Question 1

Psychiatrist vs. psychologist — what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO). That means we can diagnose, provide therapy, and prescribe medication. A psychologist offers therapy but doesn't prescribe. In many practices you work with two people on each modality. At my practice, you only work with me.

Question 2

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in NYC?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't need a referral to reach out to me directly. If you already have a primary care doctor or a therapist, I'm can coordinate with them. But, you are always free to start this journey on your own.

Question 3

Does a psychiatrist do therapy, or only prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

In my practice, I provide both therapy and medication. Psychiatrists are trained to provide this, but most no longer do — by the 2010s, 53 percent of psychiatrists provided psychotherapy to none of their patients. At my clinic, the person adjusting your med regimen knows your full story.

Question 4

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication on the first visit?

Accepted Answer

It depends. The first thing I’ll complete is a full evaluation of the patient during a clinical interview. I don’t rely on your medical records to make diagnosis decisions. I'd rather understand what's driving your symptoms before reaching for a prescription. If medication clearly fits, we may start; if it doesn't, we won't.

Question 5

What should I expect — and bring — to a first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring your medical history, and think deeply about the last few years of your life a for a day-or-two before the appointment. Think about what's changed recently, what treatments you've tried, and any current medications. Expect me to ask real questions over a 90-minute interview. This will feel like a conversation about your life, not a form to fill in.

Question 6

How is a first visit different from a follow-up?

Accepted Answer

During the first visit, I begin mapping your mental health journey. During the 90-minute, comprehensive evaluation, I take your full story and start to understand what brings your into my clinic. In a follow-up, we adjust medications, check what's working, and what seems out of step with your life.

Question 7

Will my employer or insurance know I'm seeing a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Your employer or insurance company only knows you’ve seen a psychiatrist if you chose to submit an out of network claim for reimbursement. Because I’m not contracted with any insurance provider, you pay directly and I provide a superbill. A superbill is a receipt you use to request reimbursement. If you never file it, there's nothing for an insurer or employer to see.

Question 8

How does out-of-network cost work?

Accepted Answer

You pay for each visit directly at the time of the visit via credit card or ACH transfer. After the appointment, my office can give you a superbill  (an itemized receipt for medical services) to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Out-of-network is the tradeoff that buys us real time and continuity, and I'll be upfront about it from the start.

The numbers themselves are public: the full fee schedule, and how reimbursement works.

Psychiatrist in NYC

Therapy & meds with the same physician

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My Colleagues and I Teach at Harvard & Columbia

Two Manhattan offices

Upper West Side

Union Square

What to expect during your first visit with me

Concierge care offers personalized support

No Insurance Restrictions

Direct access

Coordination & scheduling

About Dr. Kavin Fatehchand

Commonly treated symptoms & disorders

Psychiatrist Near Me — NYC

Upper West Side

Union Square

OCD

ADHD

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Questions Before We Begin

Tell Me What's Going On — In Your Own Words

Holistic Psychiatry in New York City