Our therapists have diverse backgrounds with areas of expertise that benefit everyone.

We Specialize In Helping

• Psychiatry & Medication Management

  The Williamsburg Psychiatry Group, a psychiatry practice partnered with the Williamsburg Therapy Group, offers psychiatry services to New York residents. Our full-time psychiatrists in Brooklyn provide consultation related to psychopharmacology options along with attentive ongoing medication management. Our providers devote the time to get to know each patient and provide comprehensive medical assessments. They do this so that they can make thoughtful recommendations about psychotropic medications unique to each patient.

   

  ---

   

  What is psychiatry?

  Psychiatry is a medical field focused on understanding and treating mental health issues. Psychopharmacology is the practice of using medications to help the mind, emotions, and behaviors.

  These psychiatric conditions include:

  • Mood disorders

  • Anxiety

  • Psychotic disorders

  • Personality disorders

  • Trauma-related disorders

  • Substance abuse

  • ADHD

   

  A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). Our psychiatrists are experts in providing both medical recommendations and psychotherapy. We offer treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions.

   

  ---

   

  Should I see a psychiatrist or psychologist?

  Choosing whether you want to see a psychiatrist or psychologist can depend on what is most beneficial to the individual. There are certain mental health disorders that are more easily treated with medication or therapy. No matter which area of treatment you pursue, each person on our team is superbly qualified to provide the highest and reliable quality of care. The only way to know for sure is to talk with your primary care physician or insurance. You can always contact us to help make the process easier for you or your loved one.

   

  ---

   

  How do I know if I need to take psychotropic medication?

  Research indicates that for many patients, a combination of therapy and psychotropic medication can be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues. Because each person’s needs are unique, our psychiatrists take time to carefully understand each patient’s background and respectfully listen to concerns and questions about using medication to manage symptoms.

  Our psychiatrists also consider ways that therapy can complement medication use by helping the patient develop skills and find support to create a well-rounded treatment plan. Psychiatrists can also provide consultation and support that adjust to the patients evolving needs. For example, if a patient is interested in discussing whether they should stop taking a prescribed medication.

   

  ---

   

  How long will I need to take psychotropic medication?

  There are several types of psychotropic medications that are used for a variety of reasons. This includes both short-term relief from mental health symptoms, longer-term stabilization, and improvement of mood. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis and preferences for psychotropic medications as part of their treatment plan, medication management can range from a few weeks to several years. No matter the time frame, our psychologists are committed to supporting your treatment through its duration.

   

  ---

   

  Types of psychotropic medications

  • Antidepressants are a class of medications that impact serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These are naturally-occurring chemicals called neurotransmitters that affect mood and other areas of functioning. These medications are often effective in managing depression and anxiety disorders.

  • Mood stabilizers are another type of medication that is used to treat specific types of depression including bipolar disorder. Some medications of this type require regular blood tests to monitor and ensure that the medication is at appropriate levels in the body.

  • Benzodiazepines are medications that help treat panic attacks and symptoms related to intense anxiety, including insomnia. Because these medications are short-acting (i.e., they have a stronger effect in a shorter amount of time), they are categorized as controlled substances. They also benefit from close monitoring to lower the risk of addiction.

  • Stimulants are medications used to treat attention difficulties, including both inattentiveness and hyperactivity characteristic of ADHD diagnoses.

  • Antipsychotic medications are used to treat different types of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. They can also be used to improve treatments for bipolar and depressive disorders.

  ---

   

  What are the benefits of psychotropic medications?

  Psychotropic medications can provide increased effectiveness in managing mental health symptoms. Certain medications can also help with decreasing triggers and cravings for people struggling with substance use. We believe that these benefits are more achievable when providers are attentive and responsive to each individual’s mental health needs and treatment goals.

  Common benefits from psychotropic medications include:

  • Improved mood

  • Less extreme ups and downs

  • Increased ability to focus and organize

  • Calming anxiety

  • Lowering the intensity of disruptive thoughts.

