About
Dr. Hilary Aadland 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 Calgary, AB, 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 practice upholds the highest standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective care tailored to each patient's needs.
Graduating with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), Dr. Aadland has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Alberta. She has achieved specialty certification as a psychiatrist, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to provincial regulations and standards.
Her clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the application of evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Aadland is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect, providing care in English to residents of Calgary. She strives to offer a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and work towards improved mental health and well-being.
Dr. Hilary Aadland provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
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.
- 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.
Mood Disorders
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Hilary Aadland for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Aadland 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.
Located within a reputable mental health clinic in Calgary's SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood, Dr. Aadland's practice is conveniently accessible. The facility connects North/South and the Downtown Core through major transit routes, including Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). It is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots, ensuring ease of access for everyone. The practice is designed to maintain a discreet, welcoming atmosphere to support patients' privacy and comfort.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Aadland, 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 Aadland 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 Aadland's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Aadland, 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 Aadland 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 Aadland?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Aadland will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Aadland or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Aadland, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Aadland can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Aadland 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. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Aadland 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Aadland?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Aadland, 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 Aadland can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Aadland?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Aadland 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. Aadland 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. Aadland will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
4448 Front St SE, South Health Campus
Calgary, AB T3M 1M4
Phone: (403) 956-1156
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Aadland 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. Aadland 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=ae50735f-6785-49cb-86a5-288137891766&i=3