About
Dr. Emiko Moniwa 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 Port Coquitlam, BC, 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 approach emphasizes confidentiality, respect, and individualized treatment planning to support patient recovery and well-being.
Dr. Moniwa graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She has completed rigorous training in general psychiatry and subspecialties related to mental health, maintaining certification and ongoing education to stay current with best practices in psychiatric care.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, evidence-based treatment approaches, and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She is committed to providing care in English to patients in Port Coquitlam and surrounding areas, ensuring that each individual receives compassionate and effective mental health support tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Emiko Moniwa provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
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.
- 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.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- 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.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
Personality Disorders
- 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.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Emiko Moniwa for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Moniwa 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. Moniwa's practice is situated within a dedicated mental health clinic in the Central Port Coquitlam neighbourhood, conveniently accessible in Leigh Square Community Arts Village. The facility is easily reached via public transit, including TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express), and is wheelchair accessible, providing a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Ample parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring patients feel at ease during their visits. The setting is designed to foster confidentiality and support effective mental health care, whether as part of a larger healthcare facility or a specialized standalone psychiatric service within the hospital.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Moniwa, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Moniwa 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 Moniwa's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Moniwa, 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 Moniwa 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Moniwa?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Moniwa will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Moniwa or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Moniwa, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Moniwa can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Moniwa offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Moniwa, 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 Moniwa'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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Moniwa?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Moniwa 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Moniwa and her 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. Moniwa will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
1-2232 Elgin Ave, Tri-Cities Mental Health Centre
Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2B2
Phone: (604) 777-8400 | Fax: (604) 777-8411
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Moniwa 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. Moniwa 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/336299/Moniwa%2CEmiko