Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a trained physician who specializes in mental illness by evaluating, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric disorders.

Tips & Links

• Psychiatrists are medical physicians who have advanced training in psychiatric disorders and mental illnesses. They can make a diagnosis, prescribe medications, and guide people on how to manage their mental illness. A referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is needed.
• Many psychiatrists provide psychotherapy. The amount and type of counselling psychiatrists provide often depends on the psychiatrist and on the mental illness being treated. Some psychiatrists specialize in specific mental illnesses or are part of a team treating people with health conditions such as cancer, transplants, heart disease, or Parkinson’s Disease.
• In seniors, mental illnesses can also include behavioural and cognitive complications of a variety of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Be aware that mental illness is not an expected or normal condition of aging and anyone with symptoms should be seen.
• Learn about types of mental illnesses and more from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
• Learn more about a psychiatrist’s role and practice from the BC Psychiatric Association.
• Know that a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is needed to see a psychiatrist. With a referral, the visit is covered by your medical services plan (MSP).
• Learn about the difference between the role of a psychiatrist and a psychologist from Here to Help.org
• Explore the list of organizations that support emotional health and mental illness from the government of BC.
• Explore mental health and substance abuse resources and services from Healthlink BC.
• Know that you can choose a professional to help you with your emotional health. Most offer a 15-minute consult for free. You can read their biographies on Counselling BC to choose a clinical counsellor, psychologist, art therapist, or psychotherapist who can help.
• Share any mental illnesses or emotional health issues on your health profile in your Mywell Health planner. Ensure your caregivers are aware of your symptoms and coping strategies.
• If you or someone you care about talks about feeling helpless or is showing warning signs of suicide, find help right away. Call the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or call 911.

Tools – Handouts & Videos