About
Dr. Cosmin Ioncu 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 du Suroît in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Ioncu provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. He is committed to delivering personalized, confidential, and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe environment where patients can openly explore their concerns and work toward recovery and well-being.
Dr. Ioncu holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 11 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2013. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and maintains the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Quebec. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of psychiatric assessment, pharmacological management, and psychotherapy, ensuring his patients receive well-rounded and evidence-based treatment approaches.
Guided by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Ioncu emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. He believes in building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust, respect, and openness. His clinical approach integrates the latest evidence-based practices to tailor treatments to each individual's unique needs. Fluent in French, he is dedicated to providing accessible and compassionate mental health services to the community of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
Dr. Cosmin Ioncu provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- 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.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder - psychiatric co-management): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function, often requiring multidisciplinary care including psychiatric management.
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Cosmin Ioncu 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.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Ioncu 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 du Suroît is situated in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield's neighborhood near the central area, easily accessible from local points of interest and well-served by local public transit. 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. The practice's setting offers a discreet, welcoming atmosphere, integrated within a larger healthcare facility, dedicated to specialized psychiatric services for the community.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Ioncu, 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 Ioncu 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 Ioncu's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Ioncu, 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 Ioncu 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 Ioncu?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Ioncu will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Ioncu or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Ioncu, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Ioncu can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- Does Ioncu offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Ioncu, 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 Ioncu's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.
- What does a Psychiatrist like Ioncu 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Ioncu 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.
Hôpital du Suroît
150 rue Saint-Thomas
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC J6T 6C1
Phone: (450) 371-9920
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Ioncu 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. Ioncu 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=13234