Dr. Jorge Enrique Perez-Parada – Psychiatrist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Jorge Enrique Perez-Parada, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at a dedicated mental health clinic within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Perez-Parada focuses on diagnosing and managing mental health issues in older adults, including dementia-related behavioral symptoms, late-life depression, and anxiety, with a comprehensive and compassionate approach. His goal is to provide a supportive setting tailored to the unique needs of older adults, emphasizing dignity, thorough assessment, and holistic care for late-life mental health concerns.

He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta (UofA) in Canada and has completed extensive postgraduate training in psychiatry. Dr. Perez-Parada holds the necessary certification as a Geriatric Psychiatrist to practice in Alberta, ensuring his expertise aligns with provincial standards. His training emphasizes a deep understanding of the complexities involved in late-life mental health, including medical comorbidities and age-related physiological changes, enabling him to deliver specialized treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.

Guided by a holistic philosophy, Dr. Perez-Parada approaches late-life mental health care by considering medical, social, and environmental factors that influence his patients' well-being. He is dedicated to preserving the dignity and autonomy of older adults while working collaboratively with families and caregivers. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he ensures effective communication with a diverse patient population in Edmonton, fostering trust and facilitating comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Dr. Jorge Perez-Parada provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Grief & Bereavement in Older Adults: Coping with loss in later life, which can sometimes lead to complicated grief or depression requiring psychiatric support.
• Late-Life Depression: Major depressive disorder occurring for the first time in older adulthood, or a recurrence of earlier depression, often presenting with different symptoms than in younger adults.
• Sleep Disorders in the Elderly (e.g., Insomnia, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder): Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep, common in older adults and often linked to psychiatric or medical conditions.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• 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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

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.
• 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. Jorge Perez-Parada for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
• Late-Life Depression & Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Tailored psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches for depression and anxiety disorders in older adults, considering medication interactions and age-related physiological changes.
• 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Perez-Parada 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. Perez-Parada practices within a specialized mental health clinic located in the W Central: Crestwood, Parkview neighbourhood of Edmonton. The facility is part of a larger hospital or psychiatric department, conveniently situated near the University Hospital and Main Campus. It is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, ensuring convenient public transportation options. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are available nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, facilitating easy and discreet visits. The setting is designed to be welcoming, discreet, and accommodating, ensuring patients feel at ease while receiving expert mental health care tailored for older adults.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Perez-Parada, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Perez-Parada 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 Perez-Parada's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Perez-Parada, a Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Perez-Parada 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist like Perez-Parada specialize in?

A Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializing in mental health conditions affecting older adults. Perez-Parada 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 Perez-Parada and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Perez-Parada, 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.

Does Perez-Parada offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Perez-Parada, 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 Perez-Parada'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.

16515 88 Ave NW, Villa Caritas Hospital
Edmonton, AB T5R 0A4

Phone: (780) 342-6552 | Fax: (780) 342-6579

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

Dr. Perez-Parada is a licensed Geriatric 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. Perez-Parada 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=1af0ee88-c2bf-48ce-bcdb-6d27329a0848&i=1149