Dr. Martina Smit – Psychiatrist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Martina Smit 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 Surrey, BC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Her adherence to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) ensures that patients receive high-quality and ethical care. The practice is committed to maintaining confidentiality and fostering a respectful environment that promotes healing and well-being for all patients.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from New York University School of Medicine in the United States and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Her professional credentials include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development in mental health care.

Dr. Smit’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education, and evidence-based treatment approaches. She believes in fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring each patient feels heard and supported throughout their mental health journey. Fluent in Serbian, Croatian, and Serbo-Croatian in addition to English, she strives to facilitate communication with a diverse patient population in Surrey, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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

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.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• 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.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• 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. Smit 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.

Situated within a reputable mental health clinic in Surrey's Guildford and Fraser Heights neighborhoods, Dr. Smit’s practice offers convenient access via Highway 1 and is close to Surrey Central Station. The facility is easily reachable by public transit, including TransLink’s SkyTrain Expo Line and bus services. The location is wheelchair accessible, 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. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, prioritizing patient comfort and confidentiality in a community-oriented setting.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Smit, 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 Smit 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 Smit 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. Smit 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 Smit offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Smit, are trained in various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and may offer it as a 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 is best to inquire directly with Smit's office or discuss during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it is 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.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Smit?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Smit will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Smit or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Smit, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Smit can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

13401 108 Ave, Surrey Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Surrey, BC V3T 5T3

Phone: (604) 953-4900 | Fax: (604) 953-4901

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

Dr. Smit is a licensed 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. Smit 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/337789/Smit%2CMartina