Dr. Candace Michelle Walker – Psychiatrist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Candace Michelle Walker is a dedicated Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at Anatis Wholistic Therapy in Edmonton, AB, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Her practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Walker earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) and is licensed with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), license number 17430. Her qualifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice and patient safety.

Her clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Walker is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance with her patients, based on trust and respect. She provides care exclusively in English and is committed to supporting the mental health needs of Edmonton residents through compassionate and personalized psychiatric services.

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

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Personality Disorders

• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
• Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.

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

Anatis Wholistic Therapy is situated in Edmonton's W Central: Crestwood, Parkview neighborhood, offering a discreet and welcoming environment. The practice is conveniently located near the Citadel Theatre and is accessible 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. Ample parking options are available, including metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring ease of access for visitors. The practice's setting fosters a calm atmosphere, emphasizing confidentiality and personalized care for individuals seeking mental health support in Edmonton.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Walker, a 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 Psychiatrist such as Walker 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Walker and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Walker, 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.

What does a Psychiatrist like Walker specialize in?

A 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. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Walker 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 can I prepare for my first appointment with Walker?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Walker, 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 Walker can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

Does Walker offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Walker, 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 Walker's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

Anatis Wholistic Therapy
16515 88 Ave NW, Villa Caritas Hospital
Edmonton, AB T5R 0A4

Phone: (780) 342-6552 | Website: http://www.healthyself.ca/

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

Dr. Walker is a licensed 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. Walker 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=d5a0fd76-8302-4a12-abef-4092fee1403c&i=1516