Dr. Ayotunde Oladimeji Kafi

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
• Tourette's Syndrome & Tic Disorders (Psychiatric Co-morbidities): Addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions like ADHD or OCD in individuals with Tourette's or other tic disorders.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• 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.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.

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

• Assessment & Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Addressing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders that often co-occur in children and adolescents with ASD.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
• Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
• Management of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), & Conduct Disorder in Youth: Multimodal treatment approaches for neurodevelopmental and disruptive behavior disorders, including medication management, behavioral interventions, and family therapy.
• Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Kafi 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.

Dr. Kafi practices within a well-established mental health clinic located in the central part of Grande Prairie, in the neighborhoods of Mountview and Swanavon. The facility is conveniently accessible via the Major North-South Corridor, with public transit options provided by Grande Prairie Transit. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and designed to offer a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available through metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring easy access for families and young patients seeking mental health care in a discreet and welcoming setting.

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

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Kafi 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 Kafi's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Kafi, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Kafi 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.

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Kafi 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 Kafi offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Kafi, 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 Kafi'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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Kafi 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. Kafi will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Kafi?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Kafi will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Kafi or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Kafi, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Kafi can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

10014 99 St, #400 Nordic Court
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3N4

Phone: (780) 538-5162 | Fax: (780) 538-5413

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

Dr. Kafi is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Kafi for child and adolescent psychiatric 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=cc14cf1f-4518-4a25-825b-0340e469e0d4&i=713