About
Dr. Sara Jean Meunier 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 a mental health clinic or hospital department in Kamloops, BC, 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 providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
She graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. She is credentialed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and maintains key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her medical training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest standards and best practices in mental health care.
Dr. Meunier’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. She values building a therapeutic alliance founded on trust and respect, providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. She offers her services in English and is dedicated to supporting patients in Kamloops through compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care.
Dr. Sara Meunier provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
- Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Sara Meunier for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- Treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder) with Medication: Pharmacological management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II disorder, and cyclothymia, utilizing evidence-based medication strategies.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Meunier for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.
All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Located in a mental health clinic within the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood, Dr. Sara Meunier’s practice offers a discreet and welcoming environment for mental health care. The facility is easily accessible via public transit, with the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit) serving the area. The practice is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct building access, ensuring ease of access for patients attending appointments. The setting fosters confidentiality and a supportive atmosphere, encouraging patients to seek the help they need without concern for privacy or accessibility issues.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Meunier, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Meunier are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Meunier's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Meunier, 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 Meunier 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 Meunier?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Meunier, 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 Meunier can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Meunier?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Meunier 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Meunier and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Meunier, 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.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Meunier?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Meunier will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Meunier or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Meunier, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Meunier can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
519B Columbia St
Kamloops, BC V2C 2T8
Phone: (250) 851-7409
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Meunier is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Meunier for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/345990/Meunier%2CSara