About
Dr. Richa Sharan 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 Richa Sharan Clinic Vancouver in Coquitlam, 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 clinic is committed to offering a confidential and respectful environment, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
Dr. Sharan graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. She also maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional excellence and evidence-based practice.
Her clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Sharan values building a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring that each patient receives personalized mental health care. She provides her services in English and is dedicated to supporting patients in Coquitlam in achieving optimal mental health and well-being.
Dr. Richa Sharan 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.
- 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.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- 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.
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Richa Sharan 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.
- Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Sharan 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.
Richa Sharan Clinic Vancouver is situated in the Coquitlam Town Centre neighborhood, within the Eagle Ridge area. The clinic is conveniently located near the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, offering a serene setting for mental health care. Accessible via public transit, the clinic can be reached through TransLink services including the SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, and local bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for those coming for appointments. The clinic maintains a discreet, welcoming atmosphere designed to foster trust and confidentiality for every patient.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Sharan, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Sharan 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 Sharan's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Sharan, 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 Sharan 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 Sharan?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Sharan, 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 Sharan can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Sharan and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Sharan, 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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Sharan?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Sharan 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.
Richa Sharan Clinic Vancouver
Suite 208, 3041 Anson Avenue
Coquitlam, BC V3B 2H6
Phone: (778) 731-0179 | Fax: (604) 914-2843
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Sharan 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. Sharan 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/304813/Sharan%2CRicha