About
Dr. Carole Rolande Marie Tessier 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 Telus Health Care Centre in Kirkland Lake, ON, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and effective psychiatric care. Dr. Tessier 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. She is committed to offering a supportive and respectful environment where patients can explore their mental health concerns openly. The clinic's setting in Kirkland Lake is designed to foster privacy and comfort, supporting patients through their mental health journeys.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Canada and has accumulated over 10 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2014. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Tessier continually updates her knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based care. Her clinical training and ongoing professional development enable her to stay aligned with the latest advancements in mental health treatment, ensuring her patients benefit from current best practices.
Dr. Tessier’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. She strives to build a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, fostering an environment where patients feel safe and supported. Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Tessier facilitates clear communication with a diverse range of patients, ensuring language is not a barrier to quality mental health care. Dedicated to the residents of Kirkland Lake, she is passionate about improving mental health and well-being in her community.
Dr. Carole Tessier provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
- 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.
- Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
Personality Disorders
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
Mood Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
- Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Carole Tessier for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
- 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.
- 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.
- Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Tessier 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.
Telus Health Care Centre in Kirkland Lake is situated in the areas near central Kirkland Lake. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit and is located close to local points of interest, including shops, community centers, and parks. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public lots, making visits convenient. The clinic maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, dedicated to supporting patients' mental health needs in a respectful and confidential manner.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Tessier, 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 Tessier 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 Tessier's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Tessier, 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 Tessier 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.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Tessier?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Tessier 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 Tessier?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Tessier will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Tessier or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Tessier, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Tessier can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Tessier and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Tessier, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Tessier 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. Tessier will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
Telus Health Care Centre
5 Kirkland Street West
Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 2G1
Phone: (705) 567-9596 | Fax: (705) 567-5211
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Tessier 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. Tessier 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/Tessier-Carole-Rolande-Marie/0257588-91478