Full recovery is possible. I can help you can get there.
If you can’t find your answers here, call or schedule an appointment and I’ll answer your questions personally!
What are the advantages to seeing an addiction psychiatrist?
Addiction psychiatry is an advanced, specialized field of psychiatry that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals struggling with substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. This entails at least two additional years of fellowship training beyond general psychiatry and psychotherapy, as well as performing and publishing original academic research in addiction. An addiction psychiatrist combines psychiatric expertise with a deep understanding of addiction to provide comprehensive care. This means in many cases an addiction psychiatrist can take care of all your treatment needs – this means less clinician visits, overall lower costs, less time in treatment and less chance of miscommunication between multiple treating providers.
What types of addictions do you treat? Do you treat behavioral addictions, or only alcohol and drug issues?
I treat all forms of addictions. This includes alcohol and all drugs – including issues with prescription medications such as opioid pain medication, sedatives such as benzodiazepines and sleep medications. It also includes all types of behavioral addictions such as gambling, internet addiction, online gaming, compulsive stock trading, compulsive sexual addictions, etc.
You state you are oriented as a “one stop clinician” for addiction treatment. Can I keep seeing my current therapist while I also see you?
Absolutely. I understand that in some circumstances an individual might want to continue with their therapist but avail themselves of my addiction treatment expertise. In these cases I can do joint treatment and would be happy to discuss your specific situation.
Do you do Dual Diagnosis treatment?
Dual Diagnosis means an individual has both an addiction issue and psychiatric issue – such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder (manic depression), ADHD, postpartum mood issues, eating disorders, personality disorders – that require treatment at the same time. Dual diagnosis treatment involves an integrated approach to address both conditions simultaneously for a more comprehensive and effective outcome. Addiction psychiatrists like myself are experts at treating Dual Diagnosis issue.
What are the advantages to me of you being fee for service and not on any insurance panels?
By not accepting insurance, we can maintain a higher level of confidentiality and autonomy in tailoring treatment plans based on your individual needs rather than insurance requirements. This allows for a more personalized and patient-centered approach to care. This approach offers the advantage of enhanced confidentiality, as information shared in the therapeutic process remains more private with less involvement of third-party payers.
Fees are due at the time of the session. Direct reimbursement from you insurance company may be available. Once fee is received you can request a statement of the services rendered with the coding needed to submit the paperwork to your insurance company for any reimbursement they allow.
Your site states that you are focused on treating professionals, business owners and other “highly motivated” individuals. I’m not sure if I fit into this category. Could you still help me?
My focus is on treating people who are – to put it simply – MOTIVATED to do what it takes to get better. If you are willing to actively engage in treatment, follow suggestions and have an honest desire to get better than we could be a good fit. Not all of my patients are professionals or business owners. Many are students, homemakers, and have varying different types of employment. Some are even out or work. Still not sure? Please reach out to me and we’ll figure out if it’s the right fit.
I’ve been in a stable addiction recovery for quite a while, but have other current psychological or psychiatric issues. Since I’m not seeking addiction treatment can you help me?
Seeing an addiction psychiatrist is a good idea. Your prior addiction issue informs whatever issue you are currently dealing with – be it depression, anxiety, workplace stress, relationship challenges or any other psychological issue. About 20% of patients in my practice are in a stable recovery and are seeing me for these other issues. As an addiction psychiatrist I’m able to minimize the risk the other issues can have to trigger a relapse and also stabilize the primary psychiatric issues.
Don’t most psychiatrists just prescribe medications and are not very good at psychotherapy?
It is true many general psychiatrists, especially the ones in insurance panels, only prescribe medications and don’t do or have advanced training in psychotherapy. I have the advanced fellowship training in psychotherapy for both general psychiatric issues and addiction issues. This is why I can provide one stop treatment without the need to see an additional psychotherapist.
I don’t have any addiction issues. Do you treat general mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, workplace stress/burnout, marital or other relationship issues?
Yes, I treat all above and more general psychiatric and psychological issues. You don’t have to have an addiction or be in addiction recovery to seek my assistance. Please contact me to discuss your specific issues.
What is No Surpises Act and Good Faith Estimate?
Health care providers are required to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the expected cost of any nonemergency healthcare services, including psychiatric and substance abuse services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment. I will discuss fees prior to starting treatment and develop a treatment plan with estimate of frequency of sessions and costs.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes, telehealth video sessions are available and preferred by most of my patients. In order to qualify for telehealth sessions you must be located within New York State at the time of the session. Most of my telehealth patients either live or work/attend school in New York. If you are visiting New York for a period of time, telehealth could be an option during the time of your visit.
How do I contact you for an appointment?
You can email me, submit a request via the contact form or call my office at 212-717-9138. This is my direct line, not a reception desk or operator. If you get my voicemail (I’m often in session) make sure you leave your name and phone number. We can then schedule a free, no cost and no obligation 15 minute phone consultation directly with me to discuss your situation. This will let me determine if moving forward with an initial evaluation is right for you.