About
Dr. Christopher Adam Lachowski 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 a mental health clinic or hospital department in Vancouver, BC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He 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. Dr. Lachowski’s approach emphasizes personalized, compassionate care aimed at helping patients achieve stability and well-being.
He graduated with a Medical Doctorate (MD) from the University of British Columbia in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. His credentials include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his specialized training and commitment to maintaining professional excellence in mental health care. His education and certifications ensure that he is well-equipped to deliver evidence-based psychiatric services aligned with current clinical guidelines.
Dr. Lachowski’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. He is dedicated to providing care in English to residents of Vancouver, offering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where individuals can openly explore their concerns and work towards recovery and improved quality of life. His approach integrates the latest evidence-based practices to deliver effective and compassionate psychiatric treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Christopher Lachowski provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
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.
- Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Christopher Lachowski for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnostic Evaluation: In-depth clinical interview to assess mental health status, including review of psychiatric and medical history, family history, psychosocial factors, symptom patterns, and formulation of a multiaxial diagnosis according to DSM/ICD criteria.
- 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.
- 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.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Lachowski 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. Lachowski practices at a well-equipped mental health facility situated within Vancouver's UBC Campus Proper neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located in Cambie Village, easily accessible via public transit including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services to the Waterfront. 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 patients. The practice offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere designed to foster trust and confidentiality, emphasizing patient comfort and privacy in a professional setting.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Lachowski, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Lachowski 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 Lachowski's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Lachowski, 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 Lachowski 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 Lachowski and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Lachowski, 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Lachowski 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. Lachowski 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 Lachowski?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Lachowski will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Lachowski or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Lachowski, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Lachowski can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Lachowski?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Lachowski, 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 Lachowski can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Lachowski 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Lachowski 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.
2255 Wesbrook Mall Fl 2, BC Psychosis Program, Detweiller 2 at UBC Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1
Phone: (604) 822-7546
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Lachowski is a licensed 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. Lachowski 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/343745/Lachowski%2CChristopher