Our centre:
The McGill University Sexual Identity Centre (MUSIC) is situated in the Montreal General Hospital site of the McGill University Health Centre. MUSIC opened its doors in September 1999 and has developed an expertise in sexual orientation issues. There are many healthy expressions of sexuality and MUSIC provides a safe environment where no assumptions are made about the client’s sexual orientation and diversity is respected in order to facilitate effective psychotherapy. MUSIC does not offer or endorse “conversion” or “reparative” therapy.
Our mission:
MUSIC’s mission is to reduce mental suffering related to homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia. In order to do so, MUSIC endeavours to eliminate the societal discrimination against LGBT people, reduce the internalization of these negative attitudes and treat their ill effects. These objectives are pursued through direct clinical services, education and training of other health professionals, research, community involvement, and advocacy.
Our health care providers:
Karine J. Igartua,
MD CM, FRCP(C), CMQ
Psychiatrist
| Education: | MD: McGill University |
| Certification: | Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada & Collège des médecins du Québec |
| Areas of interest: | Women’s mental health, Same-sex families |
Richard Montoro
MD CM, MSc, FRCP(C), CMQ
Psychiatrist
| Education: | MD: McGill University MSc: McGill University, Dept of Psychiatry thesis: The Diagnosis of Depression in HIV disease |
| Certification: | Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada & Collège des médecins du Québec |
| Areas of interest: | HIV psychiatry, Gender issues, Transcultural psychiatry |
Sue Tremblay,
Psychiatric nurse
| Education: | RN: Dawson CEGEP CBT training: McGill University Health Centre CBT unit BSN (in progress) University of Victoria |
| Certification: | L’Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec |
| Areas of interest: | Internalized homophobia, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Addictions, Sexual health promotion |
Our accomplishments:
| 2006 | MGH Award of Excellence to Sue Tremblay, RN from the Montreal General Hospital Awarded for outstanding clinical work of an individual nurse |
| 2006 | Exemplary Psychiatrist Awards to Drs Igartua and Montoro from AMI-Quebec (Alliance for the Mentally Ill) Awarded for outstanding clinical work at MUSIC |
| 2003 | Nomination of MUSIC for « Prix Arc-en Ciel pour L’action Sociale » from La Table de concertation des lesbiennes et des gais du Québec & la Chambre de commerce gaie du Québec Awarded for an individual or an organisation to recognise their work towards the improved well-being of the LGBT community of Québec |
| 2000 | Innovation of the year 1999 to Drs. Igartua and Montoro from AMPQ (Association des médecins-psychiatres du Québec) Awarded for the creation of MUSIC, Canada’s first Gay and Lesbian Mental Health Centre |
