Description
About Dr. Walter Enudi
Dr. Walter Enudi, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at a mental health clinic within a hospital department in Lethbridge, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Enudi’s role involves comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex mental health conditions in older patients, with a focus on preserving dignity and promoting well-being in late life. The setting provides a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of seniors, emphasizing confidentiality, respect, and holistic care.
He has completed extensive medical training, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Nigeria. He holds specialty certification as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, having fulfilled rigorous postgraduate training and credentialing requirements necessary to practice in Alberta. His qualifications ensure he is well-equipped to provide expert mental health care tailored to the aging population.
Dr. Enudi’s clinical philosophy centers on a holistic approach to late-life mental health, considering medical, psychological, and social factors. He is dedicated to working collaboratively with patients, their families, and caregivers to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize autonomy, dignity, and quality of life. Fluent in Yoruba, Igbo, and English, he facilitates communication with a diverse range of patients, fostering a comfortable and trusting environment for older adults seeking mental health support.
Common Conditions Dr. Walter Enudi Addresses
Dr. Walter Enudi provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)
- Late-Onset Psychosis / Schizophrenia: Development of psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia for the first time in older adulthood.
- Grief & Bereavement in Older Adults: Coping with loss in later life, which can sometimes lead to complicated grief or depression requiring psychiatric support.
- Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Mood Disorders
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
- 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. Walter Enudi for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Geriatric Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Walter Enudi
- 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.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- Management of Psychosis in the Elderly: Careful diagnosis and management of late-onset psychosis or psychotic symptoms related to other medical or neurological conditions in older adults.
- 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.
- Late-Life Depression & Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Tailored psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches for depression and anxiety disorders in older adults, considering medication interactions and age-related physiological changes.
- Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Enudi 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Downtown Lethbridge, in the South Lethbridge East area, Dr. Enudi’s practice is situated within a modern mental health clinic or hospital department. The facility is conveniently accessible by public transit via Lethbridge Transit, making it easy for patients to reach. The surroundings feature scenic spots such as Henderson Lake Park and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, offering a calming environment. The clinic 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 to ensure ease of access for older adults and visitors with mobility concerns. The setting fosters a discreet, welcoming atmosphere where patients can feel safe and cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Enudi, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Enudi 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 Enudi's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Enudi, a Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Enudi 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 Enudi offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Enudi, 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 Enudi'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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Enudi 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. Enudi will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Enudi and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Enudi, 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
960 19 St S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Phone: (403) 942-3075 | Fax: (403) 942-3076
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Enudi is a licensed Geriatric 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. Enudi 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=fb26ab0c-e389-42c9-9dfa-c21b8fad5838&i=436