Dr. Gordon Mark Blunderfield, Psychiatrist

Dr. Gordon Mark Blunderfield

Psychiatrist in West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Gordon Mark Blunderfield 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.... Read More

Verified Licensed by CPSBC License Number: 1314 Referral Typically Required Contact for Availability English Male 49+ Years Experience University of Calgary (1976), Canada
Primary Practice Location2363 Ottawa Ave
West Vancouver, BC
V7V 2S8
Primary Phone(604) 351-7197
Professional Details

About

Dr. Gordon Mark Blunderfield 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 West Vancouver, BC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. 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. His 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.

He holds a medical degree (MD) from the University of Calgary, Canada, and is certified as a Psychiatrist by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), license number 1314, ensuring quality and safety in his clinical practice.

Dr. Blunderfield's clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to providing personalized mental health services in English to patients in West Vancouver, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. His goal is to support patients in achieving their mental health goals through compassionate and comprehensive care.

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

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

  • Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
  • 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.

Personality Disorders

  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
  • 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).

Mood Disorders

  • 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.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Gordon Blunderfield 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.
  • Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.

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

Located within a discreet mental health clinic in West Vancouver's Caulfeild, Eagle Harbour neighborhood, Dr. Blunderfield's practice offers a serene and welcoming environment. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, with TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver) providing nearby routes. It is situated close to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and the Sea-to-Sky Highway Start, making it accessible for patients traveling from various regions. The practice location is fully wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible parking spots to accommodate all patients. The environment emphasizes discretion, comfort, and confidentiality to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Blunderfield, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Blunderfield 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 Blunderfield's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Do I need a referral to see Blunderfield, 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 Blunderfield 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 does a Psychiatrist like Blunderfield 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. Blunderfield 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 Blunderfield?
A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Blunderfield 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.
Does Blunderfield offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
Many psychiatrists, including potentially Blunderfield, 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 Blunderfield'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.

2363 Ottawa Ave
West Vancouver, BC V7V 2S8

Phone: (604) 351-7197 | Fax: (604) 922-0609

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

Dr. Blunderfield 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. Blunderfield 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/353551/Blunderfield%2CGordon

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