Dr. Neil Levitsky

Psychiatrist

About Me

I am a psychiatrist, in private practice in Toronto since 1991. My medical school training was at the University of Western Ontario, and I completed my psychiatry residence through the University of Toronto. I have a faculty appointment as a lecturer at The University of Toronto, in the department of psychiatry.

My main interest is in CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy), and mindfulness-based approaches, such as MBCT and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I focus particularly in treating depression and anxiety disorders.

Currently, I divide my time between my private practice, at 343 Wilson Avenue, and North York General Hospital, where I run groups and supervise psychiatry residents with their CBT training.

About My Practice

Cognitive Therapy (also called Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, or CBT) helps through identifying and changing negative thoughts, negative self-talk, and problematic assumptions and beliefs. Negative thoughts are often inaccurate: these are called Cognitive Distortions.

CBT is a very practical, "hands-on" approach, where clients are taught skills and provided with tools they can use to deal with problems and psychological distress. After each session, there is homework to practice these tools.

Mindfulness means paying attention to whatever is going on in the present moment, in a non-judgmental way. This allows for acceptance of things that can’t be changed, and also the ability to reflect on how to respond to things that do require change, without getting caught up in automatic, habitual reactions.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a new type of CBT, that incorporates a large focus on mindfulness, and taking action based on one's values.

I offer individual and group treatment for a wide range of mental health problems and psychological difficulties. I primarily focus on depression and anxiety disorders. In addition to CBT, and ACT, I prescribe medications when necessary.

Note: I am not able to take any referrals for individual therapy. I am only taking referrals for my 4 group therapy programs.

Click on the link below for my referral form:

Group referral form

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I am mostly seeing patients via Zoom. For group assessments, and for all my group sessions, I am using videoconferencing, although meeting in person is also an option..

Please note that I am running groups currently via online video sessions, through Zoom, but since mid-Sept. 2023, my CBT depression and anxiety groups are done in person (at 2 Champagne drive, North York)

See my youtube channel for suggestions on coping with stress and anxiety around COVID-19:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn7mKyKwPD