Karsten SturmayWhen things feel heavy, taking the first step toward finding help can be the hardest part. In Edmonton, that first step often means sifting through endless clinic listings. It’s trying to figure out who’s available, who’s qualified, and who actually listens.
It’s not always easy to know where to start—but you’re not alone in that. Whether you’re dealing with something new or something that’s been building for a while, the right psychiatrist can make a huge difference.
That’s why we put together this guide—to help you find trusted psychiatrists in Edmonton who are ready to help when you’re ready to reach out.
How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist in Edmonton?
Seeing a psychiatrist in Edmonton typically costs between $200 and $500 per session for private care. Prices vary depending on the psychiatrist’s experience and specialization.
1. Dr. Carson Gregory Chrenek
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | 16940 87 Avenue NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 735-2594 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed |
Dr. Carson Gregory Chrenek’s approach to mental health leans heavily on structured, evidence-based care. Basically, he doesn’t wing it or throw out vague advice—he sticks to treatments that have actually been backed by research.
What we liked is that he doesn’t just let the conversation wander. Instead, he follows a clear plan.
If you’re dealing with something like anxiety or depression, he might walk you through CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) step by step. He may also recommend meds based on what’s actually been proven to help—not just whatever’s trending.
His office had a calm, quiet vibe too, which honestly felt like a nice break from the usual hectic clinic atmosphere.
We also asked around about him, and many said he’s super consistent with follow-ups and sticking to a plan. They said he keeps things simple and gives clear advice—which helped them feel like they were finally making real progress.
That said, his style isn’t for everyone. He’s very direct and clinical. So if you’re looking for someone who’s more warm, chatty, or emotionally expressive, you might find him a bit distant.
2. Dr. Khawaja Azhar Zia
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | 11107 51 Avenue NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 436-8071 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
We scheduled an undercover consultation with Dr. Khawaja Azhar Zia to get a sense of what his psychiatric care is really like, and we came away impressed.
He’s been practicing for over two decades, and it shows—there’s a calm confidence in how he handles sessions that makes it easier to talk about heavy stuff without feeling rushed or judged.
To get a broader picture, we also spoke with some of his patients, and they all echoed the same thing: he’s genuinely empathetic. One of them said he treats patients like a person, not a checklist—which really speaks to the kind of trust he builds over time.
What really stood out to us during the consultation was how meticulous he was. He doesn’t just look at symptoms but also considers your medical history, social life, and daily stressors. This makes the whole approach feel much more thorough.
That said, this level of detail can make appointments feel a bit long and formal. If you prefer something more casual or quicker-paced, his structured style might feel a little intense.
3. Dr. John S. Rosie
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | 8440 114 Street NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 407-8330 |
| OPERATING HOURS | To inquire about availability or schedule an appointment, please contact the office directly at (780) 407-8330 |
- To inquire about availability or schedule an appointment, please contact the office directly at (780) 407-8330
One thing that really stood out about Dr. John S. Rosie was how into psychodynamic therapy he is.
Unlike a lot of psychiatrists who mostly focus on meds, he actually brings therapy into the mix—and not just surface-level. He uses brief psychodynamic therapy, which digs into the emotional roots behind what you’re dealing with.
It’s a slower process, but it helps you spot patterns that might be messing with you without even realizing it.
He also helped create group and day programs for personality disorders at the University of Alberta Hospital, which is great for complex cases and a real plus for those who need extra support.
On top of all that, he’s been part of research on what makes therapy actually work—or why people drop out. So he’s not just doing the job; he’s trying to improve it for the long run.
That said, his focus on therapy and group work might not be for everyone. If you’re more into short-term, med-based treatment, he might not be the right fit.
4. Dr. Kenneth Michael Joffe
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | 16940 87 Avenue NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 735-2594 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed |
My cousin recently sought a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Michael Joffe after going through something really unbearable, and I was there to accompany her. What stood out to us right away was how empathetic and thorough he was.
His 30+ years of experience really showed during the consultation. He took the time to really listen and made my cousin feel like more than just a case number.
Dr. Joffe’s approach is holistic—he looks at the biological, psychological, and social sides of things, which means he doesn’t just address the obvious issues.
What really sets Dr. Joffe apart is how adaptable he is with treatment. He’s equally skilled at managing medications and guiding patients through different therapy styles.
From the conversations we had, it’s clear he doesn’t push a one-size-fits-all plan—instead, he tailors everything to the person in front of him.
That said, because of his comprehensive evaluations, follow-up appointments can sometimes feel time-consuming. This might not work well for people with very tight schedules.
5. Dr. Rena Sabita LaFrance
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | 16940 87 Avenue NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 735-2731 |
| OPERATING HOURS | To inquire about availability or schedule an appointment, please contact the office directly at (780) 735-2731 |
- To inquire about availability or schedule an appointment, please contact the office directly at (780) 735-2731
A friend of one of our team members recently consulted Dr. Rena Sabita LaFrance, giving us a chance to learn more about her.
We were impressed by her strong background and the way she genuinely connects with patients. Her work with mood disorders, ADHD, and PTSD shows she’s well-equipped to handle complicated cases.
Her approach includes therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. While CBT helps people identify and change negative thought patterns, DBT focuses more on managing emotions and improving relationships.
Both are evidence-based methods that support lasting improvements in mental health.
Dr. LaFrance also integrates trauma-informed care, creating a safe space where clients feel understood rather than judged.
We interviewed one of her clients, who told us that Dr. LaFrance emphasizes collaboration and makes sure patients are actively involved in their healing process. That approach helped the client feel more in control of their progress.
One drawback, though, is that appointment wait times can be longer due to her popularity.
