About
Dr. Lara Ostolosky 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 Edmonton, AB, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Ostolosky provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. She is committed to offering a safe, confidential, and respectful environment where patients can explore their concerns and work collaboratively towards recovery and well-being.
She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Her credentials include FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada - Psychiatry), LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada), and other relevant professional certifications. These qualifications reflect her extensive training and dedication to maintaining high standards in mental health care delivery.
Dr. Ostolosky’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. She strives to foster a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring each patient feels heard and supported. Providing care in English, she is dedicated to serving her patients in Edmonton with compassion and professionalism, guiding them through their mental health journey with expertise and reassurance.
Dr. Lara Ostolosky provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
- 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.
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
Personality Disorders
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Lara Ostolosky for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ostolosky 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.
Located within a mental health clinic in Edmonton's S Central area, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods, Dr. Ostolosky's practice offers convenient access for patients. The facility is situated close to 4th Street Promenade and Rogers Place, making it easy to reach by public transit, including Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). The location is designed to be welcoming and discreet, with wheelchair accessibility and a focus on providing a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to ensure ease of access for everyone. Patients can expect a warm, confidential setting that prioritizes their comfort and privacy throughout their mental health journey.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Ostolosky, 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 Ostolosky 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 Ostolosky's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Ostolosky, 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 Ostolosky 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Ostolosky?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ostolosky will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ostolosky or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ostolosky, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ostolosky can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Ostolosky?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Ostolosky, 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 Ostolosky can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Ostolosky 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. Ostolosky will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
8440 112 St NW, 2F1.30
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
Phone: (780) 407-1855 | Fax: (780) 407-2994
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Ostolosky 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. Ostolosky 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=367b7bdc-428d-47df-9a46-93b9c205cbed&i=1111