Dr. Mark Peter Riley – Psychiatrist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Mark Peter Riley, 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 Surrey, BC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His work adheres to the standards and ethical principles set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He 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. Dr. Riley is dedicated to supporting individuals involved in or requiring assessment for legal proceedings, ensuring a confidential, respectful, and caring environment. The practice is committed to fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine (BM) BS from The University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and holds specialty certification as a Forensic Psychiatrist. His credentials include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards in mental health care and forensic practice.

Dr. Riley’s clinical philosophy emphasizes maintaining objectivity and ethical integrity in medicolegal assessments, providing clear and comprehensive psychiatric opinions to the legal system. He is dedicated to contributing to the fair administration of justice while delivering compassionate care to his patients in Surrey. He provides services in English and strives to support his patients with professionalism and understanding.

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

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).
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Mark Riley for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Risk Assessment for Violence or Re-offending: Comprehensive evaluations to assess the risk of future violence or criminal behavior in individuals with mental disorders involved in the legal system.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Riley 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.

Dr. Riley practices at a discreet mental health clinic located in Surrey's Guildford and Fraser Heights neighbourhood, conveniently situated near the Boundary with Delta and the Commercial Corridor. The facility is easily accessible via public transit, including the TransLink SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The location is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring ease of access for visitors. The practice maintains a welcoming and discreet atmosphere, prioritizing patient comfort and confidentiality.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Riley, a Forensic Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Forensic Psychiatrist like Riley 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 Riley's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Riley, 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 Riley 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.

Does Riley offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Riley, 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 Riley's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Riley and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Riley, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

What does it mean if Riley is involved in Forensic Psychiatry?

As a Forensic Psychiatrist, Riley has specialized expertise at the intersection of mental health and the law. He 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. He 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. He contributes to the legal process by providing objective, well-founded psychiatric opinions that support justice and fair treatment within the legal system.

10022 King George Blvd, Surrey Regional Forensic Clinic
Surrey, BC V3T 2W4

Phone: (604) 529-3300 | Fax: (604) 529-3333

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

Dr. Riley is a licensed Forensic 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 another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Riley for 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/311160/Riley%2CMark