About
Dr. Gurvinder Singh Warrya 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 Richmond, 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 Odessa Medical University in Ukraine and is certified as a Psychiatrist by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His certifications include the necessary credentials to practice independently as a Psychiatrist in British Columbia, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of clinical care and professionalism.
Dr. Warrya’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to forming a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, with a focus on individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi (Panjabi), he facilitates effective communication with a diverse patient population in Richmond, BC, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for mental health care.
Dr. Gurvinder Warrya provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Gurvinder Warrya for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Warrya 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. Warrya's practice is located within a well-established mental health clinic in the heart of Richmond's Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood. The facility is easily accessible via Highway 91 and is situated near the Richmond Olympic Oval, with convenient access to public transit options including TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line and Bus). The location is designed to be welcoming and discreet, offering a comfortable and private environment for all patients. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for individuals with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate all visitors. The practice emphasizes confidentiality and a patient-centered approach, making it an ideal setting for individuals seeking mental health support in Richmond.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Warrya, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Warrya 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 Warrya's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Warrya, 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 Warrya 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 Warrya 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. Warrya 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.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Warrya and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Warrya, 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. Warrya 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. Warrya 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 Warrya?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Warrya will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Warrya or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Warrya, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Warrya can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond Hospital
Richmond, BC V6X 1A2
Phone: (604) 278-9711
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Warrya 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. Warrya 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/363070/Warrya%2CGurvinder