Psychiatrist Long Island: Comprehensive Mental Health Care in Great Neck & Mineola

Mental Health Care That Sees the Whole Person

Why People Choose Our Psychiatry Practice on Long Island

Conditions We Treat

Our Approach to Psychiatric Care

Psychiatric Services We Offer

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

  Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who completed medical school followed by specialized residency training in psychiatry. We can prescribe medications, order medical tests, and evaluate how physical health affects mental health. Psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhDs or PsyDs) in psychology and typically focus on psychotherapy and psychological testing. Many patients benefit from seeing both.

• Do you accept insurance?

  Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend contacting us to verify your specific benefits before your first appointment. For services not covered by insurance (like IV ketamine), we discuss costs upfront so there are no surprises.

• How long does it take for psychiatric medication to work?

  It depends on the medication. Some anti-anxiety medications work within hours. Most antidepressants take four to six weeks to show their full effect, though some people notice improvement sooner. We’ll discuss realistic timelines for any medication we prescribe.

• Can I see a psychiatrist just for medication, or do I need therapy too?

  You can see us for medication management alone. Many patients have a separate therapist they like and just need psychiatric medication management. Others prefer to receive both medication and therapy from our practice. We’ll work with whatever arrangement serves you best.

• How often will I need appointments?

  Initially, we schedule follow-ups more frequently to monitor how you’re responding to treatment, often every two to four weeks. Once you’re stable, appointments typically become less frequent, perhaps monthly or even quarterly. The schedule depends on your individual needs.

• What if I've tried multiple medications without success?

  Treatment-resistant conditions are actually our specialty. If standard medications haven’t worked, we offer alternatives like ketamine therapy, Spravato, and TMS that work through different mechanisms. Many patients who’ve struggled for years find relief through these approaches.

• Do you prescribe controlled substances?

  When clinically appropriate, yes. We prescribe benzodiazepines, stimulants, and other controlled medications when they’re the right treatment for your condition. We follow careful protocols for these medications and monitor patients appropriately.

• Can I continue my current medications?

  In most cases, yes. Ketamine typically works well alongside other psychiatric medications. We’ll review your complete medication list during your evaluation to ensure there are no contraindications. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting the doctor who prescribed them.

• Can you coordinate with my primary care doctor or other providers?

  Absolutely. With your permission, we communicate with your other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care. This is especially important when medications might interact or when medical conditions affect mental health.

• What if I'm in crisis?

  If you’re having a psychiatric emergency, please call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911. For non-emergency urgent concerns, contact our office and we’ll get you scheduled as quickly as possible.

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