A new structure dedicated to bipolar disorders has been inaugurated in Nice. Supported by the CHU of Nice and the FondaMental Foundation, this Expert Center is part of a national network and aims to enhance patient diagnosis and referral.
A new step has been reached in mental health care in Nice. On the occasion of World Bipolar Day, an Expert Center dedicated to these pathologies was inaugurated at the Pasteur Hospital. This opening is based on a collaboration between the CHU of Nice and the FondaMental Foundation, which have been committed for several years to structuring specialized psychiatric facilities.
This new center is integrated into a national network coordinated by the FondaMental Foundation. Since 2010, these structures have been developed around various severe and complex psychiatric pathologies. Bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, treatment-resistant depression, and autism spectrum disorders are among the areas concerned. The objective is to offer a structured framework to improve diagnosis and refine therapeutic referrals.
The Expert Center in Nice functions as a specialized diagnostic platform. Each patient benefits from a comprehensive and standardized evaluation. The system includes a psychiatric, cognitive, somatic, and biological assessment. A feedback consultation then presents the results. A detailed report is sent to the referring physician with personalized therapeutic recommendations.
This center does not intervene in psychiatric emergencies. It operates as a third-level resource. Access is intended for patients requiring in-depth expertise. Consultations currently take place on Wednesdays. The center accepts adults residing between Fréjus and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Referral is done by a psychiatrist via an application form.
An organization integrated into the adult psychiatry service
The Expert Center is built on a multidisciplinary team. Coordination is managed by Bianca Gaubert. The entire operation is part of the adult psychiatry service led by Professor Michel Benoit. This setup ensures a direct link with other CHU facilities.
The offered pathway is not limited to assessment. The center plays a role in referring patients to appropriate structures. Several specialized resources are available, including memory consultation, psychosocial rehabilitation, neuromodulation, or the regional psychotrauma center. This coordination aims to structure patient care. Individual meetings with a pharmacist complement the support, particularly for medication-related inquiries.
Michel Benoit highlights the challenges of this system: “The opening of this Expert Center in Nice allows our patients to access a thorough diagnostic assessment, coordinated by a multidisciplinary team, to better understand their disorder and guide their management in an appropriate manner.”
From the FondaMental Foundation’s perspective, this establishment in Nice fits into a broader strategy. Marion Leboyer recalls the network’s logic: “We are delighted that the CHU of Nice joins the network of Expert Centers, which combines clinical expertise and research, promotes knowledge sharing among teams, and concretely contributes to improving patient diagnosis and follow-up throughout the country.”
The CHU of Nice is a major player in the Côte d’Azur’s healthcare system. The institution performs care, research, and teaching missions. Approximately 9,000 staff members participate in these activities. The institution deals with both local emergencies and complex cases requiring specialized skills.
The FondaMental Foundation, created in 2007, develops a science-based cooperative approach. Their actions concern research, diagnosis, professional training, and public information. Their work mainly focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, treatment-resistant depression, and autism spectrum disorders.
The opening of the Expert Center in Nice is part of this dual movement. On one hand, a local structuring of care pathways. On the other, an integration into a national network focused on research and knowledge sharing. This coordination aims to improve the diagnosis and follow-up of patients affected by bipolar disorders.
