Dr. Shahnawaz Khan 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 General Adult Psychiatrist in St Paul, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. 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. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, safe, and confidential care for all patients.
Dr. Khan graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from India and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist, including credentials such as MD - Doctor of Medicine - Psychiatry. His extensive training and certifications enable him to deliver expert mental health services tailored to individual needs, employing evidence-based approaches to optimize outcomes and support recovery.
With a commitment to collaborative care, Dr. Khan emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He values building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, fostering a safe environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns. In addition to English, he is fluent in Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu, which helps him communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in St Paul and surrounding communities.
Dr. Shahnawaz Khan provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- 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).
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
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.
- 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.
Personality Disorders
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- 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).
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Shahnawaz Khan for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Khan 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. Shahnawaz Khan practices as a General Adult Psychiatrist in St Paul, AB, in an area near central St Paul known for its welcoming community and accessible public transit options. The practice is situated in a discreet yet welcoming setting, designed to provide a comfortable environment for patients seeking mental health care. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Patients can find metered street parking and nearby public lots for convenience. The practice’s strategic location ensures easy access for residents from various parts of St Paul and surrounding neighborhoods, emphasizing confidentiality and personalized care in a serene setting.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Khan, a Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Khan 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 Khan's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Khan, 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 Khan 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 can I prepare for my first appointment with Khan?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Khan, 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 Khan can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Khan 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. Khan will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Khan specialize in?
- A 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 Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Khan 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.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Khan and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Khan, 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 Khan?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Khan will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Khan or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Khan, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Khan can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
General Adult Psychiatrist
4713 48 Ave
St Paul, AB T0A 3A3
Phone: (780) 645-4323 | Fax: (780) 645-1712
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Khan is a licensed 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 another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Khan for 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=ee5a21f5-0577-4ae1-bde4-4e9539ee7cfc&i=749