About
Dr. Huiying Lu is a dedicated Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a mental health clinic or hospital department in Vancouver, BC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Lu is committed to offering respectful and confidential mental health services in a safe environment that fosters trust and healing.
She graduated with an MD from Shanghai Medical University in China and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. Her certifications include those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing competency in psychiatric medicine.
Dr. Lu’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. She strives to build a therapeutic alliance rooted in trust, respect, and open communication. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Japanese, she is able to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population in Vancouver, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder quality mental health care.
Dr. Huiying Lu provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Mood Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
- Impulse Control Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania): Difficulties controlling impulses or urges, leading to behaviors that are harmful to oneself or others.
- Somatic Symptom Disorder & Illness Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by significant focus on physical symptoms (Somatic Symptom Disorder) or preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder), causing major distress or functional impairment.
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines): Problematic pattern of stimulant use leading to impairment or distress.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Opioid Use Disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Huiying Lu for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
- 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.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
- Neuropsychiatric Evaluation & Cognitive Assessment (Initial Screening/Referral): Initial assessment of cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with referral for detailed neuropsychological testing if indicated, to differentiate psychiatric from neurological conditions.
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Lu 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Located in the vibrant 'Fairview' neighbourhood of Vancouver, Dr. Huiying Lu practices within a modern mental health clinic that offers a discreet and welcoming atmosphere. The facility is situated near prominent landmarks such as the Vancouver Lookout and Woodward's Building, making it easily identifiable. Accessible via public transit, the clinic is well-served by TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The premises are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure comfort and privacy for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, with some offering direct access to the building, providing ease and discretion for patients attending appointments.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Lu, a Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Lu are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Lu's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Lu, a 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 Psychiatrist such as Lu 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.
- How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Lu and her team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Lu will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Lu?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Lu will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Lu or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Lu, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Lu can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Lu?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Lu, 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 Lu can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Lu?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Lu 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 psychiatrist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.
803 12TH Ave W, Joseph & Rosalie Segal & Family Health C, Mental Health & Substance Use Outpatient Services Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1N1
Phone: (604) 675-3710
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Lu is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Lu for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328769/Lu%2CHuiying