Dr. Toghra Ghaemmaghami – Psychiatrist | Don Mills, ON

Dr. Toghra Ghaemmaghami 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 The Princess Margaret Hospital in Don Mills, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical care for all patients. 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. Dr. Ghaemmaghami is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where patients can explore their concerns and work collaboratively towards recovery and well-being.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine in Iran. With over 45 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1979, she has developed a deep expertise in mental health care. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional excellence and adherence to provincial standards.

Dr. Ghaemmaghami’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. She strives to foster a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, dedicated to providing personalized care to her patients in Don Mills. She delivers her services primarily in English, ensuring clear communication and effective treatment planning with her patients.

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

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
• Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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. Toghra Ghaemmaghami for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ghaemmaghami 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 Princess Margaret Hospital in Don Mills is situated in a vibrant area near central Don Mills, known for its blend of healthcare facilities and community amenities. The practice is conveniently accessible via local public transit, with multiple bus routes servicing the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct building access, ensuring ease of access for patients arriving by car. The setting is designed to be discreet and welcoming, offering a calm atmosphere for mental health care within a reputable hospital environment.

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

Do I need a referral to see Ghaemmaghami, 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 Ghaemmaghami 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.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Ghaemmaghami?

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

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

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ghaemmaghami will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ghaemmaghami or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ghaemmaghami, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ghaemmaghami 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. Ghaemmaghami 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. Ghaemmaghami will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

The Princess Margaret Hospital
134 Banbury Road, Department Of Radiation Oncology
Don Mills, ON M3B 2L3

Phone: (416) 449-6699 | Fax: (416) 449-6699

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

Dr. Ghaemmaghami 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. Ghaemmaghami 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/Ghaemmaghami-Toghra/0020308-25096