Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal 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 a hospital department in New Westminster, BC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Dr. Grewal adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that his practice maintains the utmost professionalism and clinical excellence. 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 approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique circumstances, fostering a safe and supportive environment for mental health recovery.
Dr. Grewal graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in Canada. He holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his advanced training and expertise in mental health care. His education and certifications underpin his evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment, allowing him to offer the latest and most effective interventions for his patients.
With a commitment to collaborative care, Dr. Grewal emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building strong therapeutic alliances based on trust and respect, ensuring that his patients feel heard and supported throughout their mental health journey. Fluent in English and Punjabi (Panjabi), he facilitates communication with a diverse patient population in New Westminster, providing accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services. His dedication extends beyond clinical practice to actively contributing to the well-being of the community he serves.
Dr. Gurinder Grewal provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
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).
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
- Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
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.
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Gurinder Grewal for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
- Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- 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.
- Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Grewal 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. Grewal practices within a dedicated mental health department situated in the Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster, BC. The facility is conveniently located near Douglas College New Westminster Campus and is easily accessible via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The location is thoughtfully designed to be wheelchair accessible and offers a welcoming, discreet environment where patients can feel comfortable discussing sensitive mental health issues. Ample parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots. The practice aims to provide a private, accessible setting that respects patient confidentiality and fosters a supportive atmosphere for mental health care.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Grewal, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Grewal 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 Grewal's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Grewal, 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 Grewal 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Grewal?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Grewal, 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 Grewal can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Grewal?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Grewal 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 does a Psychiatrist like Grewal 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. Grewal 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.
- Does Grewal offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Grewal, 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 Grewal'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.
330 E. Columbia Street, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Columbian Hospital
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7
Phone: (604) 520-4253
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Grewal 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. Grewal 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/341328/Grewal%2CGurinder