Description
About Dr. Kamran Kheirani
Dr. Kamran Kheirani 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 North Vancouver, 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.
Dr. Kheirani graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) from The Flinders University of South Australia (Australia). He holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His qualifications ensure adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethical care.
With a clinical philosophy rooted in collaborative care, Dr. Kheirani emphasizes empowering his patients through education and understanding. He utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches and fosters a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Providing care in English, he is dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of residents in North Vancouver, offering compassionate and comprehensive psychiatric services.
Common Conditions Dr. Kamran Kheirani Addresses
Dr. Kamran Kheirani provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
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.
- 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
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
- 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.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Kamran Kheirani for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Kamran Kheirani
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Kheirani 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Located in a discreet and welcoming setting near the central area of North Vancouver, Dr. Kheirani's practice is situated within a reputable mental health clinic that serves the local community. The facility is easily accessible via local public transit, with nearby bus stops and parking options. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct building access. The practice is situated in an area close to local points of interest, such as parks and community centers, creating a comfortable environment for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients, emphasizing discretion and accessibility for those seeking mental health care in North Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Kheirani, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Kheirani 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 Kheirani's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Kheirani, 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 Kheirani 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Kheirani 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. Kheirani 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 Kheirani?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Kheirani 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 can I prepare for my first appointment with Kheirani?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Kheirani, 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 Kheirani can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Kheirani?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Kheirani will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Kheirani or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Kheirani, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Kheirani can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Contact & Licensing Information
607-1641 Lonsdale Ave
North Vancouver, BC V7M 2J5
Phone: (778) 838-5383
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Kheirani 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. Kheirani 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/337887/Kheirani%2CKamran