Dr. Smit Samarth Sinha – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Smit Samarth Sinha is a specialized Child and Adolescents Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to ensure quality care and professional integrity. His role involves a compassionate approach to understanding the unique mental health needs of youth, with a focus on comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment strategies. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the distinctive mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.

Dr. Sinha graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 25 years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 1999, he has developed extensive expertise in the field. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and commitment to excellence in mental health care for youth.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach, creating a safe and engaging space for young people to express themselves and progress. Dr. Sinha collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to promote resilience, emotional well-being, and positive mental health trajectories. He provides care in English and is dedicated to serving the Toronto community with compassion and understanding.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Management of associated psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD that frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD.

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.
• Premenstrual 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.
• 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.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.

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

• Early Intervention for Psychosis in Youth: Specialized programs for adolescents and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation of Children & Adolescents: Specialized assessment of developmental, emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders in children and teenagers, involving interviews with the child, parents, and often school input.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.

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

McMaster Children's Hospital is situated in Toronto's vibrant Richmond, Adelaide, King (Entertainment District) neighbourhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), making it easy for families to visit. The hospital is located within a larger healthcare campus that offers a specialized psychiatric service designed to serve children and adolescents in need of mental health care. The practice is housed within a secure, modern building, with the hospital premises being wheelchair accessible and providing a welcoming environment for all patients. Ample parking options are available, including metered street parking and nearby public lots. The atmosphere is discreet and friendly, ensuring a comfortable and private experience for young patients and their families.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Sinha, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescents Psychiatrist like Sinha 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 Sinha's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Sinha, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Sinha 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.

Does Sinha offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Sinha, 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 Sinha'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.

My child/teenager is struggling with significant emotional or behavioral issues. Would they see an Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Sinha?

Yes, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Sinha specializes in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and teenagers (typically up to age 18). This includes conditions like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder co-occurring issues, and early-onset psychotic disorders. He provides age-appropriate assessments, medication management if needed, and often incorporates family therapy or collaborates with schools.

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Sinha 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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

McMaster Children's Hospital
401 Bay Street, Child Advocacy and Assessment Progr
Toronto, ON M5H 2Y4

Phone: (416) 646-1148 | Fax: (416) 646-1008

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

Dr. Sinha is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Sinha for child and adolescent psychiatric 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/Sinha-Smit-Samarth/0263718-92508