FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about getting started, what treatment looks like, insurance, and telepsychiatry.

Getting started

This practice works with adults managing mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, sleep concerns, psychosis-spectrum conditions, and related issues. We see patients who want a careful, individualized approach — not a rushed prescription visit. If you're unsure, reach out and we'll discuss whether this practice is likely to meet your needs before you commit to anything.

A member of our team will follow up within one to two business days to discuss fit, availability, and next steps. This is an informal conversation — not a clinical intake — and there is no obligation to schedule. If the practice seems like a good match, we'll set up your initial evaluation.

The initial evaluation is typically 60 minutes. We'll spend time understanding your history, current symptoms, how you're functioning day-to-day, what you've tried before, and what you're hoping to get from treatment. There's no rushed assessment or scripted checklist — the goal is to actually understand what's going on before deciding what to do about it.

Sometimes — but not always, and never automatically. Whether medication is appropriate, and which medication to consider, depends on a real understanding of your situation. For some patients, medication is recommended at the first visit. For others, we may want to gather more information, consider non-medication approaches first, or take time to discuss options. Treatment decisions are collaborative, not pre-determined.

The practice focuses on psychiatric evaluation and medication management, not formal weekly psychotherapy. That said, our approach is psychotherapy-informed — meaning we attend to psychological dynamics, life context, and the therapeutic relationship in every visit. For patients who need more intensive psychotherapy, we're glad to coordinate with or refer to therapists we trust.

Insurance & billing

We are in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield NY (formerly Empire), Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Oscar (Optum), Oxford (Optum), and UnitedHealthcare (Optum). If your plan isn't listed, we can provide out-of-network documentation (a superbill) for you to submit to your insurer. See the fees page for more detail.

Your cost depends on your specific plan, deductible status, and copay or coinsurance rates. We verify your benefits before your first visit and review your expected costs with you in advance — so there are no surprises. For in-network patients, you typically pay only your plan's copay or coinsurance after the deductible is met.

At this time we do not participate with Medicare or Medicaid. We can provide out-of-network documentation for Medicare patients with supplemental coverage that includes out-of-network mental health benefits, though reimbursement is not guaranteed. We recommend calling your insurer to confirm your benefits before scheduling.

Telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry is available to adults who are physically located in New York State at the time of the visit. This is a legal requirement — we cannot conduct visits when a patient is outside New York, regardless of where they live. This applies to every session, not just the first one.

You'll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform — you'll receive a link before your visit. You'll need to be in a private, quiet space where you can speak freely.

Yes. Many patients alternate between in-person and video visits depending on their schedule and circumstances. Let us know your preference when booking.

Ongoing treatment

Frequency depends on your treatment and where you are in the process. Patients who are starting a new medication or going through a period of change typically need to be seen more often at first — sometimes monthly or more. Once stable, many patients are seen every two to three months. We'll discuss a schedule that makes sense for your situation.

Yes — and we think this is often important. With your written authorization, we're glad to communicate with your therapist, primary care physician, or other treating providers. Coordinated care almost always leads to better outcomes.

This practice is not set up to respond to psychiatric emergencies. If you are in crisis, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). If you need to be seen sooner than your next appointment for a non-emergency concern, contact us to discuss scheduling.

Still have questions?

We're happy to talk it through

Reach out and we'll answer your questions before you decide whether to schedule.