Dr. Serge Beaulieu

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

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.
• Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
• 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.

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.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.

Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas

• Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
• Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.

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

• Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
• 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.
• 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.
• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.

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

Hôpital Douglas, situated in the vibrant neighborhood near central Verdun, offers accessible mental health services within a larger healthcare setting. The facility is conveniently reachable via local public transit, making it easy for patients to attend appointments without hassle. The surrounding area features various local points of interest, including parks and community centers, fostering a welcoming environment. The hospital premises are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure comfort and privacy for all visitors. Parking is available at or near the hospital, with designated accessible spots to accommodate those with mobility needs. The discreet and professional atmosphere at Dr. Beaulieu’s practice aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals seeking mental health support.

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

Do I need a referral to see Beaulieu, 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 Beaulieu 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 Psychiatrist like Beaulieu 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. He is a Psychiatrist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Beaulieu 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 is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Beaulieu and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Beaulieu, 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 Beaulieu?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Beaulieu will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Beaulieu or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Beaulieu, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Beaulieu 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 Beaulieu?

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

Hôpital Douglas
6875 boul Lasalle
Verdun, QC H4H 1R3

Phone: (514) 761-6131 | Fax: (514) 888-4062

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

Dr. Beaulieu 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. Beaulieu 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=93194