Dr. Stéphanie Harvey – Psychiatrist | Lévis, QC

Dr. Stéphanie Harvey is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at Hôtel-Dieu, Département de pédopsychiatrie in Lévis, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and ethical care. Dr. Harvey 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 centered on understanding each child's unique developmental stage and individual needs, providing compassionate, evidence-based care. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges of children and adolescents.

She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over six years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2018. Throughout her career, she has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including licensing through the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her training ensures she is well-equipped to provide comprehensive psychiatric services tailored to youth populations.

Dr. Harvey’s clinical philosophy emphasizes a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach. She strives to create a safe, engaging, and supportive space for young people, fostering resilience and positive mental health trajectories. She collaborates closely with families and schools to develop personalized treatment plans that respect each child's unique context. Fluent in French, Dr. Harvey is committed to serving the Lévis community with empathetic, accessible psychiatric care that promotes healthy growth and emotional well-being.

Dr. Stéphanie Harvey 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.

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.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
• Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Stéphanie Harvey for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation of Children & Adolescents: Specialized assessment of developmental, emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders in children and teenagers, involving interviews with the child, parents, and often school input.
• Early Intervention for Psychosis in Youth: Specialized programs for adolescents and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support.
• 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.
• Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
• Family Therapy & Parent Management Training for Child Psychiatric Conditions: Working with families to improve communication, implement behavioral strategies, and support children with mental health challenges.
• Management of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), & Conduct Disorder in Youth: Multimodal treatment approaches for neurodevelopmental and disruptive behavior disorders, including medication management, behavioral interventions, and family therapy.

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

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Hôtel-Dieu, Département de pédopsychiatrie, located in Lévis's Lévis Centre, Lauzon neighbourhood, is situated near the Forts-de-Lévis National Historic Site. Easily accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis), the facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct building access. The setting is discreet yet welcoming, designed to foster a sense of safety and ease for children, adolescents, and their families seeking mental health care.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Harvey, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Harvey are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Harvey's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Harvey, 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 Harvey 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 Harvey?

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

Does Harvey offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?

Many psychiatrists, including potentially Harvey, 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 Harvey'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.

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Harvey 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.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Harvey and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Harvey, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

Hôtel-Dieu, Département de pédopsychiatrie
6550 rue Saint-Georges
Lévis, QC G6V 6X2

Phone: (418) 835-7155

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

Dr. Harvey is a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Harvey for child and adolescent psychiatric services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18127