frequently asked questions
Psychiatry and psychology FAQs
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders. They can prescribe medication, as well as provide psychotherapy. A psychologist is a mental health professional who has a doctorate in psychology. They can provide psychotherapy, but they cannot prescribe medication. A therapist is a general term for someone who provides mental health services. They may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other types of mental health professionals.
Psychiatrists in our practice treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Panic Attacks
- Mood Disorders,
- Mild Cognitive Impairment,
- Chemo Brain,
- After COVID Brain Fog
- Perimenopausal issues in women,
- Dementia,
- Adult ADD /ADHD,
Postoperative Cognitive Impairment
Psychiatrists can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Accurate diagnosis of mental health conditions
- Prescription of medication to treat mental health conditions.
- Provision of psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions.
- Referral to other mental health professionals as needed.
- Coordination of care with other medical providers
- Education about mental health conditions
- Support and encouragement
Your first appointment with a psychiatrist will typically last about an hour. During this appointment, the psychiatrist will:
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Conduct a mental health evaluation.
- Discuss your medical history.
- Discuss your family history of mental health conditions.
- Discuss your goals for treatment.
- Develop a treatment plan.
The psychiatrist will ask you various questions about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and goals for treatment. Some of the questions you may be asked include:
- What are your symptoms?
- How long have you had these symptoms?
- What makes your symptoms worse?
- What makes your symptoms better?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
- Do you have any family members with mental health conditions?
- Are you taking any medications?
- Do you have any other medical conditions?
- What are your goals for treatment?
It can take time to see the results of treatment. The length of time it takes to see results depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your condition, the type of treatment you are receiving, and your individual response to treatment. In general, it is important to be patient and to continue with treatment even if you do not see results immediately.
All medications have the potential for side effects. Some of the side effects of psychiatric medication can be mild, while others can be serious. It is important to talk to your psychiatrist about the potential side effects of any medication they prescribe.
The risk of addiction to psychiatric medication varies depending on the medication. Some medications, such as benzodiazepines, have a higher risk of addiction than others. It is important to talk to your psychiatrist about the risk of addiction to any medication they prescribe.
In addition to medication, there are a number of other treatment options for mental health conditions. These include:
- Psychotherapy
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Nutrition
- Sleep hygiene
- Social support
Psychiatrists are bound by confidentiality laws. This means that they cannot share any information about you with anyone without your consent. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as if you are a danger to yourself or others.
If you have a history of substance abuse, it is important to tell your psychiatrist. You may be referred to a doctor or clinic, that specializes in this field.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to tell your psychiatrist. They can help you determine if any of the medications they prescribe are safe for you to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important to provide your psychiatrist with all your medical conditions, the list of medications you are taking, and a list of your other doctors. They can help you determine if any of the medications they prescribe are safe for you to take if you have other medical conditions.
If a psychiatrist referred you for therapy, it means that they believe that therapy would be beneficial for you. Therapy can be a helpful way to address a variety of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. It's important to remember that you don't have to stay with a therapist if you're not comfortable with them. If you're not feeling like you're making progress, or if you don't feel like you can trust your therapist, it's okay to find someone else.
Therapy can be a very helpful treatment for a variety of mental health concerns. If you're struggling, I encourage you to reach out for help.
A psychiatrist and psychologist can collaborate to provide comprehensive care for people with mental health conditions. The psychiatrist can provide medication management, while the psychologist can provide therapy and other interventions. This combination of care can be very effective in helping people manage their mental health conditions and improve their quality of life.
There are many benefits to working with a psychiatrist and psychologist. These benefits include:
- Comprehensive care: A psychiatrist and psychologist can provide comprehensive care for people with mental health conditions. This includes medication management, therapy, and other interventions.
- Expertise: A psychiatrist and psychologist are both experts in mental health. They have the training and experience to provide the most effective care for people with mental health conditions.
- Collaboration: A psychiatrist and psychologist can collaborate to provide the best possible care for people with mental health conditions. They can work together to create a treatment plan that meets your individual needs
Yes, you can. If you are already currently engaged in productive psychotherapy, you can certainly continue with that. If you are considering the idea of supplementing your treatment with psychiatric medications or wish to learn more about that option. The psychiatrist can then complement the treatment you are undergoing with your current therapist. Sometimes clients come for medication consultation and end up deciding that medications are not for them at this time in their lives. This is fine. A successful consultation is one that ends with you being more informed about your available options
In case of an emergency call the main office line 646.383.7575. We receive all messages left in our voicemail and will return your call as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
It is your free choice whether to share this information. Often, it helps patients to have close friends and family members who can be supportive as they go through their treatment
Neuropsychology FAQs
There are many different types of neuropsychological tests, but some of the most common include:
- Memory tests: These tests measure your ability to remember information, such as words, numbers, and faces.
