Dr. Witold Jerzy Widajewicz

Dr. Witold Widajewicz 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.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.

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.

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

• 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.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for Psychiatric Conditions (Legal/Insurance): Conducting objective psychiatric evaluations for insurance claims, disability assessments, or other legal matters.
• Forensic Psychiatric Evaluations (e.g., Fitness to Stand Trial, Criminal Responsibility): Specialized assessments conducted for legal purposes, such as determining an individual's mental state at the time of an offense or their competency to participate in legal proceedings.
• Expert Witness Testimony in Legal Proceedings: Providing expert psychiatric opinion and testimony in court cases involving mental health issues.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Widajewicz 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 mental health clinic in Coquitlam's Central Coquitlam, Harbour Chines neighbourhood, Dr. Widajewicz's practice offers a welcoming and discreet environment. The facility is conveniently situated near Coquitlam City Hall and Town Centre Park, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. Multiple public transit options are available, including TransLink's SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, and local bus services, ensuring easy access for patients. The practice location is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for added convenience, supporting a smooth and welcoming experience for every individual seeking mental health and forensic psychiatric services.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Widajewicz, a Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist such as Widajewicz 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 Widajewicz?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Widajewicz, 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 Widajewicz 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. Widajewicz 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. Widajewicz will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What does a Forensic Psychiatrist like Widajewicz specialize in?

A Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist, specializing in Forensic Psychiatry. Widajewicz 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Widajewicz?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Widajewicz will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Widajewicz or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Widajewicz, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Widajewicz can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

70 Colony Farm Rd, Forensic Psychiatric Institute
Coquitlam, BC V3C 5X9

Phone: (604) 524-7763 | Fax: (604) 523-7896

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

Dr. Widajewicz is a licensed Forensic 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. Widajewicz 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/324209/Widajewicz%2CWitold