About
Dr. Bertrand Major 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 the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Lanaudière in Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). He 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. The focus is on delivering confidential, respectful, and patient-centered mental health services. The practice is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where patients can openly explore their concerns and work collaboratively towards recovery and well-being.
Dr. Major holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 37 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1987. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry and maintains the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Quebec. His long-standing clinical expertise ensures that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based mental health treatment tailored to their individual needs.
With a philosophy rooted in collaborative care, Dr. Major emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, respect, and open communication. His approach integrates the latest evidence-based practices to ensure effective treatment outcomes. Fluent in French and committed to serving the Saint-Charles-Borromée community, he strives to provide accessible and compassionate mental health care to all patients.
Dr. Bertrand Major provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
- Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
Personality Disorders
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Bertrand Major for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
- 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.
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnostic Evaluation: In-depth clinical interview to assess mental health status, including review of psychiatric and medical history, family history, psychosocial factors, symptom patterns, and formulation of a multiaxial diagnosis according to DSM/ICD criteria.
- Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Major for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.
All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Centered within the facilities of the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Lanaudière, Dr. Major's practice is situated in the areas near central Saint-Charles-Borromée. The hospital is easily accessible via local public transit, with multiple bus routes serving the area. The practice is located in a discreet yet welcoming environment within the hospital complex, designed to foster confidentiality and comfort. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for convenient access. The surrounding neighborhood features local points of interest and amenities, making it an accessible choice for residents seeking specialized psychiatric care in the region.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Major, a Psychiatrist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Major are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Major's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Major, 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 Major 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 Major 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Major 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Major?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Major, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Major can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- Does Major offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Major, 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 Major's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Major?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Major 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.
Centre Hospitalier Régional de Lanaudière
1000 boul Sainte-Anne
Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC J6E 6J2
Phone: (450) 759-8222 | Fax: (450) 759-0011
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Major is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Major for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=87449
