About
Dr. Odile Lapierre is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at Clinique Soutien aux enfants – TELUS Santé in Westmount, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and ethical care. Dr. Lapierre 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 a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique developmental context, offering tailored interventions that support healthy growth and resilience. The clinic provides a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the specific mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents, typically up to age 18.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 8 years of experience practicing as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2016. Dr. Lapierre has completed extensive post-graduate training in child and adolescent psychiatry and holds the necessary certifications to practice within Quebec. Her certification process involves rigorous assessment by provincial regulatory bodies, ensuring her adherence to the standards of practice mandated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
Dr. Lapierre's clinical philosophy revolves around a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and engaging space for young people to express themselves openly. Her practice emphasizes collaboration with families, schools, and other professionals to foster positive mental health trajectories. Her dedication to her patients in Westmount is complemented by fluency in French, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population and their families, providing culturally sensitive and accessible care.
Dr. Odile Lapierre 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.
- 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.
- Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
- 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.
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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. Odile Lapierre for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation of Children & Adolescents: Specialized assessment of developmental, emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders in children and teenagers, involving interviews with the child, parents, and often school input.
- 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.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Lapierre 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 Soutien aux enfants – TELUS Santé is situated in the vibrant neighborhood near central Westmount, an accessible and welcoming area known for its community-oriented atmosphere. The clinic is conveniently located close to local points of interest, making it easy for families to visit. Public transit options serve the area well, with nearby bus stops and easy access to metro stations, facilitating convenient travel for patients from various parts of Westmount and surrounding communities. 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, offering flexible options for visitors. The clinic’s discreet setting fosters a sense of trust and confidentiality, ensuring patients feel safe and supported during their visits.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Lapierre, 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 Lapierre 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 Lapierre's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Lapierre, 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 Lapierre 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 does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Lapierre 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. Lapierre 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. Lapierre 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. Lapierre will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Lapierre?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Lapierre 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Lapierre?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Lapierre will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Lapierre or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Lapierre, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Lapierre can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Lapierre and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Lapierre, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.
Clinique Soutien aux enfants – TELUS Santé
635-3500 Boul de Maisonneuve O
Westmount, QC H3Z 3C1
Phone: (866) 653-2397
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Lapierre 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. Lapierre 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=90265