Dr. Catherine Laughrea – Psychiatrist | Québec, QC

Dr. Catherine Laughrea 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 CHU de Québec - Service de Consultation-Liaison, Clinique externe de Psychiatrie HEJ in Québec City, QC, 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 adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and professionalism in mental health care. Dr. Laughrea’s approach emphasizes a confidential, respectful, and patient-centered environment, fostering trust and collaboration in treatment.

She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over four years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2020. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Québec. Her credentials reflect a commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to provincial and national standards for psychiatric practice.

Dr. Laughrea’s clinical philosophy is rooted in collaborative care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. She employs evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual's unique needs and fosters a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Fluent in French, she is dedicated to providing accessible and compassionate mental health services to the Québec City community, ensuring patients feel heard, supported, and engaged in their recovery journey.

Dr. Catherine Laughrea provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
• Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Catherine Laughrea for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Medication Management for ADHD in Adults & Children/Adolescents: Prescription and monitoring of stimulant and non-stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Laughrea 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.

CHU de Québec - Service de Consultation-Liaison, Clinique externe de Psychiatrie HEJ is situated in Québec City's vibrant neighborhoods near central Québec City. The practice is conveniently located close to landmarks such as the Manège Militaire Voltigeurs de Québec and the Plains of Abraham, providing easy access for patients. Public transit options are abundant, with the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) offering multiple routes nearby. 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 practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, prioritizing patient comfort and confidentiality at all times.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Laughrea, 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 Laughrea 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 Laughrea's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Laughrea, 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 Laughrea 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.

Does Laughrea offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Laughrea, 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 Laughrea'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. Laughrea 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. Laughrea will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Laughrea?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Laughrea will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Laughrea or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Laughrea, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Laughrea can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

CHU de Québec - Service de Consultation-Liaison, Clinique externe de Psychiatrie HEJ
E-1537-1401 18E Rue
Québec City, QC G1J 1Z4

Phone: (418) 649-5769 | Fax: (418) 649-5934

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.

Dr. Laughrea 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. Laughrea 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=20572