Dr. Gisèle Chiniara

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Management of associated psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD that frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

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.
• 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.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• 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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

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

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
• Family Therapy & Parent Management Training for Child Psychiatric Conditions: Working with families to improve communication, implement behavioral strategies, and support children with mental health challenges.
• Treatment of Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents (Depression, Anxiety, OCD): Age-appropriate psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for young people experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.
• 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. Chiniara 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.

CISSS Gaspésie, RLS Côte de Gaspé is situated in Gaspé, QC, in an area near central Gaspé's vibrant neighborhoods. The practice is conveniently accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients and families to reach. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available with paid options located nearby, some offering direct access to the building, ensuring ease of visitations. The clinic maintains a discreet yet welcoming atmosphere, respecting the confidentiality and comfort of every young patient and their family.

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

Do I need a referral to see Chiniara, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Chiniara 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Chiniara and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Chiniara, 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.

My child/teenager is struggling with significant emotional or behavioral issues. Would they see an Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Chiniara?

Yes, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Chiniara specializes in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and teenagers (typically up to age 18). This includes conditions like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder co-occurring issues, and early-onset psychotic disorders. She provides age-appropriate assessments, medication management if needed, and often incorporates family therapy or collaborates with schools.

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

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

CISSS Gaspésie, RLS Côte de Gaspé
215 Boul De York O
Gaspé, QC G4X 2W2

Phone: (418) 368-3301 | Fax: (418) 368-8145

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

Dr. Chiniara is a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Chiniara for child and adolescent psychiatric 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=94091