Referrals to the Veridian Wellness Clinics
The referral process can seem complicated, so let us break it down for you in simple terms:
Different services at VWC require different referral processes. Broadly speaking, consider if you would like to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. If you are unsure, please review our various website pages to learn more about the psychiatric and psychological services we offer.
In British Columbia, BC MSP covers those with an active BC MSP to see a psychiatrist only if you show up for the consultation and follow up appointments. For any services at VWC that require or involve Dr. Wang (psychiatrist), you need a referral from a walk-in clinic physician or GP to access the service (unless you do not have provincial health insurance). For services with Dr. Legg (psychology services), that do not involve the psychiatrist, you can self-refer and do not require a referral from a physician. Below is an outline for the referral process and requirements for each of VWC’s clinics and services.
VWC Psychiatry Clinic
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Consultation and follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist for mental health and medication management : physician referral required
VWC Psychology Clinic
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ADHD/executive functioning skills training therapy: self-referral
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DBT skill training therapy: self-referral
VWC ADHD Clinic
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Combined psychiatric and psychological ADHD assessment: physician referral required
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ADHD/executive functioning skills training therapy: self-referral
VWC Rapid Access Assessment Clinic
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Psychiatric diagnostic assessment: physician referral required
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Psychological diagnostic assessment: self-referral
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Combined Psychiatric & Psychological diagnostic assessment: physician referral required
VWC rTMS Clinic
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Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) appointments: physician referral required
No-shows or late cancellations to psychiatry appointments and services with Dr. Wang are not insured by BC MSP and patients must privately pay in these circumstances. BC MSP does NOT cover appointments with and services of psychologists or registered clinical counsellors, and patients must privately pay for all services with Dr. Legg.
SHOULD I SEE A PSYCHIATRIST OR A PSYCHOLOGIST?
While psychiatrists and psychologists are both mental health professionals with extensive training to assess, diagnoses, and treat mental health conditions, there are some distinct features between the two types of professionals. Please see below to help you determine whether you need to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist:
Psychologists:
- Assessments may involve standardized psychometric testings (ex. cognitive assessments, personality questionnaires, learning disability assessments)
- Treatment recommendations focus on psychological and behavioural interventions (ex. which type of therapy is most suited for your diagnosis)
- Cannot prescribe medications
Psychiatrists:
- Assessments is more medical, but does NOT involve standardized psychometric testings
- Treatment recommendations focuses more on medications and medical treatments (ex. repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation)
- Can prescribe medications
Psychiatry Referral Form - to be completed by a Physician/NP
If you have an active BC MSP, and you are seeking a service at VWC where a physician referral is required, please ask your physician or nurse practitioner to either complete the online referral form below, or fax a referral to Dr. Jay Wang at VWC.
Please attach all relevant previous consultations, notes, and investigations.
One reason for referral per request. Please submit a separate request for a different reason for referral.
Patient Self-Referral Form
If you are seeking a service at VWC that requires a self-referral only or you do not have an active BC MSP, please complete our self-referral form linked below.
Once you have completed the self-referral form, one of our team members will get back to you within 48 business hours. If you are unsure about which service is most suitable for you, please review the information provided about each service on our website. If you still have questions about our services and the associated referral process, please call or email our office.
Clinic Phone Number: 778-366-2661