Dr. Santoch Singh Rai – Psychiatrist | Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Santoch Singh Rai, a Forensic Psychiatrist, has expertise at the interface of mental health and the law, providing assessments and care within legal contexts. Practicing at a mental health clinic or hospital department in Coquitlam, BC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Rai conducts specialized psychiatric evaluations for legal contexts, such as fitness to stand trial or criminal responsibility assessments, and may provide treatment for mentally disordered offenders. His compassionate approach ensures that individuals involved in or requiring assessment for legal proceedings receive respectful and confidential mental health care. The practice is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters trust, understanding, and recovery.

Dr. Rai graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. He holds specialty certification as a Forensic Psychiatrist and has obtained key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His extensive medical education and training underpin his ability to provide expert psychiatric evaluations and treatments tailored to complex legal and mental health needs.

With a clinical philosophy rooted in maintaining objectivity and adhering to strict ethical principles, Dr. Rai provides clear and comprehensive psychiatric opinions to the legal system. He is dedicated to supporting his patients in Coquitlam by offering compassionate, respectful, and evidence-based care. Dr. Rai provides all services in English and strives to contribute positively to the fair administration of justice through his medicolegal work, ensuring that each patient’s dignity and rights are preserved throughout the assessment process.

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

Personality Disorders

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
• 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.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Treatment & Rehabilitation of Mentally Disordered Offenders (in correctional or specialized forensic settings): Providing psychiatric care and rehabilitation services to individuals with mental disorders who are incarcerated or under the jurisdiction of a review board.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• 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. Rai 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. Rai practices within a dedicated mental health facility situated in the vibrant neighbourhood of Central Coquitlam, Harbour Chines. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Coquitlam Centre Mall and offers direct access to the West Coast Express commuter rail. Public transit options include TransLink services such as the SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, and local bus routes, making travel straightforward for patients across the region. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Ample metered street parking and nearby public parking lots are available, ensuring ease of access for those visiting for assessment or ongoing treatment. The setting is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and conducive to sensitive psychiatric care, fostering a space where patients can feel safe and supported.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Rai, a Forensic Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Forensic Psychiatrist like Rai 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 Rai's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Rai, a Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist such as Rai 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.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Rai?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Rai 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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Rai?

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

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

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

70 Colony Farm Road, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
Coquitlam, BC V3C 5X9

Phone: (604) 524-7700

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

Dr. Rai is a licensed Forensic 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. Rai 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/374929/Rai%2CSantoch