  ---

   

  How do I find a psychiatrist?

  Williamsburg Therapy Group is prepared to do everything in our power to help you reach a better and healthier life. If you are a patient in New York City and would like psychiatric consultation and medication management, schedule an appointment with us today at one of our Brooklyn-based offices. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our psychiatrists.

   

  ---

   

  Interested? Let's get started.

   

  Book an appointment today

   

• Anxiety & Depression

  Periodic anxiety is one of the most ubiquitous feelings in human experience. Whether it be for reasons like public speaking, worrying about a health issue or concerns at work, many of us are familiar with the sentiment. Although anxiety is a relatable and common feeling, constant and enduring anxiety can be an indication of something underlying. When anxiety begins to interfere with day to day tasks it might be time to seek a therapist. If you are looking for an Anxiety Therapist, Williamsburg Therapy Group could be the solution for you.

   

  ---

   

  What is anxiety?

  Anxiety is a persistent fear or worry about everyday situations in life. Yes, anxiety is a completely normal response as a human being. Most people feel anxious about a range of things in their life and it is often what drives people. Anxiety helps some embrace new things in their life or get out of bed a little earlier in the morning. But at some point anxiety needs to be taken seriously when it causes difficulty in your life. If the feeling of anxiety is constantly with you it could be time to seek counseling or medical assistance.

  Symptoms of anxiety that benefit from therapy and/or medical help include:

  • Excessive Worrying — about trivial or ordinary situations

  • Problems Concentrating — due to a disturbed working memory

  • Excessive Irritability — during periods of anxiety

  • Muscle Tension — especially after periods of anxiety have subsided

  • Fatigue — as a chronic occurrence or after anxiety attacks

  • Trouble Sleeping — whether falling asleep or staying asleep

  • Panic Attacks — producing overwhelming physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, shaking, nausea, or shortness of breath

  • Social Avoidance — or being overly shy and quiet in groups, especially with people not well known

  • Irrational Fear — over everyday situations, objects, or animals

   

  ---

   

  Types of Anxiety Disorders

  Some people experience these feelings daily or near daily, sometimes for no apparent reason, making it difficult to carry on with normal, everyday functioning. When these feelings occur frequently enough that they interfere with a person’s day-to-day life, they may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

  Anxiety disorders include:

  • Panic Disorder: characterized by episodes of intense anxiety, often accompanied by hyperventilation, cold sweats, shivering, and an accelerated heartbeat

  • Phobia: excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity

  • Social Anxiety Disorder: anxiety or intense worry related to social gatherings, being in crowds, and other social situations

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): uncontrolled obsession, compulsive, repetitive behavior, or both

  • Separation Anxiety Disorder: an extreme and unhealthy anxious reaction to being separated, physically, from a another person

  • Illness Anxiety Disorder: consistent and irrational worry regarding your health, particularly after a physician has cleared you of any condition

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): anxiety in response to the memory of a traumatic event

  .

  ---

   

  Can my anxiety be treated?

  The good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable. The psychologists at the Williamsburg Therapy Group provide individual psychotherapy to effectively treat anxiety disorders by integrating a range of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused therapeutic perspectives.

  In both moderate to severe cases of anxiety, it can be treated with a number of evidence-based therapies for individuals that include:

  • Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Anti-Anxiety Medications

  • Antidepressants

  We recognize that it can be difficult and painful to work on these feelings. Our therapists create a warm, welcoming environment to help people find ways to work on these symptoms and improve their quality of life. Our therapy sessions can help individuals break free from anxiety and not constantly fear or worry about day to day tasks.

   

  ---

   

  Looking for an Anxiety Therapist in New York City or Austin?

