Description
About Dr. Elizabeth Alexandra Corbett
Dr. Elizabeth Alexandra Corbett 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 within the Spruce Grove City neighborhood, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Corbett provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. She is committed to offering respectful and confidential mental health services, fostering a safe environment where patients can feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working towards recovery and well-being.
She graduated with an MBBChBAO from Ireland and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Dr. Corbett has completed extensive postgraduate training in psychiatry and possesses the necessary credentials to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Alberta. Her certifications ensure she is well-equipped to provide expert mental health care in accordance with provincial standards and best practices.
Guided by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Corbett believes in empowering her patients through education and understanding. She emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches and strives to build a therapeutic alliance rooted in trust and respect. She provides her services primarily in English and is dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of the Spruce Grove community with compassion and professionalism.
Common Conditions Dr. Elizabeth Corbett Addresses
Dr. Elizabeth Corbett provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Elizabeth Corbett for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Elizabeth Alexandra Corbett
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- Crisis Intervention & Urgent Psychiatric Assessment (in appropriate settings): Providing rapid assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, acute psychosis, or severe agitation, typically in emergency departments or crisis clinics.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Corbett 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Located within a mental health facility in the Spruce Grove City neighborhood, Dr. Corbett's practice is easily accessible to residents of Spruce Grove and surrounding areas. The clinic is situated near Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre and Century Crossing Shopping Centre, making it convenient for patients to visit. Public transit options include Spruce Grove Transit (Local & Commuter to Edmonton), providing accessible transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Ample parking is available with metered street parking and nearby public lots. The practice is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and conducive to open, confidential discussions about mental health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Corbett, 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 Corbett 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 Corbett's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Corbett, 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 Corbett 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 Corbett?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Corbett 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Corbett?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Corbett will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Corbett or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Corbett, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Corbett can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Corbett and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Corbett, 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
Adult Addiction and Mental Health, Stan Woloshyn Building
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3A8
Phone: (780) 342-1344 | Fax: (780) 962-1565
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Corbett 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. Corbett 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=6de6f8d4-a8ea-4cb2-9664-405d41268e65&i=318