- Attention tests: These tests measure your ability to focus and concentrate.
- Language tests: These tests measure your ability to understand and use language.
- Problem-solving tests: These tests measure your ability to think logically and solve problems.
- Reasoning tests: These tests measure your ability to make judgments and draw conclusions.
After testing, you'll receive a comprehensive report detailing your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Based on the results, recommendations may may include cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) to strengthen cognitive skills or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and behaviors, among other personalized suggestions for improving cognitive health and functionality.
Yes, neuropsychological testing can help diagnose a wide range of cognitive and psychological conditions, including ADHD, dementia, learning disabilities, and more. It provides a detailed profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, aiding in the accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.
A neuropsychologist is a a psychologist with specialized training in how the brain functions and how it affects behavior. They use this knowledge to diagnose and treat a variety of neurological disorders, including Brain Injury, Stroke, Dementia, Learning disabilities, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism spectrum disorder, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Mental health disorders, Sleep disorders, Pain disorders, and Other medical conditions that affect the brain
Neuropsychologists use a variety of methods to assess brain function, including Neuropsychological testing, Behavioral observation, Interviewing
They use this information to diagnose neurological disorders, develop treatment plans, and track progress over time.
During your first appointment, the neuropsychologist will: Ask you about your symptoms, conduct a medical and neurological history, Administer neuropsychological tests, Review your test results, Discuss your diagnosis, Develop a treatment plan, Accurate diagnosis of neurological disorders, Development of individualized treatment plans, Tracking of progress over time, Education about neurological disorders, Support, and encouragement
Neuropsychological testing is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functions performed by a specialist. It evaluates various aspects of your brain health, including memory, attention, concentration, and executive function. This testing can identify cognitive changes or impairments that may result from conditions like concussion, neurological diseases, or developmental disorders.
The tests are designed to measure a variety of cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and reasoning.
You might need neuropsychological testing if you're experiencing difficulties with memory, attention, or problem-solving; suspect a concussion or other brain injury; or have a medical condition affecting cognitive functions. It's also used to establish a baseline for monitoring cognitive changes over time.
Neuropsychological testing can be used to diagnose a variety of disorders. It can be used to assess the cognitive effects of other medical conditions, such as stroke, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
The testing process typically takes several hours and is conducted by a neuropsychologist. The neuropsychologist will ask you questions about your medical history and current symptoms. They will also administer a series of tests that measure your cognitive abilities.
Psychoeducational FAQ
A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with specialized training in how the brain functions and how it affects behavior. They use this knowledge to diagnose and treat a variety of neurological disorders, including Brain Injury, Stroke, Dementia, Learning disabilities, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism spectrum disorder, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Mental health disorders, Sleep disorders, Pain disorders, and Other medical conditions that affect the brain
A psychoeducational evaluation can benefit individuals of all ages who are experiencing learning difficulties, attention issues, emotional challenges, or suspected learning disabilities. It is particularly valuable for students, adults, and individuals seeking educational or workplace accommodations.
A psychoeducational evaluation assesses various areas including intellectual abilities, attention and concentration, memory, executive functions, language skills, and academic achievement. Additionally, it may also examine emotional well-being, social skills, and adaptive functioning.
Test accommodations are adjustments made to the testing environment or procedures to ensure a fair and supportive experience for individuals with specific learning needs. These accommodations aim to level the playing field by providing the necessary support during assessments.
To advocate for test accommodations, it is important to gather relevant documentation, such as the psychoeducational evaluation report, and communicate with the appropriate individuals or entities involved, such as teachers, school administrators, or testing boards. Understanding the rights and laws pertaining to test accommodations can also strengthen your advocacy efforts.
Test accommodations can vary depending on the individual's needs and may include extended time for exams, breaks during testing, preferential seating, use of assistive technology, or modified test formats. The specific accommodations recommended will be based on the assessment findings and individual requirements.
Test accommodations are determined based on the results of the psychoeducational evaluation, which identifies the specific challenges and needs of the individual. Recommendations for accommodations are made by experienced professionals such as psychologists or neuropsychologists.
Yes, test accommodations are legally recognized and protected under laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to educational and testing opportunities.
Test accommodations help provide a fair and supportive testing environment for individuals with specific learning needs. They aim to remove barriers and allow individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities to the best of their potential.
While test accommodations can level the playing field and provide the necessary support, they do not guarantee academic success. Accommodations serve to provide fair testing conditions, but success also depends on other factors such as individual effort, support systems, and appropriate interventions tailored to the specific learning needs identified in the evaluation.