About
Dr. Bina Vijaya Nair is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at a reputable mental health clinic within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Dr. Nair adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice maintains rigorous professional and ethical standards. She focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Her compassionate approach emphasizes understanding, support, and personalized care for her young patients and their families. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.
Dr. Nair graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. She holds specialty certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, including credentials such as FRCPC - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Psychiatry, LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada), and the Certificate of Special Competence in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Her extensive training and certification reflect her commitment to providing expert mental health care tailored to the needs of her young patients.
Her clinical philosophy centers on a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach, creating a safe, engaging, and supportive space for young people to explore and address their mental health concerns. Dr. Nair collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to promote resilience and positive mental health trajectories. She is dedicated to fostering a trusting relationship with her patients in Edmonton, providing care in English, and ensuring that each individual receives compassionate, respectful, and effective treatment.
Dr. Bina Nair provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)
- Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
- 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.
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Bina Nair for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Family Therapy & Parent Management Training for Child Psychiatric Conditions: Working with families to improve communication, implement behavioral strategies, and support children with mental health challenges.
- 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.
- Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Nair 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. Nair practices at a discreet and welcoming mental health facility located in Edmonton's Downtown West, Oliver neighborhood. The setting is designed to be accessible and comfortable, situated near the Botanical Gardens (Pyramids), offering a calming environment for young patients. Public transit options are abundant, with easy access via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including Light Rail Transit (LRT) and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for families and young patients seeking mental health care in a discreet setting.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Nair, 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 Nair 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 Nair's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Nair, 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 Nair 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Nair?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Nair, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Nair can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Nair and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Nair, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Nair?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Nair 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.
407-11523 100 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5K 0J8
Phone: (780) 851-2428 | Fax: (780) 453-1219 | Website: https://www.casaservices.org/camp
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Nair 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. Nair 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=3be86e33-c777-42c0-91b4-2c1c744e56ab&i=1039