About
Dr. Nathalie Cérat is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre, site HHR, Services externes de psychiatrie in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) to ensure the highest quality of care. Dr. Cérat's focus is on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Her approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique developmental stage and needs, providing a supportive environment tailored to children and adolescents up to age 18.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 7 years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2017. Dr. Cérat has completed extensive post-graduate training in the field of mental health and holds the necessary certifications to practice Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Quebec, including licensing through the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her qualifications ensure that she is well-equipped to offer expert assessment and treatment within her specialty.
Dr. Cérat's clinical philosophy centers on a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. She strives to create a safe, engaging, and welcoming space where young people feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Collaborating closely with families, schools, and other support systems, she aims to foster resilience and positive mental health trajectories. Her dedication to her patients in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu reflects her commitment to providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health care. She speaks both French and English, ensuring effective communication with a diverse patient population.
Dr. Nathalie Cérat provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
- Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Management of associated psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD that frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Nathalie Cérat for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- School Consultation & Collaboration for Children with Psychiatric Needs: Liaising with schools and educational professionals to support the academic and social-emotional needs of children with psychiatric disorders.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Cérat 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.
CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre, site HHR, Services externes de psychiatrie is situated in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's Saint-Jean Sector South/Central neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste and Carrefour Richelieu (Mall), offering easy access via public transit, including Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. The practice environment is designed to be discreet and welcoming, with wheelchair accessibility and a focus on providing a comfortable and private setting for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring easy access for visitors. The clinic aims to foster a calm and confidential atmosphere to support young patients and their families in their mental health journey.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Cérat, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Cérat 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 Cérat's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Cérat, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Cérat 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.
- My child/teenager is struggling with significant emotional or behavioral issues. Would they see an Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Cérat?
- Yes, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Cérat specializes in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and teenagers (typically up to age 18). This includes conditions like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder co-occurring issues, and early-onset psychotic disorders. She provides age-appropriate assessments, medication management if needed, and often incorporates family therapy or collaborates with schools.
- What does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Cérat specialize in?
- A Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, focusing on the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents. Cérat 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Cérat 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. Cérat will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre, site HHR, Services externes de psychiatrie
230-383 boul du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 8C5
Phone: (450) 346-2222 | Fax: (450) 346-2311
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Cérat is a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Cérat for child and adolescent psychiatric 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=97032