Dr. Myriam Fontaine – Psychiatrist | Saint-Eustache, QC

Dr. Myriam Fontaine 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 Hôpital de Saint-Eustache in Saint-Eustache, 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. Dr. Fontaine adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) to ensure the highest quality of care. Her practice is committed to maintaining confidentiality and fostering a respectful environment, offering patients a safe space to discuss their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Fontaine holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 9 years of experience practicing as a Psychiatrist since 2015. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in psychiatry and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Quebec, including registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her training and experience enable her to deliver expert mental health services tailored to individual patient needs.

Guided by a philosophy of collaborative care, Dr. Fontaine emphasizes patient empowerment through education and understanding. She believes in evidence-based treatment approaches and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Her dedication to her patients in Saint-Eustache is reflected in her commitment to providing personalized, compassionate mental health care. She speaks French fluently and is attentive to the diverse needs of her patients, ensuring accessible and effective treatment tailored to each individual.

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

Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

• Gambling Disorder (Behavioral Addiction): Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
• Alcohol Use Disorder: A chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.

Mood Disorders

• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.
• 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.

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.
• Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
• Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Fontaine 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 de Saint-Eustache is situated in the areas near central Saint-Eustache, QC. The facility is easily accessible via local public transit and offers convenient parking options, including metered street parking and nearby public lots. The hospital is integrated within a larger healthcare setting, providing specialized psychiatric services within a discreet and welcoming environment. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Its location is designed to prioritize accessibility, confidentiality, and patient comfort, ensuring a supportive setting for mental health care in the community.

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

Do I need a referral to see Fontaine, 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 Fontaine 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 Fontaine?

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

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

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Fontaine 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.

Hôpital de Saint-Eustache
520 boul Arthur Sauvé O
Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 5B1

Phone: (450) 473-6811

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

Dr. Fontaine 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. Fontaine 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=15379