Dr. François Rousseau – Psychiatrist | Québec, QC

Dr. François Rousseau, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at the CIUSSS de la Capitale Nationale in Québec City, QC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring the highest quality of care. Dr. Rousseau focuses on providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health services tailored specifically for older adults, emphasizing dignity, thorough assessment, and holistic treatment approaches to enhance quality of life.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 8 years of experience practicing as a Geriatric Psychiatrist since 2016. Dr. Rousseau has completed extensive post-graduate training in Geriatric Psychiatry and holds all necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) with license number 95289. His professional credentials reflect a deep commitment to continuing education and adherence to current clinical guidelines for mental health care in older populations.

Dr. Rousseau’s clinical philosophy centers on a holistic approach to late-life mental health, considering medical, psychological, and social factors that influence well-being. He is dedicated to working collaboratively with his patients, their families, and caregivers to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize dignity, autonomy, and comfort. Fluent in French, he strives to create a welcoming and trusting environment for older adults seeking mental health support in Québec City, ensuring compassionate care tailored to each individual's unique needs.

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

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Late-Onset Psychosis / Schizophrenia: Development of psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia for the first time in older adulthood.
• Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.
• Late-Life Depression: Major depressive disorder occurring for the first time in older adulthood, or a recurrence of earlier depression, often presenting with different symptoms than in younger adults.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• 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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Mood Disorders

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.

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

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Management of Dementia-Related Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms (BPSD): Assessment and non-pharmacological/pharmacological management of agitation, aggression, psychosis, or mood changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
• Management of Psychosis in the Elderly: Careful diagnosis and management of late-onset psychosis or psychotic symptoms related to other medical or neurological conditions in older adults.

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

Dr. Rousseau's practice is situated within the CIUSSS de la Capitale Nationale, located in the vibrant neighborhood near central Québec City. The facility is conveniently accessible from the Commercial Corridor and Gare du Palais (Via Rail), making it easy for patients to reach. Public transit options are abundant, with the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) providing reliable bus services nearby. The practice is wheelchair accessible and designed to offer a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of arrival and departure. The setting emphasizes discretion and a welcoming atmosphere, fostering trust and comfort for older adults seeking mental health care.

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

Do I need a referral to see Rousseau, 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 Rousseau 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 Rousseau?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Rousseau 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.

Does Rousseau offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Rousseau, 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 Rousseau'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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Rousseau 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. Rousseau will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

CIUSSS de la Capitale Nationale
2601 Ch de la Canardière
Québec City, QC G1J 2G3

Phone: (418) 663-5000 | Fax: (418) 663-5758

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

Dr. Rousseau 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. Rousseau 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=95289