Dr. Vikram Dua – Psychiatrist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Vikram Dua 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 Port Union Medical Centre in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to provide safe, effective, and ethical psychiatric care. His practice focuses on comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of mental health conditions. Dr. Dua is committed to offering confidential and respectful care, creating a safe environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

He obtained his Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 1997, bringing over 27 years of clinical experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and experience enable him to diagnose complex mental health conditions and tailor personalized treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based approaches.

Driven by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Dua emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, ensuring that each patient’s unique needs and preferences are central to their treatment. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Panjabi/Punjabi, he facilitates effective communication with a diverse patient population in Toronto, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for mental health care.

Dr. Vikram Dua 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).
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
• Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Vikram Dua for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.

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

Port Union Medical Centre is situated in Toronto's University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood, offering convenient access to residents in the area. The practice is located near notable landmarks such as Exhibition Place and Trillium Park, providing a scenic and peaceful environment for mental health consultations. Easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), the facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Patients can find metered street parking and nearby public lots, making visits convenient. The practice emphasizes a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring patients feel comfortable and secure during their visits.

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

Do I need a referral to see Dua, 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 Dua 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 does a Psychiatrist like Dua 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. Dua 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.

Does Dua offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Dua, are trained in various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and may offer it as part of their treatment approach, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with medication. The specific types of psychotherapy offered can vary (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy). It's best to inquire directly with Dua's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Dua 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.

Port Union Medical Centre
Unit 7, 2 Surrey Place
Toronto, ON M5S 2C2

Phone: (416) 925-5141

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

Dr. Dua 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. Dua 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/Dua-Vikram/0048427-62405