Dr. Kanwal Shiraj Suneina Mohan – Psychiatrist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Kanwal Shiraj Suneina Mohan 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 highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe, ethical, and effective mental health services for her patients.

Dr. Mohan graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in psychiatry and maintains the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Alberta. Her educational background and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to providing evidence-based and compassionate mental health care.

Dedicated to collaborative care, Dr. Mohan believes in empowering her patients through education and understanding. She approaches each case with a focus on building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, ensuring her patients feel heard, supported, and engaged in their treatment journey. She provides care exclusively in English, aiming to foster clear and effective communication with her patients in Calgary. Her clinical philosophy centers on individualized treatment plans that incorporate the latest evidence and clinical guidelines, always prioritizing her patients' well-being and recovery.

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

Mood Disorders

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
• 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.

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.
• 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

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

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

• 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Mohan 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. Mohan practices within a well-established mental health facility located in Calgary's NE: Falconridge, Coral Springs, Castleridge neighborhoods. The practice is conveniently situated near the BMO Centre, easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT) with multiple stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Ample parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring ease of access for patients. The clinic environment is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and conducive to open, confidential conversations about mental health concerns.

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

Do I need a referral to see Mohan, 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 Mohan 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Mohan and a Psychologist?

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

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Mohan?

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

3500 26 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 6J4

Phone: (403) 943-5694

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

Dr. Mohan 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. Mohan 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=6664c354-1277-4152-9d96-6d05bef3a4e8&i=1000