About
Dr. Kathryn Marie McGrath Porter is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at a mental health clinic or hospital department in Kelowna, BC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Her care encompasses a broad spectrum of mental health issues affecting children and adolescents, typically up to age 18. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.
Dr. Porter graduated with a MB BCh BAO from National University of Ireland (Ireland) and holds specialty certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice aligns with national standards for psychiatric care. Her training and credentials underscore her commitment to providing evidence-based, compassionate mental health services to her young patients.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. Dr. Porter strives to create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for young people, fostering trust and openness. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans that promote resilience and positive mental health trajectories. Her dedication to her patients in Kelowna reflects her commitment to delivering comprehensive, respectful, and effective care in English.
Dr. Kathryn Porter provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Management of associated psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD that frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD.
- Tourette's Syndrome & Tic Disorders (Psychiatric Co-morbidities): Addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions like ADHD or OCD in individuals with Tourette's or other tic disorders.
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.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Kathryn Porter for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Management of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), & Conduct Disorder in Youth: Multimodal treatment approaches for neurodevelopmental and disruptive behavior disorders, including medication management, behavioral interventions, and family therapy.
- 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.
- Early Intervention for Psychosis in Youth: Specialized programs for adolescents and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support.
- 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.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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. Porter 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.
Located within a central Kelowna neighborhood, Dr. Porter's practice is situated in a dedicated mental health clinic that is easily accessible within the Rutland Town Centre area. The facility is conveniently reachable via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), and the environment is designed to be welcoming and discreet. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring ease of access for families and young patients seeking mental health support. The practice is part of a larger healthcare facility that prioritizes confidentiality, professionalism, and patient comfort, fostering a trusting environment for children, adolescents, and their families.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Porter, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Porter 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 Porter's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Porter, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Porter 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 Porter?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Porter, 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 Porter can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Porter specialize in?
- A Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, focusing on the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents. Porter 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Porter 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. Porter will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- Does Porter offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Porter, 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 Porter'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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Porter?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Porter will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Porter or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Porter, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Porter can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
2268 Pandosy Street, Adolescent Psychiatry Unit (APU), Kelowna General Hospital
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2
Phone: (250) 862-4000
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Porter is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Porter for child and adolescent psychiatric 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/358475/Porter%2CKathryn