Adolescent Psychiatric Unit
Site: Surrey Memorial Hospital
The Adolescent Psychiatry Unit (APU) at Surrey Memorial Hospital is a specialized 10-bed inpatient unit serving youth aged 13 to 18 from across the Fraser Health region. The unit provides comprehensive assessment, stabilization, and early treatment for adolescents experiencing acute psychiatric illness, with a typical length of stay of three to four weeks.
As an integral part of the regional continuum of child and youth mental health services, the APU maintains strong partnerships with community-based programs, including Adolescent and Youth Day Treatment Programs, Crisis Response Services, Early Psychosis Intervention Programs, Child and Youth Mental Health Services, and community hospitals throughout Fraser Health. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care and supports successful transitions from hospital to community-based treatment.
Residents training on the APU gain exposure to a broad spectrum of adolescent mental health presentations, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, ADHD, concurrent substance use disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, personality pathology, learning disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Rotations may be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis, with a recommended duration of three to six months.
The unit’s multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, a psychologist, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, and youth care counsellors, with consultation available from dietitians, pharmacists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists as required. This collaborative environment provides residents with a valuable opportunity to work closely with allied health professionals and develop a comprehensive understanding of adolescent mental health care.
During the rotation, residents participate in multidisciplinary assessments and treatment planning, conduct psychiatric evaluations, monitor medication interventions, and provide individual, family, and group-based therapeutic care. They also gain experience in educational, behavioural, speech and language, and functional assessments, helping them develop a holistic understanding of the factors influencing youth mental health.
In addition to strengthening their clinical skills, residents are encouraged to take on teaching, leadership, and advocacy roles. Opportunities include supervising medical students, contributing psychiatric expertise within multidisciplinary team discussions, participating in educational rounds, and building relationships with community agencies and support services. The rotation supports the development of key CanMEDS competencies, including communication, collaboration, leadership, scholarship, and health advocacy, while providing a rich and rewarding experience in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry opportunities are available at multiple Fraser Health sites and can be tailored to residents’ learning goals and career interests.
- General Outpatient Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic
- Early Psychosis Intervention
- Infant Psychiatry Clinic
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic (via UBC Hospital)
Short Term Assessment Response Treatment (START) – Surrey, Port Moody, Abbotsford
The Short-Term Assessment, Response and Treatment (START) program provides rapid-access crisis assessment and intervention services for children and youth aged 6 to 18 years who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis and require immediate support. Services are available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, and referrals are accepted from a wide range of sources, including youth, families, schools, community agencies, and healthcare professionals.
START offers comprehensive mental health, substance use, and safety assessments delivered in person, virtually, or by telephone. Services may include crisis intervention, brief individual and group therapy, psychiatric consultation, family support, caregiver education, and facilitated connections to ongoing community resources and specialized mental health services.
Fraser Health operates three START teams, with resident training opportunities available through START Fraser South (Surrey, White Rock, Langley, and Delta) and START Fraser North (Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows).
This rotation provides valuable experience in the assessment and management of youth presenting with a broad range of psychiatric concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, psychosis, substance use concerns, and suicidality. Residents gain expertise in crisis assessment, risk evaluation, treatment planning, and appropriate referral to community resources such as Child and Youth Mental Health Services and addictions programs.
Working within a multidisciplinary team, residents also develop skills in consultation, collaboration, and leadership. Opportunities include providing psychiatric expertise to allied health professionals, participating in program development, and contributing to educational initiatives for non-medical staff. The rotation offers a unique perspective on community-based child and adolescent mental health care and the delivery of early intervention services across diverse populations.
Goals and Objectives: UBC Training Objectives – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
UBC Fraser Health Psychiatry 