Dr. Vijender Singh Balain – Psychiatrist | Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Vijender Singh Balain 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 Coquitlam, 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. Dr. Balain adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that his practice aligns with provincial regulations and ethical guidelines. His approach is centered on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care within a confidential and respectful environment, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the Crimean Medical Institute in Ukraine and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist, including credentials from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. These qualifications underscore his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of psychiatric practice. Dr. Balain continuously updates his knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development, ensuring that his patients benefit from current best practices in mental health care.

With a clinical philosophy rooted in collaborative care, Dr. Balain emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes that a strong therapeutic alliance, built on trust and respect, is fundamental to effective treatment. His approach involves tailoring interventions to each individual's unique needs, utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities. Fluent in English and Hindi, Dr. Balain is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in Coquitlam, facilitating a more comfortable and culturally sensitive care experience.

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

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.

Personality Disorders

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• 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).

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.
• 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.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).

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

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.
• 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.
• Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Balain 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. Balain's practice is located within a welcoming mental health facility in the Central Coquitlam area, specifically serving the Harbour Chines neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Centennial Secondary School, making it accessible for local residents. Public transit options include the TransLink SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, and bus services, providing easy access for patients across the region. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients, with parking available at or near the location, including designated accessible spots. The setting is designed to be discreet, calming, and welcoming, ensuring patients feel at ease during their visits.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Balain, 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 Balain 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 Balain?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Balain 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. Balain 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. Balain will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Balain?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Balain, 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 Balain can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

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

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Balain, 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 does a Psychiatrist like Balain 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. Balain 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, focusing on comprehensive mental health care, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Unit 8, 2745 Lougheed Hwy, Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction
Coquitlam, BC V3C 4J2

Phone: (604) 524-7100

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

Dr. Balain 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. Balain 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/343816/Balain%2CVijender