  If you are a patient in New York City who is looking for help managing and building a life beyond a severe mental health condition or discussing medication support, please schedule an appointment at one of our offices. We have a number of experienced psychologists and psychiatrists ready to help you overcome your anxiety. Beginning treatment can be extremely vulnerable. Our therapists appreciate each step of the treatment process providing a generous structure of support and care.

  At Williamsburg Therapy Group you'll receive personalized therapy to help you fight your anxiety symptoms or mental health symptoms. Find a provider who’s right for you.

  ---

   

  Interested? Let's get started.

   

  Book an appointment today

   

• Addiction

  Drug and alcohol addiction can affect people from all walks of life. Every person has their own unique story about the development of their dependence on drugs and alcohol. The doctors at Williamsburg Therapy Group tailor the treatment to the individual and support each person’s particular needs. Addiction Treatment at Williamsburg Therapy Group could be the start of your road to recovery.

   

  ---

   

  What is addiction?

  An addiction can take over your life without you realizing it. It might feel like you are just experimenting with drugs or alcohol at first. But with regular and habitual use, some people find that they need drugs and alcohol just to feel normal. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a "chronic medical disease involving complex interaction among brain circuits, genetics, and an individual’s life experiences." As a result of this complicated system, addiction can be difficult to beat on your own.

  If left untreated, addiction harms self-esteem, relationships, and eventually, every aspect of life. Since each person’s path to becoming dependent on alcohol and drugs is different, every person will have their own unique recovery journey.

  The good news is that with the right therapies and or medications, addiction can be managed and treated. Our psychiatrists provide medical consultation and support to help patients struggling with substance use explore medication options that can make the road to recovery more accessible. When people get the help they need life becomes bearable again. With treatment, people find that their self-esteem increases, relationships heal, and their quality of life improves.

   

  ---

   

  Drug Addiction Treatment NYC

  Drug addiction is characterized by overwhelming compulsive drug seeking and use despite the consequences to one’s life and body. The effects of drug abuse can lead to harmful behaviors, and long-term use can cause changes in brain functions.

  Some signs of drug addiction include:

  • Taking a drug after its no longer needed for a health problem

  • Needing more of a substance to achieve the same high

  • Not being able to stop yourself from using drugs even if you want to

  • Spending a lot of time thinking about the drug

  • Losing interest in things you once liked to do

  • Having trouble doing normal daily activities like cooking or completing your work

  When someone persistently uses drugs, their brain begins to adapt by a growing tolerance to the drugs being taken. This might cause the individual to take more of the drug to achieve the same high as they once got.

  As previously mentioned, drug addiction can be managed and treated with the right treatment programs. At Williamsburg Therapy Group, we have a team of skilled psychologists and psychiatrists to help you overcome your drug addiction.

  Many options have been successful in treating drug addiction, such as:

  • Counseling and therapy

  • Medication

  • Devices and methodologies for treating withdrawal

  • Finding and resolving underlying conditions like depression

  • Ongoing relapse monitoring

   

  ---

   

  Alcohol Addiction Treatment NYC

  Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that can affect any walk of life. It can often be challenging to recognize because, unlike drug addiction, alcohol is available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often the center of social situations such as birthdays or weddings.

  For many people, drinking is an integrated part of their life. Because of this, it’s hard to recognize the difference between someone drinking in moderate, acceptable amounts versus someone with alcoholism.

  Signs and symptoms of alcoholism, include:

  • Drinking more alcohol per day; increase in number of drinking days per week

  • Needing more alcohol to feel the same "buzz"

  • A reduction in the effects of hangovers

  • Drinking when it is not socially acceptable, or when it interferes with activities

  • Avoiding contact with loved ones

  • Losing interest in activities that do not provide or allow alcohol

  • Needing alcohol in order to cope with every day life, whether mentally or physically

  • Daily fatigue; ongoing depression

  • An arrest or termination from your job related to your alcohol use

  Alcoholism does not only put the individual at risk, but it can also put others in harm’s way. Tragedies like drunk driving, suicide, and homicide become more prevalent because of alcoholism. This is why it is essential to treat alcohol addiction early. Addiction treatment centers will use a variety of different treatment services to help individuals overcome addiction.

