About
Dr. Shawn Yaseen Ahmed Nomani 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 a mental health clinic or hospital department in Courtenay, BC, 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 is committed to delivering confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
Dr. Nomani graduated with a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He maintains active licensing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), with license number 34910, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics in his clinical work.
He is committed to a collaborative approach to mental health care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. Dr. Nomani utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches and fosters a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. He provides care in English and is dedicated to supporting patients in Courtenay by offering personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs, with a focus on achieving optimal mental health outcomes.
Dr. Shawn Nomani 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.
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- 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.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
- Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Shawn Nomani for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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).
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Nomani 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.
Located within a well-established mental health facility in Courtenay's Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood, Dr. Nomani's practice is conveniently situated in a community-oriented setting. The clinic is housed in a modern building near Driftwood Mall, easily accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). 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 patients. The practice maintains a discreet yet welcoming atmosphere, integrated within a larger healthcare facility, or as a dedicated psychiatric service within the hospital, emphasizing confidentiality and patient comfort.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Nomani, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Nomani 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 Nomani's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Nomani, 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 Nomani 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 Nomani?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Nomani will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Nomani or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Nomani, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Nomani 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 Nomani?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Nomani 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 does a Psychiatrist like Nomani 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. Nomani 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 specializes in psychiatry-specific roles and subspecialties, ensuring comprehensive mental health care for his patients.
101 Lerwick Rd, North Island Hospital Comox Valley
Courtenay, BC V9N 0B9
Phone: (250) 331-5900
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Nomani 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. Nomani 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/355007/Nomani%2CShawn