For 10 years, Dr. Carolyn Stark has been an essential part of mental health care at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. As a Psychiatrist working in acute care, consult liaison psychiatry, and early psychosis intervention, she provides crucial support to patients, families, and staff, helping navigate some of life’s most challenging moments.
Dr. Stark’s journey into mental health care began as an Occupational Therapist, working in the Schizophrenia Program at CAMH. “I learned early on the importance of seeing the whole person—not just their diagnosis, but their daily life, relationships, and goals,” she explains. That foundation inspired her to pursue a medical degree and postgraduate training in psychiatry, a path that combined her fascination with people’s stories and her desire to improve access to mental health care, particularly in rural communities.
In her work at KBRH, Dr. Stark supports patients through acute psychiatric crises, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals. One moment that stands out for her is witnessing a patient, once overwhelmed by their illness, rediscover purpose—returning to work, reconnecting with loved ones, or simply feeling heard. “Those are the moments that remind me why this work matters and why investing in mental health care is so important,” she shares.
Dr. Stark is a strong supporter of the Mental Health Matters Campaign, seeing it as a step toward equitable, dignified, and accessible care. She is particularly excited about the modernization of the acute psychiatry unit at Daly Pavilion
“The right environment can make a real difference in recovery,” she says. “Upgrades to the space will not only improve patient experience but also enhance staff wellbeing and the overall quality of care.”
For Dr. Stark, this campaign isn’t just about renovations—it’s about community impact. “Every contribution helps create safer, more therapeutic environments and ensures people experiencing mental illness receive the care, dignity, and hope they deserve,” she emphasizes.