Dr. Alice Chi-Man Leung – Psychiatrist | Sherwood Park, AB

Dr. Alice Chi-Man Leung is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at a reputable mental health clinic within a hospital department in Sherwood Park, AB, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice maintains excellence in clinical care. Dr. Leung focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. Her approach is rooted in a thorough understanding of the unique needs of children and adolescents, fostering a supportive environment where young patients and their families feel heard and empowered. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges of children and adolescents.

Dr. Leung graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in Canada. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in psychiatry and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Alberta. Her specialized certification ensures she is well-equipped with the latest knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required for comprehensive mental health care for youth. Her training includes rigorous clinical rotations, advanced coursework, and supervised practice, all aimed at providing evidence-based, compassionate care tailored to each young person's needs.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. Dr. Leung strives to create a safe, engaging, and non-judgmental space where young people can openly share their experiences. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to develop individualized treatment plans that promote resilience and positive mental health trajectories. Her dedication to her patients in Sherwood Park is reflected in her compassionate communication, thorough assessments, and tailored interventions. She provides care primarily in English, ensuring clear and effective communication with her patients and their families.

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

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Management of associated psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD that frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD.
• Tourette's Syndrome & Tic Disorders (Psychiatric Co-morbidities): Addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions like ADHD or OCD in individuals with Tourette's or other tic disorders.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

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.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.

Mood Disorders

• 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.
• 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.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression, present for at least two years.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Alice Leung 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.
• 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.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A time-limited therapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and social functioning as they relate to current psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression.
• 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.
• School Consultation & Collaboration for Children with Psychiatric Needs: Liaising with schools and educational professionals to support the academic and social-emotional needs of children with psychiatric disorders.
• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Leung for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Located in a welcoming healthcare facility near the central areas of Sherwood Park, Dr. Leung's practice is easily accessible for families and young patients. The clinic is situated within a modern medical building that is well-connected to local public transit routes, making it convenient for families to reach. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct building access, ensuring ease of visit for families and caregivers. The practice maintains a discreet yet welcoming atmosphere, fostering trust and openness for young patients and their families seeking mental health support.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Leung, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Leung are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Leung's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Leung, a Child and Adolescent 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 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Leung 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 Leung?

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

Does Leung offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

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

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Leung?

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

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Leung?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Leung is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

9400 Emerald Dr, CASA House
Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0Y5

Phone: (780) 410-8181 | Fax: (780) 416-4588

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

Dr. Leung is a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Leung for child and adolescent psychiatric services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=2caff782-efd3-4a7f-bf37-3468ad0449cf&i=852