Dr. Simone Natalie Vigod – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Simone Natalie Vigod 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 Oshawa Health Centre in Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She 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. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality, ethical, and patient-centered care. The facility offers a discreet and welcoming environment designed to foster trust and confidentiality, with an emphasis on accessibility and comfort for all patients.

Dr. Vigod graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. With over 15 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, she has been practicing since 2009. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of psychiatric practice.

Her clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Vigod is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, providing personalized mental health care tailored to each patient's unique needs. She offers her services in English and is committed to supporting her patients in Toronto through compassionate, comprehensive, and ethical psychiatric care.

Dr. Simone Vigod 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.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

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.
• 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.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Oshawa Health Centre is situated in Toronto's University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood. The practice is conveniently accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with stops nearby ensuring easy access for public transit users. 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 accommodate those with mobility needs. The setting is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and supportive, fostering an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality for every patient.

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

Do I need a referral to see Vigod, 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 Vigod 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.

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

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Vigod, 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.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Vigod?

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

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

Oshawa Health Centre
Suite 301, 76 Grenville Street
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

Phone: (416) 323-6400 | Fax: (416) 323-6356

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

Dr. Vigod 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. Vigod 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/Vigod-Simone-Natalie/0201435-79481