Dr. Satish Shrikhande – Psychiatrist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Satish Shrikhande 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 Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, 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). He 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. Dr. Shrikhande’s approach is centered on understanding each patient's unique needs to foster recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) from Poona University in India and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Additionally, Dr. Shrikhande is credentialed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of psychiatric practice. His training and certification enable him to provide expert mental health services grounded in evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Shrikhande’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, ensuring his patients in Victoria receive compassionate and effective mental health care. Fluent in Hindi, Marathi, and English, he can communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all seeking help.

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

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• 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.
• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.

Personality Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Shrikhande 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. Shrikhande's practice is situated within the Royal Jubilee Hospital campus in Victoria's Fairfield East neighborhood, conveniently accessible via the Access to Saanich/Highway and Major North-South Route. The facility is well-connected through the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), making it easy for patients to reach. The hospital's psychiatric services are housed within a dedicated outpatient unit designed to provide a discreet, welcoming, and comfortable environment. The building is wheelchair accessible, and the facility aims to maintain a respectful and private atmosphere to support patients' mental health journeys. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for those arriving by car, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all patients.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Shrikhande, 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 Shrikhande 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 Shrikhande offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Shrikhande, 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 Shrikhande'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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Shrikhande and a Psychologist?

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

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

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

Royal Jubilee Hospital
2328 Trent St, Victoria Mental Health Centre
Victoria, BC V8R 4Z3

Phone: (250) 370-8162

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

Dr. Shrikhande 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. Shrikhande 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/327939/Shrikhande%2CSatish