Outpatient Treatment Services

I provide outpatient treatment for adults and adolescents who live in the state of New York, Connecticut, or New Jersey.

As a board-certified psychiatrist, I treat a full range of psychiatric disorders and conditions. My areas of particular expertise are:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD; preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one's physical appearance) and body image concerns
• Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS; preoccupation with emitting an unpleasant body odor)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) -- unwanted obsessions and/or repetitive compulsive behaviors that focus, for example, on worries about contamination, harm occurring to oneself or others, or making a mistake
• Other obsessive-compulsive and related conditions, such as compulsive skin picking
• Anxiety and depression

I offer an initial expert evaluation, which is followed by treatment with medication, therapy, or both. These treatments often substantially - sometimes dramatically - improve symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and sense of well-being. Choice of treatment depends on your preference and what's likely to be most helpful to you. Treatment is provided in a friendly, relaxed, and supportive setting.

I can see you for a one-time evaluation/consultation only by secure video (via computer or smartphone) and if you are physically in the state of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut at the time of the evaluation.

I can provide ongoing treatment (following the initial evaluation) by secure video to people who live in the state of New York, Connecticut, or New Jersey.

Treatment with Medication

I have expertise in prescribing medication for a broad range of emotional problems. I offer medication treatment in combination with support. If desired and I have room in my practice, medication sessions may also include therapy.

My particular areas of medication expertise are body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions such as olfactory reference syndrome (ORS) and compulsive skin picking. I have conducted most of the published medication studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of medication for BDD.

Therapy

I have extensive training in various types of therapy, including supportive psychotherapy, insight-oriented psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I co-developed and tested the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy for BDD with funding from the National Institute of Mental Health; my colleagues and I have published multiple research articles on this treatment in peer-reviewed scientific journals. This work led to publication of a CBT treatment manual for therapists to use when treating people with BDD (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Treatment Manual).

Integration of Medication and Therapy

If you would like treatment with both medication and therapy, I can provide both. This allows you to receive comprehensive treatment from one clinician. (Whether I can provide therapy will depend on how full my practice is; if I'm not able to provide you with therapy I will make a referral to an excellent therapist and will work closely with the therapist if I'm treating you with medication.)

Other Areas of Treatment Focus

I integrate a range of approaches into medication and therapy visits, such as approaches to improving sleep, exercise, physical energy, and other aspects of self-care; mindfulness; and enhancement of your day-to-day functioning and sense of well-being.