Dr. Rachel Swenor

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.
• 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.

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

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Family Therapy & Parent Management Training for Child Psychiatric Conditions: Working with families to improve communication, implement behavioral strategies, and support children with mental health challenges.
• Assessment & Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Addressing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders that often co-occur in children and adolescents with ASD.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

CIUSSSMCQ siteTrois-Rivières, pavillon arc-en-ciel is situated in the vibrant Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The facility is conveniently accessible via the Industrial Park and Pont Laviolette Access, making it easy for patients to reach. Public transportation options, including the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), serve the area, ensuring accessible transit options for families and young patients. The practice is committed to inclusivity; the building is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots to accommodate every visitor. The setting is discreet, welcoming, and tailored to ease the experience of children, adolescents, and their families seeking mental health support.

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

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

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

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Swenor?

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

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

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

What does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Swenor 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. Swenor 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.

CIUSSSMCQ siteTrois-Rivières, pavillon arc-en-ciel
1573 boul des Forges
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 1T7

Phone: (819) 374-6291 | Fax: (819) 374-0982

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

Dr. Swenor 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. Swenor 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=12250