Dr. Ahmad Haseeb Chattha – Psychiatrist | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Ahmad Haseeb Chattha, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing within a dedicated mental health clinic in Medicine Hat, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community, committed to providing comprehensive psychiatric care tailored to the unique needs of seniors. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, professional service for his patients.

He specializes in diagnosing and managing mental health issues in older adults, including dementia-related behavioral symptoms, late-life depression, and anxiety, considering the complexities of aging and medical comorbidities. His approach emphasizes a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans that respect the dignity and autonomy of each patient. The practice provides a supportive environment designed specifically for older adults, fostering a sense of comfort, privacy, and respect for individual circumstances.

Dr. Chattha graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Pakistan and holds specialty certification as a Geriatric Psychiatrist. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry, with additional certification necessary to practice Geriatric Psychiatry in Alberta. His educational background and clinical training enable him to deliver expert mental health care for the aging population, integrating medical, psychological, and social considerations into his practice.

Dr. Ahmad Chattha provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Sleep Disorders in the Elderly (e.g., Insomnia, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder): Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep, common in older adults and often linked to psychiatric or medical conditions.
• Late-Life Depression: Major depressive disorder occurring for the first time in older adulthood, or a recurrence of earlier depression, often presenting with different symptoms than in younger adults.
• Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
• Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.

Mood Disorders

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Ahmad Chattha for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Management of Psychosis in the Elderly: Careful diagnosis and management of late-onset psychosis or psychotic symptoms related to other medical or neurological conditions in older adults.
• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
• Diagnosis & Management of Dementia-Related Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms (BPSD): Assessment and non-pharmacological/pharmacological management of agitation, aggression, psychosis, or mood changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Chattha for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Located in the Downtown Medicine Hat area, Dr. Chattha’s clinic resides within a well-equipped mental health facility that is easily accessible via public transit, including Medicine Hat Transit. The practice is situated near the Cultural Centre (Library, Theatre) and Medicine Hat College, making it convenient for patients to access educational and cultural resources. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of arrival for patients and caregivers alike. The setting is discreet, welcoming, and designed to foster a sense of safety and confidentiality for older adults seeking mental health care.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Chattha, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Chattha are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Chattha's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Chattha, a Geriatric Psychiatrist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Chattha for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.

What does a Geriatric Psychiatrist like Chattha specialize in?

A Geriatric Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialized training in psychiatry, which is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. He is a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializing in mental health conditions affecting older adults. Chattha is trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can provide a range of treatments including psychotherapy, medications, and sometimes other interventions like ECT or rTMS.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Chattha and his team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Chattha will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

Does Chattha offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Chattha, are trained in various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and may offer it as part of their treatment approach, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with medication. The specific types of psychotherapy offered can vary (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy). It's best to inquire directly with Chattha's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Chattha?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Chattha is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

Does Chattha have experience with mental health issues in older adults (geriatric psychiatry)?

Yes, as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Chattha has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults (typically 65+). This includes late-life depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and managing psychiatric issues in the context of multiple medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. He understands the unique presentations and treatment considerations in this age group.

666 5 St SW, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.

Dr. Chattha is a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Chattha for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=302c1826-48d8-48d2-97f4-0f09c905419b&i=269