FAQ

Psychiatry and psychology FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a therapist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. A psychologist holds a doctorate in psychology and provides psychotherapy, but cannot prescribe medication. A therapist is a broader term for any mental health professional providing mental health services; they may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or another type of licensed clinician.


Q: What kind of mental health conditions do your psychiatrists treat at your New York City location?

Our psychiatrists at our Midtown practice treat a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, mood disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, mild cognitive impairment, chemo brain, post-COVID brain fog, perimenopausal issues, dementia, adult ADHD/ADD, and postoperative cognitive impairment. See the full list of psychiatric and psychological conditions we treat, or learn more about our approach to psychopharmacology and medication management.


Q: What are the benefits of seeing a psychiatrist?

Our psychiatrists provide: accurate diagnosis of mental health conditions; prescription and management of medication; psychotherapy; referrals to other specialists as needed; coordination of care with other medical providers; education about your condition; and ongoing support and encouragement. See our Our Doctors page to learn about our team.


Q: What should I expect during my first appointment with a psychiatrist?

Your first appointment typically lasts about an hour. Your psychiatrist will ask about your symptoms, conduct a mental health evaluation, review your medical and family history, discuss your goals for treatment, and develop a treatment plan. You can prepare for your visit in advance using our patient preparation guide.


Q: What kind of questions will a psychiatrist ask me?

Your psychiatrist will ask about your symptoms (what they are, how long you have had them, what makes them better or worse), any prior diagnoses, family history of mental health conditions, current medications, other medical conditions, and your goals for treatment.


Q: How long will it take to see results from treatment?

It varies depending on the severity of your condition, the type of treatment, and your individual response. Consistency matters, it is important to stay with treatment even if you do not see immediate results. Your psychiatrist will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed.


Q: What are the side effects of psychiatric medication?

All medications carry the potential for side effects, which can range from mild to serious depending on the drug. Your psychiatrist will review the specific side effect profile of any medication they prescribe and monitor you closely, especially early in treatment. Learn more about our medication management approach.


Q: What are the risks of addiction to psychiatric medication?

Risk varies significantly by medication class. Benzodiazepines, for example, carry a higher addiction risk than many other psychiatric medications. Your psychiatrist will discuss this with you before prescribing and will factor your history into their recommendations.


Q: What are other treatment options for mental health conditions?

In addition to medication, we offer talk therapies including CBT and DBT, as well as cognitive remediation therapy (CRT). Non-clinical lifestyle supports — including exercise, yoga, meditation, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and social connection, also play an important role in overall mental health.


Q: What if I’m worried about confidentiality?

Psychiatrists are bound by confidentiality laws. We do not share information about you without your consent. Limited exceptions exist — for example, if there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others. Please review our Practice Policies for full details.


Q: Can sleep heal more than you think?

Absolutely. Quality sleep plays a vital role in emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and overall mental health. Poor sleep is closely linked to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Read more: Can Sleep Heal More Than You Think?


Q: Do you offer telepsychiatry and telepsychology?

Yes. We conduct secure video sessions via Zoom and SimplePractice. Several of our providers are licensed in multiple states. Patients must be physically located in a state where their provider is licensed at the time of the session. Contact us to confirm coverage for your state.


Q: Can you help with insomnia, anxiety, and depression?

Absolutely. We treat a wide range of conditions including sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and mood changes related to life transitions. Our psychiatrists and psychologists tailor care to each individual. See the full range of conditions we treat, or explore our services and talk therapies pages for details.


Q: What if I have a history of substance abuse?

Please tell your psychiatrist. They will factor this into all prescribing decisions. If specialized addiction support would benefit you, we can provide a referral to a clinician or program that focuses in this area.


Q: What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is important to tell your psychiatrist before starting any medication. They will help you evaluate which options are safe for your situation and coordinate with your OB-GYN as needed.


Q: What if I have other medical conditions?

Please provide a full list of your medical conditions, current medications, and other treating physicians. Your psychiatrist will factor all of this into their recommendations, as psychiatric medications do not exist in isolation from the rest of your health.


Q: What if my psychiatrist referred me to therapy?

It means your psychiatrist believes therapy would benefit you alongside or instead of medication. You are not obligated to stay with a therapist who isn’t a good fit, finding the right match matters. Our talk therapies team offers CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and more.


