Description
About Dr. Anne Labonte
Dr. Anne Labonte is a dedicated Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Borden, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Her practice is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) guidelines, ensuring a respectful and compassionate approach to mental health treatment.
Dr. Labonte graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine in Canada. With over 39 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1985, she has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health conditions. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her comprehensive training and commitment to excellence in psychiatric care.
Her clinical philosophy centers on collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Dr. Labonte fosters a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, aiming to support her patients in achieving optimal mental health and well-being. Fluent in both English and French, she ensures effective communication with a diverse range of patients in Borden, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Common Conditions Dr. Anne Labonte Addresses
Dr. Anne Labonte provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
- Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
- Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Anne Labonte for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Anne Labonte
- Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
- Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
- Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
- Crisis Intervention & Urgent Psychiatric Assessment (in appropriate settings): Providing rapid assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, acute psychosis, or severe agitation, typically in emergency departments or crisis clinics.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Labonte for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.
All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, located in Borden's areas near central Borden, ON, offers a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health services. The practice is situated within a larger healthcare facility that is easily accessible via local public transit. The area surrounding the hospital features notable points of interest, making visits convenient for many patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct building access, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by car. The setting is designed to foster confidentiality and a sense of safety, supporting patients in their journey toward mental wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Labonte, a Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Labonte are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Labonte's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Labonte, a Psychiatrist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Psychiatrist such as Labonte for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Labonte specialize in?
- A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialized training in psychiatry, which is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Labonte is trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can provide a range of treatments including psychotherapy, medications, and sometimes other interventions like ECT or rTMS.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like {provider_name_doctor_last}?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Labonte is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Labonte?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Labonte will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Labonte or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Labonte, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Labonte can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Labonte offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Labonte, are trained in various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and may offer it as part of their treatment approach, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with medication. The specific types of psychotherapy offered can vary (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy). It's best to inquire directly with Labonte's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Labonte and her team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Labonte will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
Contact & Licensing Information
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
31 C F H S C, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Borden, ON L0M 1C0
Phone: (705) 424-1200 | Fax: (705) 423-7503
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Labonte is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Labonte for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Labonte-Anne/0046231-60209