HÔPITAL EN SANTÉ MENTALE PIERRE-JANET

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: As a referral-based psychiatric hospital, visit timing is typically coordinated through your referring provider. If you have been referred, follow the guidance provided by CISSS de l'Outaouais or your care team regarding when to present. For crisis guidance without a referral, call 811 (Info-Santé) at any time.

Busier times: Because Pierre-Janet operates on a referral basis rather than as a walk-in emergency department, traditional peak-hour avoidance strategies do not apply. Coordinate your visit timing with your referring provider or care team for the smoothest admission process.

About HÔPITAL EN SANTÉ MENTALE PIERRE-JANET

Hôpital en Santé Mentale Pierre-Janet, located at 20 Rue Pharand in Gatineau, QC, is the only psychiatric specialty hospital in the Outaouais region, providing specialized mental health services to adults, seniors, youth, and forensic patients across a regional population of approximately 329,000. Founded in 1965 and operating 24/7 year-round, the hospital offers inpatient psychiatry, a mental health day hospital, forensic hospitalization, and a living environment for clients with chronic mental health conditions. This is a referral-based psychiatric facility — it does not operate a general emergency department, and individuals experiencing a general medical emergency should go to Hôpital de Gatineau or Hôpital de Hull.

Services & Specialties

Specialized inpatient psychiatry (adults 18–64), Geriatric psychiatry (seniors 65+), Child and adolescent psychiatry (ages 0–17), Forensic psychiatry (13 dedicated beds), Mental health day hospital (adults 18+, 30 Pharand St.), Addiction services (alcohol, drugs, gambling), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) assessment and treatment, Autism spectrum disorder services, Depression and mood disorder treatment, Behaviour and conduct problem services, Transitional housing with intensive supervision (15 units), Bilingual services (French and English), Teaching and academic psychiatry (University of Ottawa, McGill, UQO).

Amenities

• On-site paid parking (daily max ~$7)
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Bilingual services (French and English)
• 15 transitional housing units with intensive supervision
• Contact hospital at 819-771-7761 to confirm cafeteria, ATM, or other on-site amenities

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Access to Pierre-Janet is by referral only through CISSS de l'Outaouais — if you are in crisis without a referral, call 811 (Info-Santé) or your primary care provider first for guidance.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing a general medical emergency (cardiac, trauma, stroke), go directly to Hôpital de Gatineau or Hôpital de Hull — Pierre-Janet is a psychiatric specialty hospital only.
• Services are offered in both French and English at no cost to patients, so do not hesitate to request service in your preferred language upon arrival.
• Bring your health card (RAMQ) and any existing psychiatric referral documents or medication lists to help staff provide the most effective care quickly.
• Parking on-site is affordable (daily max ~$7) and accepts debit and credit cards, so you do not need to bring cash specifically for parking.

What to Bring

• Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ card)
• Photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
• Referral documentation from CISSS de l'Outaouais or your physician
• Current list of all medications and dosages
• Provincial health coverage documentation or private insurance card if applicable
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Comfortable clothing if an extended stay or admission is anticipated
• Any previous psychiatric records, discharge summaries, or relevant medical history

Frequently Asked Questions

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on Quebec health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.