Dr. Samia Attia-Galand – Psychiatrist | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Samia Attia-Galand 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 CISSSO Pierre-Janet in Gatineau, 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. Her practice is committed to delivering confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.

Dr. Attia-Galand holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 38 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 1986. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Quebec, adhering to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses and treatments, emphasizing evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's needs.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Dr. Samia Attia-Galand is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to her patients in Gatineau. She speaks French fluently and strives to ensure her patients feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their treatment journey.

Dr. Samia Attia-Galand provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

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.
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
• 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.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Crisis Intervention & Urgent Psychiatric Assessment (in appropriate settings): Providing rapid assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, acute psychosis, or severe agitation, typically in emergency departments or crisis clinics.
• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

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

Dr. Samia Attia-Galand practices at CISSSO Pierre-Janet, situated in the Aylmer Sector Central neighborhood of Gatineau. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus BRT system, making it easy for patients to reach. The practice is located within a discreet, welcoming environment designed to provide a sense of comfort and privacy. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, with designated accessible spots, ensuring ease of access for everyone. The surrounding area is safe, quiet, and conducive to confidential mental health consultations, fostering a supportive atmosphere for those seeking assistance.

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

Do I need a referral to see Attia-Galand, 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 Attia-Galand 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 Attia-Galand?

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

Does Attia-Galand offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Attia-Galand, 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 Attia-Galand'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. Attia-Galand 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. Attia-Galand will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What does a Psychiatrist like Attia-Galand specialize in?

A 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 Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Attia-Galand 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.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Attia-Galand?

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

CISSSO Pierre-Janet
20 Rue Pharand
Gatineau, QC J9A 1K7

Phone: (819) 776-8010 | Fax: (819) 776-8044

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

Dr. Attia-Galand 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. Attia-Galand 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=86613