About
Dr. Michelle Lauren Waller 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 Prince George, 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. Dr. Waller adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring her practice aligns with the province’s rigorous regulatory framework. Her approach is centered on providing compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe and confidential environment, fostering trust and collaboration with her patients.
She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Her credentials include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in mental health care. Dr. Waller continuously updates her knowledge through ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice remains aligned with the latest advances and best practices in psychiatry.
Dr. Waller’s clinical philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, empowering patients through education and understanding. She believes in tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs, utilizing a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support as appropriate. Her dedication to her patients in Prince George is evident in her compassionate listening, respectful communication, and commitment to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and mutual respect. She provides care exclusively in English, ensuring clear and effective communication with her patients.
Dr. Michelle Waller provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
- 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).
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Michelle Waller for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Waller 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 in the Downtown Prince George, Central neighborhood, the practice is housed within a modern facility that serves as a welcoming mental health clinic or hospital department. The location is conveniently accessible along busy Commercial Corridors and is well-served by the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). 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 ensure ease of access. The practice maintains a discreet and inviting atmosphere, designed to foster trust and ease for those seeking mental health care in Prince George.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Waller, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Waller 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 Waller's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Waller, 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 Waller 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 Waller?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Waller will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Waller or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Waller, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Waller can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Waller?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Waller 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.
- Does Waller offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Waller, 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 Waller'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.
1294 3RD Ave, Intersect Youth & Family Services
Prince George, BC V2L 3E7
Phone: (250) 562-6639
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Waller 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. Waller 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/341071/Waller%2CMichelle