Dr. Claude Girard – Psychiatrist | Québec, QC

Dr. Claude Girard 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 Clinique EMIS in Québec City, QC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Girard 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. He is committed to delivering confidential, respectful, and individualized mental health services in a safe environment, fostering trust and collaboration with his patients to promote recovery and well-being.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 29 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1995. Dr. Girard has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry and holds all necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Québec. His qualifications include certification from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in mental health treatment.

Guided by a philosophy of collaborative care and patient empowerment, Dr. Girard emphasizes evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's needs. He strives to build a therapeutic alliance founded on trust, respect, and open communication. Fluent in French, he is dedicated to providing accessible and effective mental health services to the Québec City community, ensuring that patients feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their treatment journey.

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

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.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

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.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

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

• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Clinique EMIS is situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Sillery, Montcalm in Québec City. The clinic is conveniently located near the historic Plains of Abraham and the lively Restaurants & Nightlife district, offering a welcoming and discreet atmosphere for mental health care. Accessible via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), the facility is easily reachable by public transit. The location is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the clinic, with designated accessible spots to accommodate individuals with mobility needs. The practice emphasizes discretion, comfort, and confidentiality, ensuring patients feel at ease during their visits.

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

Do I need a referral to see Girard, 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 Girard 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 if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Girard?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Girard will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Girard or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Girard, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Girard 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 Girard and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Girard, 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. Girard and his 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. Girard will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

Clinique EMIS
350-1135 Grande-Allée O
Québec City, QC G1S 1E7

Phone: (418) 688-7272

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

Dr. Girard 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. Girard 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=95247