About
Dr. Bryan James Chow, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at a mental health clinic or hospital department in Vancouver, BC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Chow’s role involves comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex mental health issues in the elderly, with a compassionate approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs. He focuses on providing a supportive environment that respects the dignity and autonomy of older adults, facilitating holistic and individualized care.
Dr. Chow earned his medical degree (MD) from the University of British Columbia in Canada. He holds specialty certification as a Geriatric Psychiatrist and maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His extensive training and credentials reflect his commitment to providing expert mental health care for seniors, integrating current best practices and evidence-based treatments.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to late-life mental health, considering medical, psychological, and social factors that influence well-being. Dr. Chow is dedicated to working collaboratively with patients, their families, and caregivers to develop personalized treatment plans that aim to preserve independence, improve quality of life, and address the unique challenges faced by older adults. He provides care in English and strives to foster a respectful, empathetic, and empowering therapeutic relationship with every patient.
Dr. Bryan Chow provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)
- Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): Non-cognitive symptoms common in dementia, such as agitation, aggression, psychosis (delusions, hallucinations), depression, anxiety, and apathy.
- Late-Onset Psychosis / Schizophrenia: Development of psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia for the first time in older adulthood.
- Grief & Bereavement in Older Adults: Coping with loss in later life, which can sometimes lead to complicated grief or depression requiring psychiatric support.
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.
- 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.
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.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Bryan Chow for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
- Geriatric Psychiatric Assessment & Management of Late-Life Mental Health Issues: Specialized evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders in older adults, considering the interplay of aging, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial factors.
- 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.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- Capacity Assessments in Older Adults (Cognitive/Psychiatric Aspects): Evaluating mental capacity in older adults for decision-making related to healthcare, finances, or living arrangements, especially in the context of cognitive decline or psychiatric illness.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Chow 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Chow practices at a discreet and welcoming mental health clinic located in Vancouver's Fairview neighborhood. The facility is situated within Heritage Hall, a well-known community venue accessible via public transit options including TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The environment is designed to be comfortable and private, with wheelchair accessibility and a calming atmosphere. Metered street parking and nearby public parking lots are available, making it convenient for patients to access care. The location emphasizes discretion and ease of access, ensuring that older adults feel safe and supported during their visits.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Chow, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Chow are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Chow's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Chow, 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 Chow 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Chow 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. Chow will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- Does Chow offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Chow, 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 Chow'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.
- What does a Geriatric Psychiatrist like Chow 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. Chow 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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Chow?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Chow 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Chow?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Chow, 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 Chow can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
200-4088 Cambie St
Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8
Phone: (604) 873-6733
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Chow is a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Chow for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337106/Chow%2CBryan