Dr. Tamara Lyn Vanderwal – Psychiatrist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Tamara Lyn Vanderwal 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 within a hospital department in Vancouver, BC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and ethical care. Dr. Vanderwal focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Her comprehensive approach aims to support the well-being of her young patients and their families, fostering resilience and positive growth. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges of children and adolescents.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Yale University School of Medicine in the United States and holds certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist recognized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training includes rigorous education in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions in youth, with a focus on evidence-based practices. Dr. Vanderwal maintains current certification and participates in ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of her field.

Her clinical philosophy centers on a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. She strives to create a safe, engaging, and supportive space for young people to explore their mental health challenges. Collaborating closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers, she promotes resilience and positive mental health trajectories. Dr. Vanderwal is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care in English to her patients in Vancouver, fostering a trusting relationship that encourages openness and healing.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
• 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.

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.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.

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

• 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.
• Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
• Treatment of Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents (Depression, Anxiety, OCD): Age-appropriate psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for young people experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.

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

Situated in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighbourhood, within the Arbutus Ridge South area, the practice is housed in a dedicated mental health clinic that offers a discreet and welcoming environment. The facility is conveniently located near Stanley Park Entrance and Rogers Arena, making it accessible for patients and families. Public transit options include TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at the Waterfront station. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Vanderwal, 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 Vanderwal 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 does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Vanderwal 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. She is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, focusing on the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents. Vanderwal 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.

My child/teenager is struggling with significant emotional or behavioral issues. Would they see an Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Vanderwal?

Yes, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Vanderwal specializes in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and teenagers (typically up to age 18). This includes conditions like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder co-occurring issues, and early-onset psychotic disorders. She provides age-appropriate assessments, medication management if needed, and often incorporates family therapy or collaborates with schools.

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

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

4480 Oak St, BC Children's Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3

Phone: (604) 875-2345

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

Dr. Vanderwal is a licensed Child and Adolescent 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 pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Vanderwal for child and adolescent psychiatric 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/362973/Vanderwal%2CTamara