Dr. Loraine Telleria Bernal – Psychiatrist | Laval, QC

Dr. Loraine Telleria Bernal 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 CISSS Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She 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. Her practice is committed to offering confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Telleria Bernal holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2019, accumulating over 5 years of professional experience. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Quebec, adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and the application of evidence-based treatment approaches. She is dedicated to establishing a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect, ensuring personalized care for each patient. Fluent in French, Dr. Telleria Bernal is committed to providing compassionate mental health services to the Laval community.

Dr. Loraine Telleria Bernal provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Personality Disorders

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) and a mood disorder (like depression or mania).
• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.

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

• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• 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.
• 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.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Telleria Bernal 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 Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé is situated in Laval's Chomedey North neighborhood, conveniently accessible via the Major East-West Arterial. The facility is well-connected by public transit, with the Société de transport de Laval (STL) providing regular service. The hospital is a specialized healthcare hub with a dedicated psychiatric unit, ensuring focused mental health services. The building is wheelchair accessible and designed to offer a comfortable, private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, with designated accessible spots to accommodate mobility needs. The practice strives to maintain a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, fostering trust and ease for patients seeking mental health support.

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

Do I need a referral to see Telleria Bernal, 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 Telleria Bernal 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 Telleria Bernal?

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

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

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Telleria Bernal?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Telleria Bernal 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.

What does a Psychiatrist like Telleria Bernal 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. She is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Telleria Bernal 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.

CISSS Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé
1755 boul René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9

Phone: (450) 668-1010

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

Dr. Telleria Bernal 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. Telleria Bernal 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=19394