Dr. Vimala Josephine Chinnasamy – Psychiatrist | Grimsby, ON

Dr. Vimala Josephine Chinnasamy is a dedicated Psychiatrist practicing in Grimsby, ON, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults. She may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. As a valued member of the local mental healthcare community, she provides comprehensive psychiatric care that includes diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and confidential care for her patients.

Dr. Chinnasamy earned her Medical Degree from the University of Madras in India and has over 31 years of experience as a Psychiatrist, having practiced since 1993. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and years of clinical experience enable her to deliver expert mental health care tailored to each patient's unique needs, utilizing evidence-based approaches and a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect. Dr. Chinnasamy is committed to providing accessible mental health services to her community in Grimsby. She also speaks Tamil in addition to English, which helps facilitate clear communication with a broader range of patients. Her dedication is centered on fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health support and recovery.

Dr. Vimala Chinnasamy 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).
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

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.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
• 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.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
• Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.

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

• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Chinnasamy 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. Chinnasamy practices at a well-appointed mental health clinic located in areas near central Grimsby. The facility is situated close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The practice is committed to providing a discreet and welcoming environment for all patients. 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 convenient access for those arriving by car. The practice’s location emphasizes confidentiality and ease of access, supporting patients in seeking mental health care comfortably and privately.

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

Do I need a referral to see Chinnasamy, 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 Chinnasamy 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Chinnasamy 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. Chinnasamy will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What does a Psychiatrist like Chinnasamy 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. Chinnasamy 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 Chinnasamy?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Chinnasamy will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Chinnasamy or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Chinnasamy, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Chinnasamy can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Chinnasamy and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Chinnasamy, 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.

Does Chinnasamy offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Chinnasamy, 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 Chinnasamy's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

Suite 401, 101-520 North Service Road
Grimsby, ON L3M 0C9

Phone: (905) 631-1445 | Fax: (905) 594-1237

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

Dr. Chinnasamy 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. Chinnasamy 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/Chinnasamy-Vimala-Josephine/0048997-62975