Dr. Samuel Y.Y. Chang – Psychiatrist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Samuel Y.Y. Chang 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 or hospital department in Calgary, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Chang 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 compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to the unique needs of each child or adolescent. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the distinct mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Calgary (Canada) and has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry. Dr. Chang holds the necessary certifications and is licensed to practice Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Alberta, ensuring adherence to provincial standards and best practices in mental health care. His training equips him with the expertise to evaluate complex cases and develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.

Dr. Chang’s clinical philosophy centers on a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. He strives to create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for young people, fostering resilience and positive mental health trajectories. Collaboration with families, schools, and other healthcare providers is fundamental to his practice. Additionally, Dr. Chang is fluent in Cantonese and Chinese, which facilitates effective communication with a broader range of patients and families in Calgary, ensuring culturally sensitive care. His dedication is rooted in helping children and adolescents navigate mental health challenges with compassion and understanding.

Dr. Samuel Chang provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

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.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.

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

• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
• 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.
• 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.
• Early Intervention for Psychosis in Youth: Specialized programs for adolescents and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Chang 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.

Located in Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood, Dr. Chang's clinic is situated within a modern mental health facility that offers a welcoming atmosphere. The practice is conveniently accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services, making it easy for families and young patients to attend appointments. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Situated near the Peace Bridge and Bow River Pathway, the clinic offers a tranquil setting with scenic views. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring easy access for visitors. The clinic maintains a discreet and inviting ambiance, respecting patient confidentiality and comfort at every visit.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Chang, 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 Chang 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 Chang's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Chang, 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 Chang 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

What does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Chang 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. Chang 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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Chang?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Chang 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.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Chang and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Chang, 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.

1403 29 St NW, Foothills Medical Centre
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Phone: (403) 944-3351 | Fax: (403) 944-3454

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

Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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=15dd77b7-9ea2-43ca-b1c4-7857958001d8&i=265