Dr. Jennifer Slater, MD, Psychiatrist

I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine. I have been practicing since 2008, with a particular interest in diagnostic consultation and understanding the complex ways that developmental, neurological, and mental health factors can overlap in children and adolescents.

At Compass Clinic, I conduct autism assessments for children and adolescents. I approach each assessment with the goal of understanding the whole child—not just the symptoms or diagnosis. This often includes a comprehensive review of mental health, development, learning, behaviour, and other factors that may be contributing to a child’s experiences.

For families, the assessment process can be an important opportunity to make sense of what their child is experiencing and to better understand their strengths and challenges. My hope is to provide families with a clear and thoughtful understanding of their child, along with practical guidance to help support them at home, at school, and in their everyday lives.

I have a particular interest in working with older children and adolescents, including those whose challenges may be subtle, complex, or difficult to understand.

I have been a qualified specialist with the BC Autism Assessment Network at Sunny Hill Health Centre since 2017. I am also a staff psychiatrist at BC Children’s Hospital and with Vancouver Coastal Health. I have contributed to medical and parent education as an expert in mental health and complex neurodevelopmental conditions.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my two children. I also enjoy skiing, travelling, and reading.