About
Dr. Marie-Frédérique Allard, a Forensic Psychiatrist, has expertise at the interface of mental health and the law, providing assessments and care within legal contexts. Practicing at CIUSSS_MCQ - Centre Rég. Santé Mentale in Shawinigan, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her work involves conducting specialized psychiatric evaluations for legal purposes, such as determining fitness to stand trial or assessing criminal responsibility, and may include providing treatment options for individuals with mental health issues involved in the justice system. Dr. Allard is committed to delivering confidential, respectful, and comprehensive mental health care, fostering a safe environment where patients can explore their concerns and work toward recovery and well-being.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 6 years of dedicated experience as a Forensic Psychiatrist since 2018. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Forensic Psychiatry in Quebec, adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her expertise encompasses a broad range of legal and clinical assessments, ensuring her patients receive informed and ethical care aligned with current best practices.
Dr. Allard’s clinical philosophy emphasizes maintaining objectivity and upholding ethical principles in all medicolegal assessments. She is dedicated to providing clear, comprehensive psychiatric opinions to the legal system, supporting fair and informed judicial processes. Her approach is rooted in respect, confidentiality, and a deep commitment to her patients' dignity. Fluent in French, she offers accessible care tailored to the diverse community of Shawinigan.
Dr. Marie-Frédérique Allard provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Personality Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Other Mental Illness): The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- Pre-Menstrual 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. Marie-Frédérique Allard 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.
- 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.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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. Allard 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.
CIUSSS_MCQ - Centre Rég. Santé Mentale in Shawinigan is situated in an accessible area near central Shawinigan, close to local points of interest such as the historic downtown district and public transportation hubs. The facility is easily reachable via local public transit, with stops conveniently nearby. The building offers wheelchair accessible entrances and interior spaces designed for patient comfort. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The environment is discreet and welcoming, fostering a sense of safety and privacy for individuals seeking mental health care in the region.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Allard, a Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist like Allard 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 Allard's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Allard, a Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist such as Allard 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.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Allard?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Allard, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Allard can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Allard?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Allard 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 Forensic Psychiatrist like Allard specialize in?
- A Forensic 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 Forensic Psychiatrist, specializing in Forensic Psychiatry. Allard 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. Her role involves conducting medicolegal assessments, offering expert opinions, and supporting the legal system with specialized psychiatric knowledge.
CIUSSS_MCQ - Centre Rég. Santé Mentale
1705 Av Georges
Shawinigan, QC G9N 2N1
Phone: (819) 536-7575 | Fax: (819) 537-3658
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Allard is a licensed Forensic 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. Allard 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=99269