Dr. Marie-Claude Bélisle – Psychiatrist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Marie-Claude Bélisle is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Psychiatrie in Montréal, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring comprehensive and ethical care. Dr. Bélisle focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Her approach emphasizes understanding the unique developmental trajectory of each patient, fostering resilience and positive growth. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges of children and adolescents.

She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 8 years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2016. With extensive post-graduate training and certifications, she is fully qualified to provide specialized psychiatric care for youth in Québec, ensuring her practice aligns with provincial standards and best practices.

Dr. Bélisle’s clinical philosophy centers on a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. She creates a safe, engaging, and supportive space for her young patients, collaborating closely with families and educational professionals. Her goal is to foster resilience, promote mental wellness, and support positive mental health trajectories. Fluent in French, she is committed to providing accessible and compassionate care to the Montréal community, respecting each patient's unique background and needs.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Tourette's Syndrome & Tic Disorders (Psychiatric Co-morbidities): Addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions like ADHD or OCD in individuals with Tourette's or other tic disorders.
• 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.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• 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.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

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.

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

• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• School Consultation & Collaboration for Children with Psychiatric Needs: Liaising with schools and educational professionals to support the academic and social-emotional needs of children with psychiatric 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Bélisle 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 Sainte-Justine, Psychiatrie is situated in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood, a vibrant and accessible part of the city. The practice is conveniently located near La Ronde Amusement Park and is easily reachable via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) with options including the Métro and Bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. For those commuting by car, meter street parking and nearby public lots are available. The location is designed to be discreet yet welcoming, integrating seamlessly within a larger healthcare setting dedicated to comprehensive pediatric and psychiatric care, ensuring a sensitive and supportive atmosphere for young patients and their families.

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

Do I need a referral to see Bélisle, 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 Bélisle 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.

Does Bélisle offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Bélisle, 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 Bélisle's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

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

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

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Bélisle?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Bélisle 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 psychiatrist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Psychiatrie
3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1C5

Phone: (514) 345-4931 | Fax: (514) 345-4679

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

Dr. Bélisle 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. Bélisle 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=93196