  Treatment for alcohol addiction include:

  • Rehab

  • Support groups

  • Drug therapy

  • Counseling

  • Nutritional changes

  • Prescription drugs

   

  ---

   

  How do I get addiction treatment in NYC or Austin?

  Our psychologists take time to understand each patient’s story and struggle to help them find their way forward. We also help family members and friends who want to support loved ones who are struggling with addiction. If you or your loved one in New York City or Austin struggles with substance use disorder, our treatment center can help you find ways to address addiction through therapy or medication management.

   

  ---

   

  Interested? Let's get started.

   

  Book an appointment today

   

• Severe Emotional Conditions (Bi-Polar Disorder)

  Some of the strongest, most resilient people are those who live with conditions including Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and severe personality disorders. At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our experienced psychologists and psychiatrists are prepared to help you with your severe emotional condition. We understand how difficult it can be to live with a mental health condition, so we provide a safe and supportive environment to give you the best opportunity for a happy and healthier life.

   

  ---

   

  Bipolar Disorder

  Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is characterized by unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts in mood include emotional highs known as mania or hypomania and emotional lows such as depression.

  When individuals go through an emotional high, they will usually develop a sense of euphoria or have a burst of energy and become more irritable. During a depressive state, the individual may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in things they once enjoyed.

  Symptoms during a manic episode can include:

  • Abnormally upbeat

  • Increased activity, energy, or agitation

  • Exaggerated sense of well being or inflated self-esteem (euphoria)

  • Decreased need for sleep

  • Unusual talkativeness

  • Racing thoughts

  • Distractibility

  • Poor decision-making

  Symptoms of a major depressive episode include:

  • Depressed mood such as feeling sad, lonely, hopeless, or sorrowful

  • Loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in activities

  • Restlessness or slow behavior

  • Fatigue or loss of energy

  • Feeling of worthlessness or excessive guilt

  • Decreased ability to think or concentrate

  • Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide

  Despite the severity of the mood swings, people with bipolar disorder often don't realize their emotional instability disrupts those around them. They often enjoy the euphoric or productive feelings that can accompany a manic episode.

  However, mania, when untreated, can cause problems in a person’s relationships, work performance, and increases the risk of engaging in high-risk behavior. Depressive episodes can be equally disruptive, impacting a person’s sense of wellbeing and interfering with their ability to function at their baseline. This is why treating bipolar disorder is important to a person’s mental health.

   

  ---

   

  How can I find a bipolar psychiatrist in NYC or Austin?

  Psychologists and psychiatrists of the Williamsburg Therapy Group have extensive experience helping patients who struggle with severe emotional conditions in inpatient and outpatient day treatment settings and private practice.

  To help manage symptoms, bipolar disorder treatment can include:

  • Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Mood stabilizers

  • Antipsychotics

  • Antidepressants

   

  ---

   

  Severe Emotional Conditions

  Living with severe emotional conditions can make it challenging to keep up with relationships, work, and self-care. Other severe mental illnesses include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or severe personality disorder. Friends and family may become frustrated by the unusual beliefs and actions of a person impacted by an emotional condition.

  Individual therapy can offer practical solutions to living a more balanced life that is less defined by mental illness as a burden. Our psychologists and psychiatrists partner with patients to effectively manage symptoms, gain stability, and better understand themselves and their condition.

  The collaborative process of understanding connections between a person’s mind and the world around them can go a long way toward making life with mental illness more manageable and productive.

   

  ---

   

  How do I get help with a severe emotional condition?

  We help patients looking for help managing and building a life beyond a severe mental health condition. We provide psychotherapy and medication support. Please schedule an appointment at one of our offices with one of our experienced psychologists or psychiatrists. Meet the team and find a provider who’s right for you.

