Professional Details
Salutation
Dr.
Full Name
Dr. Marie-Helene Rivard
First Name
Marie-Helene
Last Name
Rivard
Gender
Female
Languages Spoken
English, French
Medical School
University of Ottawa
Year Graduated
2013
Degree (Country)
Canada
Specialty
Psychiatrist
Practice Disciplines
Psychiatry
Membership Status
Active as of 11-Jul-19
Specialty Issue Date
30-Jun-18
Specialty Type
RCPSC Specialist
Registration Class
Independent Practice as of 11 Jul 2019
Licensed By
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Regulator Website
https://www.cpso.on.ca
License Number
100430
Data Sourced From
https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rivard-MarieHelene/0289247-100430
Hospital Location
Cornwall
Hospital Privileges
Cornwall Community Hospital
Facility Name
St Joseph's Health Centre
Address
1145 Carling Avenue
Address Line 2
Department of Anesthesiology
City
Ottawa
Province
ON
Postal Code
K1Z 7K4
Phone
(613) 722-6521
Fax
(613) 798-2999

Description

About Dr. Marie-Helene Rivard

Dr. Marie-Helene Rivard 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 St Joseph's Health Centre in Ottawa, ON, 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. Dr. Rivard adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice maintains the professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards expected in Ontario’s healthcare system.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa (Canada) and has been practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2018, accumulating over 6 years of clinical experience. Dr. Rivard is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her specialized training and expertise in psychiatry. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures that she remains current with the latest evidence-based practices and psychiatric guidelines.

Dr. Rivard is committed to a collaborative approach to mental health care, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes in building a therapeutic alliance based on trust, respect, and open communication. Fluent in both English and French, she facilitates effective communication with a diverse patient population in Ottawa, fostering a safe and welcoming environment. Her practice is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s unique needs, supporting patients on their journey to mental wellness.

Common Conditions Dr. Marie-Helene Rivard Addresses

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

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

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

Personality Disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
  • Avoidant Personality Disorder: Characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Mood Disorders

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

Psychiatrist Services Offered by Dr. Marie-Helene Rivard

  • Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Rivard for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Practice Location & Accessibility

St Joseph's Health Centre is situated in Ottawa's Westboro, McKellar Park, and Laurentian View neighborhoods. The practice is conveniently located near the Ottawa River Pathway, providing a scenic and peaceful environment for patients. Accessible via public transit, including OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus services, the facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to create a comfortable and private space for all patients. Patients can find metered street parking and nearby public lots, ensuring ease of access. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere to support patient confidentiality and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Rivard, a Psychiatrist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Rivard are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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 Rivard's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Do I need a referral to see Rivard, 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 Rivard 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 Rivard?
It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Rivard will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Rivard or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Rivard, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Rivard can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
How can I prepare for my first appointment with Rivard?
For your first psychiatric appointment with Rivard, 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 Rivard can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
Does Rivard offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
Many psychiatrists, including potentially Rivard, 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 Rivard'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.

Contact & Licensing Information

St Joseph's Health Centre
1145 Carling Avenue, Department of Anesthesiology
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4

Phone: (613) 722-6521 | Fax: (613) 798-2999

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

Dr. Rivard is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Rivard for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rivard-MarieHelene/0289247-100430

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