Dr. Charles Fournier

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

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.
• Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): Non-cognitive symptoms common in dementia, such as agitation, aggression, psychosis (delusions, hallucinations), depression, anxiety, and apathy.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
• 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.

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.
• 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. Charles Fournier for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Capacity Assessments in Older Adults (Cognitive/Psychiatric Aspects): Evaluating mental capacity in older adults for decision-making related to healthcare, finances, or living arrangements, especially in the context of cognitive decline or psychiatric illness.
• Geriatric Psychiatric Assessment & Management of Late-Life Mental Health Issues: Specialized evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders in older adults, considering the interplay of aging, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial factors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Fournier 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.

Service externe de psychiatrie is situated in the Saint-Jean Sector South/Central neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The facility is conveniently located near the Site of International Balloon Festival and is accessible via public transit, including Transport Urbain and Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. The practice is designed to be wheelchair accessible, offering a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate patients with mobility needs. The setting is discreet, welcoming, and geared towards providing personalized mental health care for older adults in a respectful and confidential manner.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Fournier, a Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist like Fournier 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 Fournier's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Fournier, a Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Fournier 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 Fournier have experience with mental health issues in older adults (geriatric psychiatry)?

Yes, as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Fournier has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults (typically 65+). This includes late-life depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and managing psychiatric issues in the context of multiple medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. He understands the unique presentations and treatment considerations in this age group.

What does a Geriatric Psychiatrist like Fournier specialize in?

A Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializing in mental health conditions affecting older adults. Fournier 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 Fournier?

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

Service externe de psychiatrie
230-383 Boul Séminaire Nord
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 8C5

Phone: (450) 346-2222 | Fax: (450) 346-2311

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

Dr. Fournier is a licensed Geriatric 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. Fournier 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=20295