Dr. Desouza is the worst medical professional I’ve encountered, which says a lot given I’m a cancer patient whose seen countless medical professionals.

Her job is to make things better emotionally for children who are struggling. However, she does the opposite. During our sessions, she rubbed it in my face how sad my life is, now that I have cancer, and told me to imagine all these sad scenarios that could happen in my life. She then proceeded to dismiss my concerns about my mental health. I had terrible, uncontrolled anxiety, that was at its worst when I had to have an appointment with her. She is supposed to be the “expert” in mental health for children with cancer and other illnesses. But everyone I know who has seen her, has had a similar experience - she makes you sadder.

The only thing I have to thank her for is prescribing medication, that happened to work.

All in all, stay away from her if you can. And truthfully, avoid SickKids for any mental health care. They are fantastic for any medical problem, but unfortunately lacking in the psychiatry department.

Submitted May 18, 2021

Doctor De Souza NOT A DOCTOR, she is prescribing medications with no reason and don't care about your child health.

Submitted May 24, 2020

Keep away you child from Claire De Souza a killer!!!!
She didn't consulted with other doctor of my child regarding her diabetic issues. She didn't speak with parents and prescribed to my child antidepressant a huge dosage with no reason. My child 15 years old hasn't any psychiatric issues or proven bipolar disorder. But the drugs made her really sick with full range of side effects. Her health condition can be easily improved by a healthy diet, psychological help for teenagers. But fluoxetine seriously affected ny child health and life.
De Souza not a doctor, she is a child killer.

Submitted May 11, 2020

I feel as though she did not pay any attention to her patient and did not put in enough effort. She did not build trust with the patient,

Submitted April 8, 2020

Contradicted yourself from one appointment to another. At one appointment she had many ideas and said one thing, then the next appointment never followed up with those ideas just dropped them and said the total opposite thing from the last appointment. Was very rushed and repeatedly reassured us that we were on a time limit. Did not take the extra time out to go a little further into the investigation. Basically gave up. Just very unhelpful. Very disappointed in her and in fact in the whole sick kids hospital.

Submitted March 30, 2017

Our child was a patient at Sickkids this past spring and summer. Dr Desouza decided on her own and paid attention to only the reports that were helpful to her own point of view. Whether intentionally or not, she also left information out that put our child in danger and has kept him from his regular physicians that have known him for his entire life. I wonder in this day and age why there are very few psychiatrists who actually understand echolaic Autistic spectrum kids who talk a lot but have very low comprehension. Drs need to LEARN from parents who know their child best, one of Sickkids principles that was sorely ignored while we were there and what we got sent for never got done and our family has been turned upside down because of incompetence at what is supposed to be the best hospital in Canada. The system country wide has failed our son and I hope hardship doesn't turn into tragedy on account of our unfortunate contact with this doctor.

Submitted Nov. 20, 2013

Dr. DeSouza is our saving grace. She is an absolute gem. She is very helpful and listens to the parents and can tell if even they are hurting too. To help parents deal with a problem child and get them in control and back to society has been a relief and a breath of fresh air. She also encourages you to keep going and to let you know that your doing a great job. It's so nice to be able to have faith in a Dr. that seems to actually care about not only the child but what the child has to deal with every day. She also have great communication with our Pediatric Dr. in Windsor. We don't ever wait to see her she is always on time and never makes you feel rushed. She is very carefull with giving meds and is always checking to see is the child is doing well or does there need to be a change. She listens, which is the most important thing anyone could do.

Submitted April 4, 2007