Dr. Lorella Ambrosano is a dedicated Psychiatrist practicing in Fort McMurray, AB, with a focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults. She may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. As a licensed member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), she adheres to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics. Dr. Ambrosano provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions, tailored to each patient's unique needs. Her approach is rooted in compassion, understanding, and respect, fostering a safe and supportive environment for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
She earned her medical degree (MB BCh) in South Africa and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Her credentials include certifications such as FF PSYCH - Fellow, Faculty of Psychiatrists (South Africa), reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in mental health care. Her training encompasses a broad range of psychiatric disciplines, enabling her to address diverse mental health challenges with evidence-based strategies and personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Ambrosano's clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect. She is dedicated to serving the Fort McMurray community and speaks multiple languages including Afrikaans, French, Italian, and English, which facilitates effective communication with a diverse patient population. Her goal is to provide compassionate, accessible, and effective mental health services that support her patients' journey towards improved mental wellness.
Dr. Lorella Ambrosano provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
- 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.
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
Personality Disorders
- 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).
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Lorella Ambrosano 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.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ambrosano 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.
Lorella Ambrosano Dr practices in an accessible facility located in areas near central Fort McMurray. The practice is easily reachable via local public transit and is situated close to key points of interest in the community. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring convenient access for patients traveling by car. The practice environment emphasizes discretion and welcomes individuals seeking confidential mental health care in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Ambrosano, 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 Ambrosano 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 Ambrosano's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Ambrosano, 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 Ambrosano 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 does a Psychiatrist like Ambrosano specialize in?
- A 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 Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Ambrosano 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.
- Does Ambrosano offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Ambrosano, 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 Ambrosano'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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Ambrosano?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Ambrosano 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Ambrosano?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ambrosano will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ambrosano or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ambrosano, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ambrosano can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Lorella Ambrosano Dr
8106 Fraser Ave, 55
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 0G1
Phone: (780) 743-0630
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Ambrosano 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. Ambrosano 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=d3b83f46-03ce-446d-b333-b248134a48af&i=81