About
Dr. Ryan Yin Juen Chan is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at a reputable mental health clinic in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Dr. Chan adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. His approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of each young patient's unique developmental trajectory, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and growth. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.
Dr. Chan graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He holds specialty certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training includes extensive clinical experience in pediatric mental health, ensuring a thorough and evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Dedicated to patient-centred care, Dr. Chan employs a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. He strives to create a safe, engaging, and collaborative space for young people, working closely with families and educational professionals. His aim is to promote resilience, emotional well-being, and positive mental health trajectories in his young patients. He provides care in English and is committed to supporting Vancouver's diverse community through compassionate and personalized psychiatric services.
Dr. Ryan Chan provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
- Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
- Tourette's Syndrome & Tic Disorders (Psychiatric Co-morbidities): Addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions like ADHD or OCD in individuals with Tourette's or other tic disorders.
Mood Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
- 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.
- 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.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
- 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. Ryan Chan for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- Family Therapy & Parent Management Training for Child Psychiatric Conditions: Working with families to improve communication, implement behavioral strategies, and support children with mental health challenges.
- School Consultation & Collaboration for Children with Psychiatric Needs: Liaising with schools and educational professionals to support the academic and social-emotional needs of children with psychiatric disorders.
- Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
- 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.
- Assessment & Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Addressing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders that often co-occur in children and adolescents with ASD.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Chan 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. Ryan Yin Juen Chan practices within a well-established mental health facility situated in Vancouver's vibrant Fairview neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible via TransLink services, including SkyTrain's Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as regular bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express 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, with some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for families and young patients. The environment is discreet, welcoming, and designed to foster a sense of safety and confidentiality for children, adolescents, and their families seeking mental health support.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Chan, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Chan 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 Chan's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Chan, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Chan 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.
- Does Chan offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Chan, 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 Chan's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He 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 Chan?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Chan will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Chan or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Chan, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Chan can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Chan?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Chan, 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 Chan can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
301 - 601 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2
Phone: (778) 244-8414 | Fax: (844) 444-1195
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Chan is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Chan for child and adolescent psychiatric 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/330109/Chan%2CRyan