Dr. Caroline Dussault 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 Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme in Saint-Jérôme, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). 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. Dr. Dussault’s approach emphasizes personalized care, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment plans within a confidential and respectful environment.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over four years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2020. Dr. Dussault has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Quebec. Her credentials include certification from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), license number 20573, reflecting her commitment to maintaining professional excellence and adherence to provincial regulations.
Guided by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Dussault is committed to empowering her patients through education and understanding. She believes in evidence-based treatment approaches and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Fluent in French, she is dedicated to providing accessible mental health services to the community of Saint-Jérôme, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all patients seeking help.
Dr. Caroline Dussault provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
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.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- 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/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Caroline Dussault for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
- 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 Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Dussault 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.
Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme is situated in the vibrant Downtown Saint-Jérôme, within the Saint-Antoine Sector neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus), providing reliable public transit options. The hospital is located near prominent landmarks such as Vieille Gare (Museum) and Cathédrale de Saint-Jérôme, offering a welcoming and discreet environment. The building is wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure a comfortable and private experience for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some providing direct access to the hospital, facilitating ease of visitations for patients and their families.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Dussault, 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 Dussault 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 Dussault's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Dussault, 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 Dussault 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 Dussault?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Dussault 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 does a Psychiatrist like Dussault 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. Dussault 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Dussault?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Dussault will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Dussault or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Dussault, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Dussault can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme
290 rue de Montigny
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 5T3
Phone: (450) 432-2777
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Dussault 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. Dussault 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=20573