Dr. Megan Elaine MacFadden – Psychiatrist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Megan Elaine MacFadden 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 Vancouver, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). 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. The practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. MacFadden graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. She has obtained key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her adherence to the highest standards of psychiatric practice and ongoing professional development.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. MacFadden is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, providing compassionate care tailored to the needs of her patients in Vancouver. She offers services exclusively in English, ensuring clear and effective communication with her patients.

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

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.

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.
• 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.

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

• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
• Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. MacFadden 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. MacFadden practices within a specialized mental health clinic situated in Vancouver's Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near shopping and dining districts, easily accessible via public transit options including TransLink’s SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The practice environment is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and accessible; the facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate patients with mobility needs. The practice offers a calm and confidential setting, integrated within a larger healthcare facility or as a standalone psychiatric service, ensuring privacy and ease of access for all patients seeking mental health support.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see MacFadden, 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 MacFadden 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 MacFadden?

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

What does a Psychiatrist like MacFadden 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. MacFadden 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.

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

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like MacFadden, 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.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with MacFadden?

For your first psychiatric appointment with MacFadden, 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 MacFadden 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. MacFadden 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. MacFadden will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

4500 Oak St, Mental Health Building BC Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Programs
Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

Phone: (5lo) cal-7396 | Fax: (604) 875-2099

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

Dr. MacFadden 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. MacFadden 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/329246/MacFadden%2CMegan