Dr. Sumeeta Chatterjee – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Sumeeta Chatterjee is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice aligns with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethically grounded care. She focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges of children and adolescents.

Dr. Chatterjee graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. With over 19 years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2005, she has developed a deep expertise in her field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), affirming her credentials and commitment to professional excellence. Her extensive training and clinical experience enable her to provide comprehensive mental health assessments and interventions tailored to each young patient’s needs.

Her clinical philosophy centers on a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. Dr. Chatterjee strives to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging space for young people, fostering resilience and positive mental health trajectories. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to develop individualized treatment plans that promote well-being and growth. Dedicated to her patients in Toronto, she provides care in English and is committed to supporting children and adolescents through compassionate, evidence-based practices.

Dr. Sumeeta Chatterjee 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.
• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.

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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

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.
• 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. Sumeeta Chatterjee for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Assessment & Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Addressing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders that often co-occur in children and adolescents with ASD.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• 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.
• Treatment of Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents (Depression, Anxiety, OCD): Age-appropriate psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for young people experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.
• Management of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), & Conduct Disorder in Youth: Multimodal treatment approaches for neurodevelopmental and disruptive behavior disorders, including medication management, behavioral interventions, and family therapy.

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

The Hospital for Sick Children is situated in Toronto's Little Portugal, Trinity neighborhood, serving as a prominent hub for pediatric health services. The facility is conveniently accessible via the Port Lands area, with multiple public transit options including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The hospital is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for visitors. The setting is designed to be discreet and welcoming, ensuring young patients and their families feel at ease during their visits. As a specialized psychiatric service within a larger healthcare facility, Dr. Chatterjee's practice offers a dedicated, safe space for children and adolescents requiring mental health support.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Chatterjee, 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 Adolescent Psychiatrist like Chatterjee 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 Chatterjee's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Chatterjee 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 Chatterjee and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Chatterjee, 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 does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Chatterjee specialize in?

A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialized training in psychiatry, which is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. She is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, focusing on the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents. Chatterjee is trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can provide a range of treatments including psychotherapy, medications, and sometimes other interventions like ECT or rTMS.

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

Yes, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Chatterjee 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. She provides age-appropriate assessments, medication management if needed, and often incorporates family therapy or collaborates with schools.

The Hospital for Sick Children
1001 Queen Street West, Department of Psychiatry
Toronto, ON M6J 1H4

Phone: (416) 535-8501 | Fax: (416) 583-4327

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

Dr. Chatterjee 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. Chatterjee 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/Chatterjee-Sumeeta/0168824-74853