Dr. Mathieu Dufour

Dr. Mathieu Dufour provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Personality Disorders

• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• 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).
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.

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.
• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by one or more firmly held false beliefs (delusions) that persist for at least one month, without other prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.

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

• 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.
• Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for Psychiatric Conditions (Legal/Insurance): Conducting objective psychiatric evaluations for insurance claims, disability assessments, or other legal matters.
• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.
• 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.
• Treatment & Rehabilitation of Mentally Disordered Offenders (in correctional or specialized forensic settings): Providing psychiatric care and rehabilitation services to individuals with mental disorders who are incarcerated or under the jurisdiction of a review board.
• Expert Witness Testimony in Legal Proceedings: Providing expert psychiatric opinion and testimony in court cases involving mental health issues.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Dufour 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 national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-P, situated in Montréal's Rivière-des-Prairies West neighborhood, offers a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health care. The facility is conveniently located near cultural landmarks such as the Lachine Canal National Historic Site and Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. Accessible by public transit, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) provides easy access via metro and bus routes. The building is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and privacy for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, providing flexible options for visitors. The practice emphasizes a professional, confidential setting where patients can feel secure and respected during their assessments and treatment.

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

Do I need a referral to see Dufour, 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 Dufour 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. Dufour and his 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. Dufour will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Dufour?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Dufour, 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 Dufour can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

Does Dufour offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

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

What does a Forensic Psychiatrist like Dufour 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. He is a Forensic Psychiatrist, specializing in Forensic Psychiatry. Dufour 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 Dufour?

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

Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-P
10905 boul Henri-Bourassa E
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. Dufour 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. Dufour 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=19592