Dr. Tawfik Masaud A Masaud 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 Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Chatham, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Masaud 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. He is committed to supporting his patients' mental health and overall well-being through personalized, evidence-based approaches.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Tripoli Faculty of Medicine in Libya and has over 7 years of experience working as a Psychiatrist since 2017. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Masaud has undergone extensive training in mental health care, ensuring his practice aligns with national standards and best practices.
Dr. Masaud’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. Fluent in both English and Arabic, he strives to foster a comfortable environment where patients feel heard and supported in their journey toward mental health recovery. His dedication to the community of Chatham is reflected in his compassionate approach and commitment to delivering high-quality mental health services.
Dr. Tawfik Masaud 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.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- 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.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Tawfik Masaud for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Masaud 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.
Peterborough Regional Health Centre is located in the areas near central Chatham, ON. The facility is situated within a vibrant community known for its welcoming atmosphere and local points of interest. Easily accessible via local public transit, the center offers convenient options for patients traveling from various parts of the city and surrounding regions. The practice is housed within a larger healthcare facility that emphasizes patient-centered care. The environment is discreet and welcoming, designed to foster comfort and confidentiality. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by car. The location is ideal for patients seeking specialized psychiatric services in a serene and accessible setting.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Masaud, 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 Masaud 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 Masaud's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Masaud, 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 Masaud 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 Masaud and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Masaud, 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 Masaud?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Masaud, 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 Masaud can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Masaud specialize in?
- A 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Masaud 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Masaud?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Masaud will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Masaud or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Masaud, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Masaud can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
204-240 Grand Ave W
Chatham, ON N7L 1C1
Phone: (519) 351-6144 | Fax: (519) 351-0450
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Masaud 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. Masaud 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/Masaud-Tawfik-Masaud-A/0329239-117952