TALKING TO YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN CALGARY: HOW TO GET A PSYCHIATRY REFERRAL
Mental health is part of your overall health. At Parkview Medical Clinic in Christie Park, Calgary, support starts with a conversation with your doctor.
Mental health is part of your overall health. Sleep, mood, energy, focus and stress all affect how you feel day to day, and they're all worth talking about with your doctor.
Many people wait a long time before bringing it up. Any reason is a good enough reason to start the conversation.
When it might be time to talk
Some signs are worth mentioning at your next appointment:
Feeling low, flat or irritable for more than a couple of weeks
Worry or anxiety that's hard to switch off
Changes in sleep or appetite
Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
Finding work, school or relationships harder to manage
These are common, and they're treatable. Your doctor has these conversations every week.
What happens at your appointment
Your family doctor will ask how you've been feeling, how long it's been going on and how it's affecting your daily life. They may also check for physical causes, since things like thyroid levels, medications and sleep can play a part.
From there, you'll talk through options together. That might include lifestyle changes, counselling, community programs, medication, or a referral to a specialist.
Psychiatry at Parkview
Dr. Jawaria Shoaib, MBBS, FRANZCP, is a General Adult Psychiatrist at Parkview Medical Clinic and is accepting new referrals.
In Alberta, psychiatry appointments start with a referral from a physician. Dr. Shoaib accepts referrals from any physician, whether your family doctor is at Parkview or elsewhere.
How to get a referral
If you're a Parkview patient, book an appointment with your family physician and ask about a referral to Dr. Shoaib.
If you see a doctor elsewhere, ask them to send a referral to Parkview Medical Clinic.
If you don't have a family doctor, we're welcoming new patients. Book online or call us at (587) 441-1942.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Alberta?
Yes. Psychiatry appointments in Alberta start with a referral from a physician, such as your family doctor or a walk-in doctor.
Is Parkview accepting psychiatry referrals?
Yes. Dr. Jawaria Shoaib, General Adult Psychiatrist, is accepting referrals from any physician.
Can I get a referral if I don't have a family doctor?
Yes. Parkview is welcoming new patients. Book an appointment with one of our family physicians and they can discuss a referral with you.