Q: How can a psychiatrist and psychologist collaborate to treat me?

The psychiatrist manages medication while the psychologist provides therapy and other evidence-based interventions. At our practice, both work under one roof and communicate directly, meaning your treatment is coordinated, not fragmented. Read more about our integrated approach.


Q: What are the benefits of working with a psychiatrist and psychologist together?

You get comprehensive, coordinated care: medication management and therapy aligned around the same treatment goals. Both providers share clinical context directly, so you are never in the position of translating between them. Learn more about our team.


Q: Can I see your psychiatrist for medication management while continuing with my current therapist?

Yes. If you are already in productive therapy elsewhere, you can absolutely continue it while working with one of our psychiatrists for medication. Some patients come for a consultation and ultimately decide medication is not right for them at this point, that is a valid outcome too. A good consultation ends with you more informed about your options.


Q: How do you handle emergencies?

Call our main office line at 646.383.7575. We monitor all voicemail and return calls as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.


Q: What should I tell my friends and family about my treatment?

That is entirely your choice. Many patients find it helpful to have close friends or family who can be supportive during treatment. Your information is never shared without your consent.


Q: Is there a link between ADHD and migraines?

Yes. Research shows that people with ADHD may be more prone to migraines due to overlapping neurological pathways. Understanding this connection can guide more effective treatment strategies. Read more: The Link Between ADHD and Migraines in Adults


Q: What’s the difference between burnout and stress?

Stress is often temporary and manageable, while burnout is a deeper, chronic state of exhaustion that affects mental, emotional, and physical health and requires intentional recovery. Read more: Burnout vs. Stress — What’s the Difference?

Q: Are teen mood swings during puberty normal, or should parents be concerned?

Some mood changes are expected during puberty, but parents should look at the pattern. If irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, withdrawal, school avoidance, or emotional outbursts last for weeks or begin interfering with daily life, a professional evaluation can help clarify whether this is normal development, anxiety, depression, ADHD, or another concern. Read more: Teens & Hormonal Transition.

Q: Can hormones make teen anxiety or ADHD symptoms worse?

Yes. Hormonal changes can affect emotional regulation, sleep, attention, and stress sensitivity. For some teens, especially girls, adolescence is when ADHD symptoms, anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional reactivity become more noticeable. Read more: Teens & Hormonal Transition.

Q: What are subtle signs of teen anxiety or depression?

Teen anxiety and depression may look like irritability, withdrawal, sleep changes, perfectionism, physical complaints, panic symptoms, falling grades, or “I’m fine” masking rather than obvious sadness. When symptoms persist or affect school, friendships, sleep, or family life, evaluation is appropriate. Read more: Teen Anxiety or Depression? Subtle Signs NYC Parents Often Miss.

Q: When is teen irritability a sign of something more serious?

Teen irritability deserves attention when it becomes the default mood, lasts for weeks, escalates into explosive reactions, causes school or social decline, or appears with hopelessness, self-harm, substance use, or major sleep disruption. Read more: Teen Depression Isn’t Always Sadness.

Q: When are vaping, cannabis, alcohol, or self-harm a mental health emergency?

If a teen is self-harming, talking about suicide, escalating substance use, acting impulsively, or you feel they cannot stay safe, seek urgent help. In immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Read more: Vaping, Weed, Alcohol, Self-Harm: When It’s a Mental Health Emergency.

Q: What documentation does a college student need for ADHD accommodations?

Most colleges require current documentation showing the diagnosis, functional impairment, evaluation findings, and specific accommodation recommendations. Starting before classes begin is often best, because disability services offices may need time to review records. Read more: College Accommodations: How to Document ADHD the Right Way.

Q: What’s the difference between CBT and CRT in mental health treatment?

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps identify and change negative thinking patterns. CRT (Cognitive Remediation Therapy) works at a more functional level, improving cognitive skills like memory, attention, and mental organization through structured exercises. Both are valuable, depending on your condition and goals. Read more: CBT vs. CRT — Understanding Both


Q: What do I need for a telepsychiatry appointment?

A private, quiet space; a reliable internet connection; and a device with a camera. We will send you a secure video link before your session. Contact us to get started.


