Dr. Stephen Bernard Stokl – Psychiatrist | Newmarket, ON

Dr. Stephen Bernard Stokl 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 a mental health clinic or hospital department in Newmarket, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Dr. Stokl adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice maintains the utmost professionalism and ethical standards. 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 centered on delivering personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health care. The practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Stokl graduated with his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 1984, bringing over 40 years of experience to his clinical work. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Psychiatry by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and years of dedicated practice enable him to address a broad spectrum of mental health issues with expertise and sensitivity.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Stokl values building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, ensuring that each patient feels heard, supported, and actively involved in their treatment journey. He provides care primarily in English and is committed to supporting the mental well-being of his patients in Newmarket and the surrounding community.

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

Personality Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
• 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.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Stephen Stokl 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.
• 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.
• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
• 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.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Stokl 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. Stokl practices at a discreet and welcoming mental health facility situated in the Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor neighborhood. The location is conveniently accessible via public transit, with services provided by York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to offer a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by car. The environment emphasizes discretion, comfort, and confidentiality, fostering a trusting setting for mental health care.

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

Do I need a referral to see Stokl, 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 Stokl 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.

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Stokl 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Stokl?

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

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

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Stokl, 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 can I prepare for my first appointment with Stokl?

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

Suite 211, 596 Davis Drive
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9

Phone: (905) 895-4521 | Fax: (905) 830-5987

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

Dr. Stokl 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. Stokl 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/Stokl-Stephen-Bernard/0025324-30147