Dr. Krystyna Anna Banas – Psychiatrist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Krystyna Anna Banas is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at a reputable mental health clinic in Calgary, AB, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that all care provided meets rigorous professional guidelines. Dr. Banas focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. She offers comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment plans aimed at promoting recovery and resilience in her young patients. The clinic provides a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Dr. Banas earned her medical degree (MD) from the University of Calgary in Canada. She holds specialty certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, with key credentials including FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada), LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada), and Subspecialty Certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from the Royal College of Physicians Canada. Her training and certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of psychiatric care and staying current with advancements in mental health treatment for youth.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. Dr. Banas strives to create a safe, supportive, and engaging space where young people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to develop tailored treatment strategies that foster resilience and positive mental health trajectories. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential care in English, ensuring that each patient’s unique needs and circumstances are respected and addressed effectively.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• 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.
• 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.
• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• 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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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. Krystyna Banas for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• 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.
• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Banas 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. Banas practices at a discreet and welcoming mental health clinic located in Calgary's NE neighborhoods, including Falconridge, Coral Springs, and Castleridge. The facility is situated near landmarks such as WinSport Canada Olympic Park, known for ski jumps and bobsleigh activities. Easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), the clinic is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable, 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 families and young patients seeking mental health care in a discreet setting.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Banas, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

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

Do I need a referral to see Banas, 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 Banas 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. Banas 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. Banas 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 Banas?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Banas 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.

Does Banas offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Banas, 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 Banas'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.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Banas?

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

3465 26 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 6L4

Phone: (403) 943-8301 | Fax: (403) 943-8367 | Website: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/service.aspx?id=1060552

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

Dr. Banas is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Banas for child and adolescent psychiatric 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=5d04fa5d-e4e2-426e-8b75-dc27c052b393&i=133