his clinical skills remain current and evidence-based, allowing him to deliver high-quality psychiatric care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Committed to collaborative care, Dr. Parekh emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. Fluent in Gujarati, Hindi, and English, he strives to facilitate effective communication with a diverse patient population in Kitchener. His clinical philosophy centers on providing compassionate, respectful, and effective mental health care, fostering a safe environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working towards recovery and well-being.

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

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• 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.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
• 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.

Mood Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Grand River Hospital, located in the Downtown Kitchener neighborhood of Cedar Hill, serves as a central hub for healthcare in the region. The psychiatric service operated by Dr. Parekh is situated within the hospital, providing a discreet and welcoming environment for patients. The practice is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) bus and ION Light Rail, with multiple stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, with some offering direct building access, ensuring ease of access for patients arriving by car. The setting emphasizes confidentiality and comfort, fostering a space where patients can feel secure and supported in their mental health journey.

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

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

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

Does Parekh offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Parekh, 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 Parekh'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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Parekh?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Parekh 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.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Parekh and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Parekh, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Parekh 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. Parekh will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

Grand River Hospital
835 King Street West, Department of Anesthesia
Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3

Phone: (519) 749-4300

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

Dr. Parekh 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. Parekh 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/Parekh-Shrenik-Pratapbhai/0279362-99705