Dr. Soham Rej – Psychiatrist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Soham Rej, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at Hôpital Général Juif in Montréal, QC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered care. Dr. Rej focuses on diagnosing and managing mental health issues in older adults, including dementia-related behavioral symptoms, late-life depression, and anxiety, with a comprehensive approach that considers the complexities of aging and medical comorbidities. The clinic provides a supportive environment tailored specifically to the needs of older patients, emphasizing dignity, thorough assessment, and holistic care for late-life mental health concerns.

Dr. Soham Rej holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 8 years of dedicated experience as a Geriatric Psychiatrist since 2016. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychiatry, specializing in Geriatric Psychiatry, and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including licensure through the Collège des médecins du Québec (license number 16826). His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of mental health conditions affecting older adults, with a focus on evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs.

Dr. Rej adopts a holistic philosophy of care, considering medical, psychological, and social factors impacting mental health in late life. He is committed to preserving the dignity and autonomy of his patients, working collaboratively with families and caregivers to optimize well-being. Fluent in French, he offers compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive services in a welcoming environment dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults in Montréal.

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

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Late-Onset Psychosis / Schizophrenia: Development of psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia for the first time in older adulthood.
• Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.
• Sleep Disorders in the Elderly (e.g., Insomnia, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder): Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep, common in older adults and often linked to psychiatric or medical conditions.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

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

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.
• 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. Soham Rej for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• 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.
• 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.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
• Late-Life Depression & Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Tailored psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches for depression and anxiety disorders in older adults, considering medication interactions and age-related physiological changes.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Rej 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 Général Juif is situated in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood, within a vibrant and accessible healthcare hub. The facility is conveniently accessible via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) network, including Métro and Bus services, ensuring easy access for patients from various parts of the city. The hospital is integrated within a larger healthcare complex, offering specialized psychiatric services as part of its comprehensive medical offerings. The environment is designed to be discreet, welcoming, and patient-friendly, with wheelchair accessibility and a focus on comfort and privacy. Paid parking options are available nearby, with some spots providing direct access to the building, facilitating ease of visit for all patients. The practice location emphasizes a calm, professional atmosphere aimed at providing older adults with a supportive setting for mental health care.

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

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

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

Does Rej offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Rej, 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 Rej's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand his approach to therapy and if it's a service He provides or if He would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.

What does a Geriatric Psychiatrist like Rej specialize in?

A Geriatric 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 Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializing in mental health conditions affecting older adults. Rej 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 Rej and a Psychologist?

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

Hôpital Général Juif
144-4333 ch de la Côte-Ste-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E4

Phone: (514) 340-7506

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

Dr. Rej 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. Rej 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=16826