Dr. Sampann Gautam – Psychiatrist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Sampann Gautam is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at a mental health clinic within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Gautam focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. His approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans to support the mental well-being of his young patients and their families.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from India and holds specialty certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. His extensive post-graduate training and certifications enable him to provide expert mental health care tailored to children and adolescents in Alberta. Dr. Gautam is committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring his practice aligns with the latest evidence-based approaches and provincial standards.

Dr. Gautam's clinical philosophy centers on family-centered and developmentally-informed care. He strives to create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for young people, fostering resilience and positive mental health trajectories. Collaborating closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers, he aims to deliver holistic care that respects each child's unique context. Fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, and English, he facilitates communication with a diverse range of patients and families in Edmonton, ensuring culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services.

Dr. Sampann Gautam 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.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Management of associated psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD that frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD.
• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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).
• Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
• 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.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Treatment of Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents (Depression, Anxiety, OCD): Age-appropriate psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for young people experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Gautam 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Gautam practices within a well-equipped mental health clinic located in the S Central area of Edmonton, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The facility is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus), with multiple public transit options. The clinic is situated within a larger healthcare facility or as a specialized standalone psychiatric service, designed to provide a discreet, welcoming, and family-friendly environment. The location features wheelchair accessibility and aims to create a comfortable, private setting for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for visitors, ensuring ease of access for families and young patients seeking mental health support. The clinic's environment is tailored to be welcoming and supportive, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents in Edmonton.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Gautam, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Gautam are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Gautam's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

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

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Gautam will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Gautam or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Gautam, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Gautam 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 Gautam?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Gautam 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 psychiatrist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Gautam?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Gautam, 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 Gautam can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

What does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Gautam specialize in?

A Child and Adolescent 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. He is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, focusing on the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents. Gautam 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. He is committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care tailored to the developmental needs of his young patients.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Gautam 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. Gautam will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

8440 112 St NW, 1E1.30 WMC Stollery Children's Hospital
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Phone: (780) 407-2114 | Fax: (780) 407-7721

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

Dr. Gautam is a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Gautam for child and adolescent psychiatric services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=bc3bce69-902c-4d9b-931b-7a633dae4646&i=504