About
Dr. Nauman Mushtaq Ahmad 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, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), Dr. Ahmad 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. His 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.
He graduated with an MD from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in the United States and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Additionally, Dr. Ahmad holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining excellence in psychiatric practice and continuous professional development.
Dr. Ahmad’s clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He strives to build a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, ensuring that each patient in Vancouver receives personalized and effective mental health support. He provides care exclusively in English, dedicated to guiding his patients toward improved mental health and overall well-being.
Dr. Nauman Ahmad provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
- 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.
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Nauman Ahmad 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ahmad 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.
Located in the vibrant 'Fairview' neighborhood of Vancouver, the clinic offers a welcoming and discreet environment for mental health care. The practice is situated within a modern facility close to major landmarks such as the Future Subway Extension and City Square Shopping Centre. Patients can access the clinic easily via public transit, including TransLink’s SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of visit for patients and their families.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Ahmad, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Ahmad 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 Ahmad's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Ahmad, 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 Ahmad 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Ahmad?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Ahmad, 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 Ahmad can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Ahmad?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ahmad will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ahmad or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ahmad, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ahmad can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Ahmad and his 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. Ahmad will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
601 Broadway W Ste 301, Three Story Clinic
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2
Phone: (604) 563-3093
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Ahmad 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. Ahmad 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/344197/Ahmad%2CNauman