About
Dr. Yvetta Furigay, 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 Duncan, BC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She focuses on delivering comprehensive mental health care tailored specifically for older adults, emphasizing dignity, personalized assessment, and holistic treatment approaches to support mental well-being in late life.
Dr. Furigay graduated with a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from the University of Alberta in Canada. She holds specialty certification as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, having completed rigorous training and accreditation through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her credentials reflect her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of psychiatric care for her patients in Duncan and the surrounding areas.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on a holistic approach to late-life mental health. She considers medical, social, and psychological factors in her assessments and treatment plans, always aiming to preserve the dignity and autonomy of her patients. Dr. Furigay works collaboratively with families and caregivers, providing education and support to ensure the best possible outcomes. She offers her services in English and is committed to providing compassionate, respectful, and evidence-based mental health care to the older adult community she serves.
Dr. Yvetta Furigay provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)
- Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.
- Sleep Disorders in the Elderly (e.g., Insomnia, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder): Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep, common in older adults and often linked to psychiatric or medical conditions.
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
- 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.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
- 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.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Yvetta Furigay for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- 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 Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
- 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.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Furigay 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. Furigay’s practice is located within a mental health clinic near central Duncan, BC, in a welcoming and discreet setting. The facility is easily accessible from areas near central Duncan, with convenient access via local public transit. It is situated close to local points of interest, making it easy for patients to visit. The clinic offers wheelchair accessibility to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots. The environment is designed to be comfortable and private, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for older adults seeking mental health support.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Furigay, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Furigay 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 Furigay's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Furigay, 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 Furigay 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 Furigay?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Furigay will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Furigay or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Furigay, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Furigay can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Furigay have experience with mental health issues in older adults (geriatric psychiatry)?
- Yes, as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Furigay has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults (typically 65+). This includes late-life depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and managing psychiatric issues in the context of multiple medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. She understands the unique presentations and treatment considerations in this age group.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Furigay and her 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. Furigay will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Furigay?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Furigay, 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 Furigay can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What does a Geriatric Psychiatrist like Furigay specialize in?
- A Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializing in mental health conditions affecting older adults. Furigay 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.
71 Government St, Geriatric Specialty Services
Duncan, BC V9L 1A3
Phone: (250) 737-2007
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Furigay is a licensed Geriatric 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. Furigay 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/328780/Furigay%2CYvetta