Q: Where are you located?

We are located in Midtown Manhattan at 28 W 44th Street, Suite 714, New York, NY 10036, steps from Grand Central and Penn Station. The B, D, F, M, 4, 5, and 6 trains are all nearby. Get directions


Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

Call our office at 646.383.7575 or request an appointment through our website. Our team will match you with the right provider for your needs.

Neuropsychology FAQs

Q: What are some of the different types of neuropsychological tests available at your NYC office?

Common test categories include: memory tests (how information is learned, stored, and recalled); attention tests (ability to focus and filter distractions); language tests (verbal comprehension and expression); problem-solving tests (logical reasoning); and reasoning tests (judgment and conclusions). Learn more about our full neuropsychological evaluation process. Watch Dr. Dana Haywood explain neuropsychological testing on YouTube.


Q: What can I expect after neuropsychological testing?

You will receive a comprehensive written report detailing your cognitive strengths and challenges. Based on your results, recommendations may include cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) to strengthen specific skills, talk therapy to address thinking patterns and behaviors, or other personalized strategies. Your neuropsychologist will walk you through results in plain language during a dedicated feedback session. For a full guide to what comes next — including how to prioritize recommendations, when medication evaluation is appropriate, and how to connect findings to a treatment plan — see What Happens After Neuropsychological Testing.


Q: Can neuropsychological testing diagnose conditions like ADHD or dementia?

Yes. Neuropsychological testing provides a detailed cognitive profile that supports accurate diagnosis of ADHD, dementia, learning disabilities, and many other conditions. It can also rule out cognitive causes when symptoms have other explanations. Watch Dr. Haywood’s Q&A video for more detail.


Q: What is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with specialized training in how the brain functions and how it affects behavior. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including brain injury, stroke, dementia, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other conditions that affect cognitive functioning. Meet our neuropsychologist, Dr. Dana Haywood, PhD.


Q: What do neuropsychologists do?

Neuropsychologists assess brain function using neuropsychological testing, behavioral observation, and clinical interviews. They use this information to diagnose disorders, develop individualized treatment plans, and track cognitive progress over time.


Q: What should I expect during my first appointment with a neuropsychologist?

Your neuropsychologist will review your symptoms, medical and neurological history, and the concerns that prompted the referral. They will then administer a series of standardized cognitive tasks, review your results, discuss their diagnostic impressions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.


Q: What is neuropsychological testing?

Neuropsychological testing is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive function, covering memory, attention, concentration, language, reasoning, processing speed, and executive function, conducted by a specialist. It identifies cognitive strengths and challenges that may result from concussion, neurological conditions, developmental disorders, psychiatric illness, or aging. Learn more about our testing process.


Q: Why would I need neuropsychological testing?

You might benefit from testing if you are experiencing persistent difficulty with memory, attention, or problem-solving; if you suspect a concussion or other brain injury; if you have a medical condition affecting cognition; or if you want to establish a baseline for monitoring cognitive changes over time. Testing is also commonly used to document eligibility for school or workplace accommodations.


Q: What happens during neuropsychological testing?

Testing begins with a clinical interview covering medical history and current concerns. The session itself typically involves memory exercises, problem-solving tasks, language questions, visual-spatial puzzles, and attention tasks. Most evaluations take 3 to 5 hours, with breaks built in. Read a full overview of what to expect.


Q: What is Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT), and how can it help me?

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to improve how the brain functions, especially in areas like memory, attention, and problem-solving. It uses targeted mental exercises, delivered in person or via computer programs, and is often used for adults experiencing cognitive difficulties related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, aging, or burnout. At our practice, we begin with neuropsychological testing to identify your specific strengths and challenges before tailoring a CRT program. Many patients notice meaningful improvement after 6 to 12 sessions. CRT is available both in-person at our Midtown NYC office and via secure telehealth.


Q: What is the difference between a neuropsychological evaluation and a psychoeducational evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is more comprehensive, it assesses attention, memory, problem-solving, language, and emotional functioning in addition to academic skills. A psychoeducational evaluation focuses more narrowly on learning and academic achievement in a school or college context. Both support accommodation planning and treatment. Read our full comparison: Neuropsychological vs. Psychoeducational Testing — What’s the Difference?


