Dr. Jennifer Mary Elizabeth Rurak – Psychiatrist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Jennifer Mary Elizabeth Rurak 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 Surrey, BC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her work adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Rurak 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. She is committed to offering compassionate, respectful, and confidential mental health services to support her patients' well-being and recovery.

She holds a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and is a certified Psychiatrist, with certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her extensive training equips her with the skills necessary to deliver evidence-based mental health care tailored to each individual's needs.

Dr. Rurak’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. She is dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate psychiatric services in English to her patients in Surrey, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout their mental health journey.

Dr. Jennifer Rurak 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).
• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.

Personality Disorders

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.

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.
• 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.
• 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. Jennifer Rurak for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Rurak 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. Rurak practices within a discreet and welcoming mental health facility located in Surrey's West Newton, Strawberry Hill neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible via public transit, with the Scott Road SkyTrain Station and TransLink services (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus) nearby, making it convenient for patients coming 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 to the building, ensuring ease of access for those driving. The setting is designed to be discreet and calming, fostering a safe space for individuals seeking mental health support.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Rurak, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Rurak 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 Rurak's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Rurak, 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 Rurak 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 Rurak?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Rurak, 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 Rurak can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Rurak 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 Rurak 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. Rurak 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 Rurak offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Rurak, 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 Rurak's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

13750 96 Ave, Surrey Memorial Hospital
Surrey, BC V3V 1Z2

Phone: (604) 581-2211

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

Dr. Rurak 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. Rurak 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/337191/Rurak%2CJennifer