A psychiatrist is a trained physician who specializes in mental illness by evaluating, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric disorders.
Tips & Links
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Call BC211, a free, confidential helpline that can connect you to a wide range of mental health resources and services available in your area.
- Consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy to help relieve stress and physical discomfort.
- Share with your physician or nurse practitioner counselling and new therapies you are exploring.
- 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.
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.