Q: Who might need a neuropsychological evaluation?

Children, adolescents, and adults experiencing difficulties with memory, focus, or learning may benefit. Testing is also recommended following concussions or brain injuries, when schools or employers require documentation for accommodations, or when a physician wants a clearer cognitive picture before adjusting treatment. Learn more.


Q: Who can benefit from CRT?

CRT is well-suited for professionals seeking sharper cognitive performance at work, students struggling with focus and organization, and adults recovering from neurological illness, psychiatric conditions, or burnout. Learn more about CRT at our practice.

Psychoeducational FAQs

Q: What is a psychoeducational evaluation? 

A psychoeducational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment designed to identify a student’s academic strengths and areas of difficulty. It typically includes intelligence tests (measuring reasoning, memory, and processing speed), achievement tests (measuring proficiency in reading, math, and writing), diagnostic assessments of learning style and challenge areas, and behavioral evaluations of emotional and social functioning. Results help educators, parents, and clinicians make informed decisions about test accommodations and support services. Learn more about our psychoeducational evaluation process.


Q: Who can benefit from a psychoeducational evaluation? 

A psychoeducational evaluation can benefit individuals of all ages who are experiencing learning difficulties, attention challenges, emotional concerns, or suspected learning disabilities. It is especially valuable for students, young adults, and individuals seeking educational or workplace accommodations. Our practice evaluates individuals between the ages of 16 and 25. Learn more.


Q: What does a psychoeducational evaluation assess? 

The evaluation covers intellectual abilities, attention and concentration, memory, executive functions, language skills, and academic achievement in reading, math, and writing. It may also examine emotional well-being, social skills, and adaptive functioning depending on the referral question. See our psychoeducational evaluations page for a full overview of what is included.


Q: What are test accommodations?

Test accommodations are adjustments made to the testing environment or procedures to ensure a fair experience for individuals with specific learning needs. They are designed to level the playing field without changing the content being assessed.


Q: How can I advocate for test accommodations?

Start by gathering relevant documentation, including your psychoeducational evaluation report — and communicate with teachers, school administrators, or testing boards. Familiarity with applicable laws (IDEA and ADA) strengthens your case. Our clinicians can help you understand the documentation process.


Q: What types of test accommodations are available?

Accommodations may include extended time on exams, scheduled breaks during testing, preferential seating, use of assistive technology (text-to-speech, calculators, speech recognition), modified test formats such as oral exams, or additional support services like tutoring or counseling. Specific accommodations are determined based on each individual’s evaluation findings.


Q: How are test accommodations determined?

Accommodations are recommended based on the results of the psychoeducational evaluation, which identifies the individual’s specific challenges and functional needs. Recommendations are made by our licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists.


Q: Are test accommodations legally recognized?

Yes. Test accommodations are protected under federal law, specifically the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensure equal access to educational and testing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.


Q: How do test accommodations help?

Accommodations remove unnecessary barriers so individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and abilities on fair terms. They are not advantages, they are corrections for documented disadvantages.


Q: Will test accommodations guarantee academic success?

No. Accommodations provide fair testing conditions, but academic success also depends on individual effort, appropriate support systems, and interventions tailored to the specific learning needs identified in the evaluation. Our clinicians can recommend tutoring, coaching, therapy, or further assessment as part of a post-evaluation plan.

Child, Teen & College Mental Health FAQs

 

Q: How do I know if my child needs a child and adolescent psychiatrist? 

Every child has difficult moments, but certain patterns are worth taking seriously. Consider reaching out if your child seems persistently sad, anxious, or irritable over several weeks; if school performance or friendships have declined; if they are withdrawing from activities they previously enjoyed; if sleep is consistently disrupted; or if you are noticing behavioral changes that feel out of character. You do not need to wait until things reach a crisis. An evaluation can clarify what is happening and what level of support is appropriate. Learn about our child and adolescent psychiatry services.


Q: Teen anxiety or depression — how can parents tell the difference? 

