Dr. Nathalie Patenaude – Psychiatrist | Saint-Eustache, QC

Dr. Nathalie Patenaude is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at the Clinique externe de pédopsychiatrie in Saint-Eustache, 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), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered care. Dr. Patenaude focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Her approach emphasizes understanding the unique needs of each patient, providing a compassionate and supportive environment for children and their families. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges of children and adolescents.

Dr. Patenaude holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 8 years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2016. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Quebec, ensuring her expertise aligns with provincial standards and best practices.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. Dr. Patenaude creates a safe and engaging space where young people feel understood and supported. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to foster resilience and positive mental health trajectories. Fluent in French, she is committed to providing accessible, empathetic, and effective care to her patients in Saint-Eustache and the surrounding community.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Tourette's Syndrome & Tic Disorders (Psychiatric Co-morbidities): Addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions like ADHD or OCD in individuals with Tourette's or other tic disorders.
• 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

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.

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.
• 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 Patenaude for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• 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.
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• 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.
• Early Intervention for Psychosis in Youth: Specialized programs for adolescents and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support.
• 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.

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

Clinique externe de pédopsychiatrie is situated in Saint-Eustache's accessible areas near central Saint-Eustache. The practice is conveniently located within a vibrant neighborhood known for its local points of interest and easy access via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available, ensuring ease of access for families and young patients. The practice maintains a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, fostering trust and comfort for children and their families seeking mental health support.

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

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

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

My child/teenager is struggling with significant emotional or behavioral issues. Would they see an Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Patenaude?

Yes, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Patenaude 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.

Does Patenaude offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Patenaude, 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 Patenaude'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.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Patenaude?

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

Clinique externe de pédopsychiatrie
115 rue Saint-Laurent
Saint-Eustache, QC J7P 3Z5

Phone: (450) 473-1533 | Fax: (450) 473-0738

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

Dr. Patenaude 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. Patenaude 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=97485