Description
About Dr. Mahnoor Sultana
Dr. Mahnoor Sultana, a Forensic Psychiatrist, has expertise at the interface of mental health and the law, providing assessments and care within legal contexts. 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 set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). She conducts specialized psychiatric evaluations for legal contexts, such as fitness to stand trial or criminal responsibility assessments, and may provide treatment for mentally disordered offenders. Her role involves detailed medicolegal assessments, expert testimony, and collaboration with legal professionals to ensure just and accurate outcomes. Dr. Sultana is committed to delivering confidential, respectful, and comprehensive mental health care, fostering a safe environment for adults involved in or requiring evaluation for legal proceedings.
She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Forensic Psychiatry in AB. Her medical education includes graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from India, followed by specialized training in psychiatry. She is certified as a Forensic Psychiatrist, ensuring she is qualified to handle complex legal and mental health intersections with professionalism and adherence to regulatory standards.
Driven by a philosophy of maintaining objectivity and upholding ethical principles in medicolegal assessments, Dr. Sultana aims to provide clear and comprehensive psychiatric opinions that contribute to the fair administration of justice. She is dedicated to serving patients in Edmonton with compassion and professionalism. Fluent in Hindi, Urdu, and English, she facilitates effective communication with a diverse patient population, ensuring understanding and trust in her clinical interactions.
Common Conditions Dr. Mahnoor Sultana Addresses
Dr. Mahnoor Sultana provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Personality Disorders
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
- 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.
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.
- Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Mahnoor Sultana for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Forensic Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Mahnoor Sultana
- 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.
- 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).
- Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
- Forensic Psychiatric Evaluations (e.g., Fitness to Stand Trial, Criminal Responsibility): Specialized assessments conducted for legal purposes, such as determining an individual's mental state at the time of an offense or their competency to participate in legal proceedings.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Sultana 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Sultana practices within a dedicated mental health facility located in the N: Lake District North (Eaux Claires, Belle Rive) neighbourhood of Edmonton. The clinic is situated in a modern building that is part of a larger healthcare complex, designed to serve adults requiring psychiatric assessment and care in a discreet and welcoming environment. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. It is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus), with metered street parking and nearby public lots available. The practice is committed to maintaining a respectful, confidential atmosphere, ensuring patients feel safe and supported during their visits. The surroundings include the nearby Living History Museum, adding to the community-oriented setting that emphasizes accessibility and patient comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Sultana, a Forensic Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Forensic Psychiatrist like Sultana 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 Sultana's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Sultana, a Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist such as Sultana 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 Forensic Psychiatrist like Sultana specialize in?
- A Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist, specializing in Forensic Psychiatry. Sultana 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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Sultana?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Sultana 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 Sultana?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Sultana will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Sultana or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Sultana, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Sultana can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What does it mean if Sultana is involved in Forensic Psychiatry?
- As a Forensic Psychiatrist, Sultana has specialized expertise at the intersection of mental health and the law. She may conduct psychiatric evaluations for legal purposes, such as assessing an individual's fitness to stand trial, criminal responsibility (mental state at the time of an alleged offense), or risk of future violence. She might also provide treatment to individuals with mental disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system (e.g., in correctional facilities or forensic hospitals) or offer expert testimony in court.
Contact & Licensing Information
157-17480 Fort Rd NW, Alberta Hospital Edmonton
Edmonton, AB T5Y 6A8
Phone: (780) 342-5590
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Sultana is a licensed Forensic 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. Sultana 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=081f5f72-2a82-4b45-a897-1d4a26305b1e&i=1403