In teens, both conditions can look similar, which is part of what makes them easy to miss. Anxiety often shows up as avoidance, excessive worry, physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches, and difficulty in social or school situations. Depression tends to look more like withdrawal, persistent low mood, fatigue, or loss of interest in things a teen used to care about. In both cases, irritability is frequently more visible than sadness. The two conditions often co-occur, and a professional evaluation is usually the clearest path to distinguishing them and identifying the right approach. Read more: Teen Anxiety or Depression? Subtle Signs NYC Parents Often Miss


Q: Do you treat college students for ADHD and anxiety? 

Yes. College students are one of the populations we see regularly. The transition to college often surfaces symptoms that were manageable before, when more structure and parental support were in place. We provide ADHD evaluation and testing, anxiety treatment, and medication management for college students seen in our Midtown Manhattan office. We can also see students remotely via telehealth, as long as they are physically located in a state where our providers are licensed at the time of the session.


Q: What does a child and adolescent psychiatrist treat?

A child and adolescent psychiatrist treats emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns that can affect a child’s daily life, school performance, friendships, and family relationships. Common conditions include ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, mood changes, OCD, sleep problems, trauma-related symptoms, and stress tied to school or family transitions. Related reading: Teen Anxiety or Depression? Subtle Signs NYC Parents Often Miss


Q: How do I know if my child’s symptoms are “normal” or need professional help?

Most children feel worried, moody, or overwhelmed at times — especially during stressful school periods or big life changes. It may be time to seek a professional evaluation if symptoms persist for several weeks, worsen over time, or begin to interfere with sleep, school attendance, grades, friendships, or family life. When in doubt, an evaluation is never wasted — it either confirms what you suspected or gives you reassurance. Contact us to discuss whether an evaluation is the right next step.

ADHD Testing

Q: How long does ADHD testing take?

Most ADHD evaluations at our Midtown NYC office are completed in a single session. Self-pay clients receive fast turnaround on feedback.


Q: Is my privacy protected during ADHD testing?

Yes. All ADHD testing at our practice is fully confidential. Results are never shared without your written permission. See our Practice Policies for details.


Q: Can ADHD testing help with school or workplace accommodations?

Absolutely. Our ADHD testing reports are designed to support IEPs, 504 plans, and workplace flexibility requests. If ADHD testing results are inconclusive, we may recommend a full neuropsychological evaluation to rule out other conditions that can mimic ADHD.


Q: Will I receive treatment options if diagnosed with ADHD?

Yes. Our psychiatrists develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication management, talk therapy, cognitive remediation therapy, and support for school or workplace accommodations.

Neuropsychological Testing Page Inline FAQs

Q: Will the testing feel like an exam I can fail?

No. There is no passing or failing. The evaluation observes how your brain processes different types of information across multiple domains. Most patients tell us the experience was less stressful than they anticipated.


Q: How long does neuropsychological testing take?

Most evaluations take 3 to 5 hours, in a single session or two shorter ones, depending on what is being assessed. We build in breaks so you do not feel rushed or fatigued. Schedule your evaluation.


Q: Will my results be shared with my employer or school without my consent?

Never. Your results are confidential medical records. We share them only with clinicians involved in your care, and only with your written permission. If you need a report for school or workplace accommodations, we prepare it together with you, and you control who receives it.


Q: What if testing doesn’t find any cognitive problems?

That is still useful clinical information. Ruling out cognitive causes helps us focus on other explanations, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, or stress, and adjust your treatment accordingly. Read more: Brain Fog vs. Cognitive Decline — Is It Just Stress or Something More?

 

Getting to Our Office

Dr. Iospa Psychiatry Consulting 28 W 44th Street, Suite 714 New York, NY 10036 (646) 383-7575

We are one block from Grand Central Terminal. Subway lines 4, 5, 6, 7, S, B, D, F, and M all stop within a short walk. Street-level garage parking is available nearby for patients who drive.

Telehealth appointments are available for established and new patients in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

Schedule your consultation

Whether you are managing depression, anxiety, cognitive concerns, or navigating a difficult life transition, Dr. Alla Iospa and her team are here to help. With a trusted reputation built over two decades of clinical practice, Dr. Iospa Psychiatry Consulting offers the credible, compassionate psychiatric care you deserve — in-person in Midtown Manhattan or via secure telepsychiatry. Dr. Iospa Psychiatry Consulting is located at 28 W 44th Street, Suite 714, Midtown Manhattan — near Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal.