Dr. Yaseen Mahdi Al-Allaq – Psychiatrist | Guelph, ON

Dr. Yaseen Mahdi Al-Allaq 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 London Health Sciences Centre in Guelph, ON, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He 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. As a licensed member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Al-Allaq adheres to the highest standards of medical practice, ensuring that his patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate mental health care.

Dr. Yaseen Mahdi Al-Allaq graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Baghdad College of Medicine in Iraq. Since 2020, he has accumulated over four years of experience as a Psychiatrist, honing his skills in various clinical settings. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Psychiatry by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certifications enable him to deliver evidence-based care tailored to individual needs, with a focus on medication management, psychotherapy, and integrated treatment approaches.

Dr. Al-Allaq is committed to a collaborative approach to mental health care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust, respect, and open communication. His clinical philosophy centers on providing personalized care that respects each patient’s unique circumstances and goals. Fluent in English, he offers his services to the Guelph community with compassion and professionalism, striving to support his patients on their journey toward recovery and well-being.

Dr. Yaseen Al-Allaq provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• 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.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• 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.
• 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.

Personality Disorders

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.

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

London Health Sciences Centre's psychiatric services are situated in the Guelph's Grange Road Area, Victoria North neighborhood, within a specialized mental health facility. The practice is conveniently accessible from the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and is well served by Guelph Transit for public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring ease of access for patients. The clinic is designed to maintain a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, integrating seamlessly within the larger healthcare setting to offer specialized psychiatric care in a confidential and supportive manner.

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

Do I need a referral to see Al-Allaq, 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 Al-Allaq 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.

Does Al-Allaq offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Al-Allaq, 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 Al-Allaq'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.

What does a Psychiatrist like Al-Allaq 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. Al-Allaq 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 Al-Allaq?

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

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Al-Allaq?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Al-Allaq 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.

London Health Sciences Centre
150 Delhi Street, Victoria Hospital
Guelph, ON N1E 6K9

Phone: (519) 824-1010

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

Dr. Al-Allaq 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. Al-Allaq 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/AlAllaq-Yaseen-Mahdi/0333885-128481