Psychiatry Services in NYC and LA

Sometimes it’s important to get a full picture of your mental health from a medical perspective. The dedicated team at Thriving Center of Psychology provides comprehensive psychiatric consultation services and medication management for patients in New York and California (more locations coming soon!). Learn more by booking an appointment online today or calling to speak with a team member.

Can I Meet with a Psychiatrist Online?

Yes, generally, you can speak to a board-certified psychiatrist online; however, there are some exceptions depending on your individual case. Speak with one of our psychiatrists from the comfort of your own home. We currently offer online psychiatric services via telehealth to our patients in New York and California. 

Psychiatry at Thriving Center of Psychology 

Take control of your mental health today. For some, talk therapy works best in combination with medication management. Our approach to psychiatry is collaborative and evidence-based to provide individualized care. Treatment can include lifestyle and therapy recommendations and, if necessary, medication. Thriving Center of Psychology provides psychiatric evaluations, assessments, and medication management. 

Specialties include: 

• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders 
• Depression 
• Phobias 
• Trauma
• Autism 
• Schizophrenia 
• Substance use 
• Eating disorders 
• ADHD 
• Bipolar 

Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Andrew Lee, is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in trauma, mood disorders, and autism. His focus is on promoting mental health and ensuring the highest quality of care to all our patients. 

What is Medication Management? 

When a Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner prescribes medication, the upkeep of the prescription is known as “medication management.” Medication management is a collaborative process where a psychiatrist/nurse practitioner and a client discuss how a previously prescribed medication is working. During this conversation, certain recommendations might be made, such as: increasing a dosage, decreasing a dosage, changing medication, or keeping medications and dosage exactly the same.

Common Medications

Antidepressant Medications – medication for depressive symptoms, but can also help with anxiety or ADHD. The most commonly used antidepressant medications are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI).

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Citalopram (Celexa)

Anti-Anxiety Medications – acute and chronic cases of anxiety disorders

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Buspirone (BuSpar)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Beta Blockers

Stimulant Medications

• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
• Methylphenidate (Concerta)
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)

Antipsychotic Medication – used for acute and chronic treatments for psychosis or psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and distorted thinking.

• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Clozapine (Versacloz)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Psychiatric Consultation FAQ

What Is A Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing mental health disorders and determining the correct route of treatment. They focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. 

What Is A Psychiatric Consultation?

During a psychiatric consultation, a psychiatrist evaluates biological, psychological, and environmental causes that may be causing a person emotional distress. Psychiatric consultation services may be used to help a client determine if they are a good candidate for medication or to gain a medical opinion.

When Should I See A Psychiatrist?

Common reasons to see a psychiatrist include a sudden onset or increase in the intensity of mental health symptoms. Other signs that you may need to speak with a psychiatrist include, but are not limited to: 

• Trouble regulating or controlling your emotions 
• Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed 
• Risk of harm to yourself or others 
• Substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) 
• Excess anxiety or sadness 

What Is The Difference Between a Psychologist Vs Psychiatrist?

The difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe. Instead, they provide therapy to help patients. 

How Much Is A Psychiatrist?

An initial consultation with a psychiatrist may cost upwards of $700 in most metropolitan cities such as NYC and LA. At Thriving Center of Psychology, depending on your state, the first session costs $550-$600. We offer a 50% discount for the initial session to clients also seeing one of our therapists. Our follow-up sessions cost $400.

What Can I Expect?

During a psychiatric consultation, you will receive an individualized treatment plan that may include evidence-based psychotherapy or, if necessary, medication. Our goal is to help clients better understand and cope with their symptoms and set them up for the best path to living a fulfilled life.

The psychiatric services team specialize in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic mental health disorders. Thriving Center of Psychology offers telehealth and same-day appointments.

Common Myths About Psychiatry 

A common misconception is that people who see a psychiatrist will automatically be prescribed medication. However, often the consultation is a discussion with a client educating them on their symptoms from a medical point of view; it’s not a guarantee that you will be prescribed medication. 

Common Myths About Medication Management 

Myth 1: Psychiatric Medication Will Make Me An Addict

Excluding anxiolytic medication (a class of medications used to prevent and treat anxiety disorders), most psychiatric medication is non-addictive. Drugs that are known to be addictive produce feelings of euphoria, an intense desire to continue using the drug, and require a higher dosage in order to achieve a similar effect the more you use them. This is not true for psychiatric medications.

Myth 2: Psychiatric Medication Will Change Who I Am As A Person

Some people believe that psychiatric medications may change their personality and who they are as a person. Psychiatric medications, however, do not change who people are but help decrease the barriers to mental health so people can live a fulfilled life.

All of our prescribers at Thriving Center of Psychology are experts in their field, and all of our Psychiatrists are Board-Certified. Quality of care is our utmost priority, and we make sure our clients are educated and given all the tools to be successful in their everyday lives.