Dr. Marie-Michèle Boulanger – Psychiatrist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Marie-Michèle Boulanger 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 Institut Philippe-Pinel in Montréal, 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 adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and ethical care for her patients.

Dr. Boulanger holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 6 years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2018. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry and holds all necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Québec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (license number 18748). Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in mental health care.

Driven by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Boulanger is committed to empowering her patients through education and understanding. She believes in evidence-based treatment approaches and fosters a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Her clinical approach emphasizes personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs. Fluent in French, she offers her services to the diverse community of Montréal, providing a discreet and welcoming environment where patients can feel safe to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Marie-Michèle Boulanger 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.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

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.

Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

• 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.

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

• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
• 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.
• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
• 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).
• Crisis Intervention & Urgent Psychiatric Assessment (in appropriate settings): Providing rapid assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, acute psychosis, or severe agitation, typically in emergency departments or crisis clinics.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Boulanger 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.

Institut Philippe-Pinel is situated in Montréal's Rivière-des-Prairies West neighborhood, offering a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health care. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) services such as the Métro and Bus networks. Located close to major hospitals like the Jewish General Hospital and Université de Montréal, the practice benefits from a central and accessible setting. The building is wheelchair accessible, and the facility aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots for those with mobility needs. The practice prioritizes confidentiality, discretion, and accessibility to ensure a positive experience for every patient.

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

Do I need a referral to see Boulanger, 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 Boulanger 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 is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Boulanger 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. Boulanger will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What does a Psychiatrist like Boulanger 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. Boulanger 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.

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

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

Institut Philippe-Pinel
10905 boul Henri-Bourasa
Montréal, QC H1C 1H1

Phone: (514) 648-8461

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

Dr. Boulanger 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. Boulanger 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=18748