WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

I practice precision-based psychiatry with a custom tailored approach to prescribing medications with consideration for your unique genetic profile, bio-psycho-social &  family history  as well as your personal beliefs, practices and treatment goals.
 
In addition to offering a safe space to explore your symptoms, I may also assess for other medical or physiological factors that may be affecting your mental health including social, cultural or spiritual beliefs; relationships; hormonal or vitamin imbalances or deficiencies; daily routines; gut microbiome; cardio-metabolic health and various other factors. 

 
WHAT MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS DO YOU TREAT?

Depression, anxiety & ADHD for adults ages 18+.
 

ARE VISITS VIA TELEHEALTH (ONLINE)  or IN-PERSON?

It depends. Most visits are via  Telehealth (online) although in-person appointments at our Kingston, NY office can be requested on a case-by-case or as needed basis.  
 
On that note - In-person visits are REQUIRED  if you’re being prescribed a controlled substances. 

DO YOU OFFER TALK THERAPY (PSYCHOTHERAPY)?

No, not at this time. Although I strongly encourage  - and in some cases require! - patients to work with a therapist on an ongoing basis as evidence based practices demonstrate that the combination of drug therapy and psychotherapy to be most efficacious than either one alone, especially for depression. In fact, several organizations including the American Psychiatric Association (APA),  National Institute of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs strongly recommend the use of combination therapy for the treatment of depression. Click here to read APA's Clinical Guidelines for Treatment of Depression.
 
 
DO YOU PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LIKE XANAX or ADDERALL?

On a very limited basis, and only if clinically indicated once other pharmacological and non-pharmacological options have been exhausted. 
 
Prior to being prescribed a controlled substance, you will be required to schedule a 45-minute in-person visit at our Hudson Valley office for additional evaluation.
 
If being prescribed stimulants for ADHD, you may also be required to:

Submit Letter of Medical Clearance from your PCP (Primary Care Provider) - 

OR

Get routine labs from Quest or LabCorp and/or an Electrocardiogram (ECG)  - Our office can place the orders after your First Visit 
 
 
WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT PROCESS AND/OR PHILOSOPHY?

The journey towards mental wellness often isn't linear and involves many aspects. Medication is just one of the options, and while it  certainly helps, It is not a  "magic pill."  My role is to guide you thru what's currently available treatment-wise, but it is ultimately your journey and I welcome patients who are open to exploring medications as one of the tools - alongside therapy  and other lifestyle changes like diet, exercise mindfulness, etc - in their treatment box. 
 

HOW DO I ESTABLISH TREATMENT?

STEP 1:
- 45- minute Initial Evaluation (First Visit) either In-Person or Telehealth

STEP 2:
- 20-45-minute visit to go over medication options and treatment plan.

STEP 3:
-20-minute medication management follow up - either weekly, biweekly or monthly
 
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE FIRST VISIT (INITIAL EVALUATION)?

The First Visit is a 45-minute appointment during which we may discuss the following:
 
-Symptoms
-Medical  & Psychiatric History
-Social & Family History
-Daily Routines - diet, exercise
-Any other information relevant to your treatment
 
WILL YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS AFTER THE FIRST VISIT?
 
Not usually, though an exception may be considered in some cases. 

WHY NOT?
 
Mental illness (and the process of diagnosing and treating it) is quite complex and requires careful evaluation of several factors including the state of your current physical and mental health, family, social and personal history, sensitivity and response to medication and cardiometabolic conditioning amongst other things. 

Psychotropic medications, if improperly prescribed or misused, may actually worsen your symptoms and overall  mental and/or physical health being. And given it's potential to alter your brain chemistry, I generally prefer to err on the side of caution and have the space and time to reflect and give thoughtful consideration to your treatment plan. 


HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE FIRST VISIT? 

- Complete Patient Intake & Consent forms  (sent via email and/or text)

-Email a copy of the front/back of your insurance card and identification to Hello@BlueRiverNY.com
 
-Optional: Obtain copy of medical records from your PCP dated within last 6-12 months. 
 
-Optional: Give your therapist a heads up that I may reach out for additional info (as needed).
 

WHAT IS YOUR RESCHEDULING OR CANCELLATION POLICY?

We require a 24-hour minimum notice for cancellations/rescheduling or you will be charged a $30 cancellation fee.

Call our office at 914-401-0008 or send an email to hello@blueriverny.com to reschedule or cancel appointment