   

  ---

   

  Interested? Let's get started.

   

  Book an appointment today

   

• Neuropsychological Assessment & Testing

  At Williamsburg Therapy Group, we are proud to provide neuropsychological evaluations. Neuropsychological evaluations examine the relationships between the brain, behavior, and emotions, including changes in functioning due to a wide range of conditions. Continue reading to learn more about Neuropsychological Testing NYC.

   

  ---

   

  What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

  A neuropsychological evaluation consists of observations, an interview with the patient, and neuropsychological testing. The testing portion includes answering questionnaires and performing tasks designed to assess cognitive skills. This information is used to examine the individual's strengths and weaknesses, which allows the neuropsychologist to assess the patient's brain functioning and structure.

  The specific areas assessed during a neuropsychological test are individualized and depend on the reason the patient was referred. This also includes any specific complaints and symptoms. Based on the patient's unique struggles, the neuropsychologist determines which areas of functioning are relevant to assess.

  These can include:

  • Intelligence

  • Attention

  • Executive functions (e.g., planning, organization, abstraction, and conceptualization),

  • Language

  • Memory

  • Visual perception

  • Sensory-motor functions

  • Motivation

  • Mood and emotion

  • Visual-spatial functioning

  • Personality styles

  Because each patient is different, neuropsychological evaluations range in the amount of time they take to be completed but often last between two and five hours. Each evaluation's duration depends on the complexity of the concerns being addressed and the patient's status during the assessment (e.g., fatigue, confusion).

  In order to gather accurate information, the neuropsychologist works to maintain a calm, neutral environment. There the patient can demonstrate their best achievable performance on the measures that are administered.

   

  ---

   

  Are there different types of neurological tests?

  A neuropsychological test typically seeks to explain any difficulties or issues an individual is experiencing in their life. Because issues and problems vary with each person, assessments will be tailored around the patient's situation.

  Different types of neuropsychological assessments include:

  • Brief screenings usually take under an hour and include questions about mental state, orientation and simple memory, and attention items

  • Other evaluations take about 3-4 hours and include multiple measures of several important cognitive domains

  • Another type of testing could take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours and include measures of IQ, cognitive abilities, educational performance, and personality

  ---

   

  Who needs a neuropsychological evaluation?

  Our expert neuropsychological tests help patients understand and navigate the effects of conditions that include (but are not limited to):

  • Cognitive impairments, including those related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions, dementia, Alzheimer's, and strokes

  • Educational and occupational difficulties, including differences in learning, work performance, and motor skills

  • Structural and other issues related to the brain, including brain cancer, spinal cord injury, encephalitis, Moyamoya

  • Nervous system disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and seizures

  • Other medical conditions, including lupus, insomnia, and diabetes

   

  ---

   

  How does a neuropsychological evaluation improve quality of life?

  After neuropsychological testing, the neuropsychologist can help clarify a diagnosis and assess the patient's strengths and weaknesses. This helps to provide recommendations for addressing the patient's difficulties and concerns. These recommendations are a thoughtfully composed range of approaches, including psychological support, best brain health practices, and behavioral coping strategies.

  Neuropsychologists can also help the patient learn about and implement new ways of addressing their condition, including behavioral strategies and methods to effectively manage ongoing conditions. Results can also provide information about different skills and practices that can improve brain growth and adaptation.

  As a mental health collective, the evaluation and recommendations can inform and increase the effectiveness of a patient's work with our psychologists or psychiatrists. From there, they can choose to pursue therapy or medication management.

   

  ---

   

  How do I get a neuropsychological evaluation?

  If you are a patient looking for neuropsychological testing in NYC, don't hesitate to contact us. Please schedule an appointment at one of our offices today. You can also bring any relevant documents related to your condition, including medical, school, or occupational records so that she can better tailor the evaluation to meet your needs.

   

  ---

   

  Interested? Let's get started.

   

  Book an appointment today