Psychiatrist

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

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A psychiatrist is a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps manage mental health disorders through a combination of therapy, medication, and other interventions.

Learn About

  • The College of Physicians and Surgeons in BC regulates the medical practice of physicians.
  • 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.
  • Learn more about a psychiatrist’s role and practice from the BC Psychiatric Association.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Things You Can Do

Add your Psychiatrist to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF tool found in My People. Include their contact information and any questions you have for them. Save to digital and print files.

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