Dr. Iliana Ortega – Psychiatrist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Iliana Ortega 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 adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, ethical care. The 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.

Dr. Ortega graduated with a Titulo de Medico Cirujano y Partero from Mexico and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Alberta, including adherence to provincial licensing and practice standards.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Ortega is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect with her patients in Calgary. She also speaks Spanish in addition to English, facilitating communication with a broader range of patients and ensuring culturally sensitive care.

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

Personality Disorders

• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• 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)

• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Iliana Ortega for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• 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.

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

Dr. Ortega practices within a discreet and welcoming mental health facility located in Calgary's SW: Bankview, South Calgary (Marda Loop area) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), ensuring easy access for patients from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access into the building, emphasizing ease of access and confidentiality. The setting is designed to be discreet and welcoming, fostering a safe space for patients seeking mental health care in Calgary.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Ortega, 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 Ortega 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 Ortega's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Ortega, 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 Ortega 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 Ortega 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. Ortega 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 Ortega and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Ortega, 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. Ortega 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. Ortega will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Ortega?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Ortega 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Ortega?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ortega will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ortega or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ortega, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ortega can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

1820 Richmond Rd SW, CAPs
Calgary, AB T2T 5C7

Phone: (403) 955-8589

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

Dr. Ortega 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. Ortega 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=57e034c1-d18f-4473-9e16-b7faa4edddf1&i=1106