Dr. Victoria Phuong Kim Hoang Nguyen – Psychiatrist | Waterdown, ON

Dr. Victoria Phuong Kim Hoang Nguyen 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 Waterdown, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Dr. Nguyen adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice maintains excellence in patient care. 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.

She earned her Medical Degree from the University of Toronto and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2019, accumulating over five years of experience in mental health care. Dr. Nguyen is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and certification reflect her commitment to delivering evidence-based, compassionate, and personalized mental health services to her patients in Waterdown and the surrounding communities.

With a clinical philosophy rooted in collaborative care, Dr. Nguyen emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes in fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs. She provides her services in English, dedicated to supporting her patients in navigating their mental health journeys with confidence and hope.

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

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• 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.
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• 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.
• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

Personality Disorders

• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Victoria Nguyen 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.
• Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Nguyen 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. Nguyen practices within a well-established mental health facility located in Waterdown, ON, situated in an accessible area near central Waterdown. The practice is conveniently reachable via local public transit, with stops nearby ensuring ease of access for patients. The clinic is situated in a professional building close to local points of interest, including community centers and parks, providing a welcoming environment. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate patients with mobility challenges. The discreet setting fosters a calm atmosphere where individuals can seek mental health care with confidence and ease.

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

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

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

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

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

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Nguyen, 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 Psychiatrist like Nguyen 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. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Nguyen 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.

17 Main St N
Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0

Phone: (647) 373-0848 | Fax: (365) 205-2988

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

Dr. Nguyen 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. Nguyen 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/Nguyen-Victoria-Phuong-Kim-Hoang/0295222-104458