Dr. Serge Gagné

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

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Grief & Bereavement in Older Adults: Coping with loss in later life, which can sometimes lead to complicated grief or depression requiring psychiatric support.
• Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): Non-cognitive symptoms common in dementia, such as agitation, aggression, psychosis (delusions, hallucinations), depression, anxiety, and apathy.
• Late-Life Depression: Major depressive disorder occurring for the first time in older adulthood, or a recurrence of earlier depression, often presenting with different symptoms than in younger adults.

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.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Geriatric Psychiatric Assessment & Management of Late-Life Mental Health Issues: Specialized evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders in older adults, considering the interplay of aging, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial factors.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
• 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.
• 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.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• 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 Gagné 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.

CHSLD Vigi Santé is situated in Mont-Royal, in a convenient neighborhood near central Mont-Royal. The area is well-served by local public transit, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building. The setting fosters a discreet and welcoming atmosphere, designed to support older adults in a respectful and calming environment.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Gagné, a Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist like Gagné 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 Gagné's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Gagné, a Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Gagné 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 Gagné?

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

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Gagné and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Gagné, 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.

Does Gagné have experience with mental health issues in older adults (geriatric psychiatry)?

Yes, as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Gagné has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults (typically 65+). This includes late-life depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and managing psychiatric issues in the context of multiple medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. He understands the unique presentations and treatment considerations in this age group.

CHSLD Vigi Santé
275 rue Brittany
Mont-Royal, QC H3P 3C2

Phone: (514) 739-5593

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

Dr. Gagné is a licensed Geriatric 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. Gagné 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=86169