What a psychiatrist does
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Because psychiatrists complete medical training, they can look at how physical health, life circumstances, and emotional symptoms fit together, diagnose mental health conditions, and, when it is appropriate, prescribe and manage medication as part of a treatment plan. At Family Psychiatry & Therapy, our psychiatrists work alongside our therapists, so that talk therapy and medical care are coordinated rather than handled in separate silos.
We provide psychiatric care for children, teens, and adults across New Jersey and New York. Whether you have a clear idea of what you are dealing with or simply know that something feels off, a psychiatrist can help you understand what is happening and what your options are.
Psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist: which do you need?
These words are often used interchangeably, but they describe different roles. A quick guide:
- Psychiatrist. A medical doctor (MD or DO) who can diagnose mental health conditions and, when appropriate, prescribe and manage medication. Many psychiatrists provide therapy as well.
- Psychologist. A doctoral-level clinician (PhD or PsyD) who provides therapy and psychological testing. Psychologists in New Jersey do not prescribe medication.
- Therapist or counselor. A licensed clinician (such as an LCSW or LPC) who provides talk therapy.
Many people benefit from more than one type of care at the same time. If you are not sure where to start, a psychiatric evaluation is a good first step, because it helps clarify what kind of care actually fits your situation.
Conditions our psychiatrists treat
Our psychiatrists evaluate and treat a broad range of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and mood concerns
- ADHD in children, teens, and adults
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD
- PTSD and trauma
- Eating disorders
People often experience more than one of these at once, and they frequently overlap. Part of a psychiatrist’s job is helping sort out what is driving what, so the plan addresses the real cause rather than just the surface symptom.
A psychiatrist near you, in Bergen County and across New Jersey
Our practice is based at 351 Evelyn Street in Paramus, New Jersey, in the heart of Bergen County. We offer in-person appointments for patients in Bergen County and the surrounding area, and secure telehealth visits for patients throughout New Jersey and New York. For many people, telehealth removes real barriers, such as driving, parking, and time away from work, while still providing a thorough, unhurried visit from the comfort of home.
If you have been searching for a psychiatrist near you, our intake team can talk through scheduling, insurance, and whether an in-person or telehealth visit makes the most sense for your situation.
Child and adolescent psychiatry
We also provide psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults. Care for younger patients is tailored to their age and stage, and it usually involves parents or caregivers as partners in the process. If you are looking for a child psychiatrist near you in New Jersey, you can learn more on our care for children, teens, and young adults page, or call our intake team and we will help you find the right fit.
What a first appointment looks like
Care with a psychiatrist usually begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This is an unhurried, one-on-one conversation about your current concerns, your history, your sleep and mood, and how everything is affecting your daily life. There are no wrong answers, and there is no pressure to commit to anything beyond understanding what is going on.
If medication is part of the conversation, your psychiatrist will explain the options and the reasoning in plain language, and decisions are made together. All prescribing decisions rest with your clinician and are made with your safety and your goals as the priority. Much of our care is delivered through secure telehealth, which works well for evaluation, follow-up, and ongoing treatment. When an in-person visit in Bergen County is a better fit, we offer that too.
Insurance and getting started
Family Psychiatry & Therapy is in-network with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and works with several other carriers. Many patients with Medicare or other plans also have coverage for psychiatric care. Our intake team can verify your benefits and explain expected costs before your first appointment, so there are no surprises.
Meet our psychiatrists
Our psychiatrists are experienced, board-certified clinicians who take the time to listen. You can read more about the people who provide your care on our meet our care team page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a psychiatrist near me in New Jersey?
If you live in New Jersey, you can see one of our psychiatrists in person at our Paramus office in Bergen County, or by secure telehealth from anywhere in New Jersey or New York. The simplest first step is a psychiatric evaluation. Our intake team can help you schedule and answer questions about insurance and availability.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a therapist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and, when appropriate, prescribe and manage medication. A psychologist provides therapy and psychological testing but does not prescribe medication in New Jersey. A therapist or counselor is a licensed clinician who provides talk therapy. Many people benefit from more than one, and a psychiatric evaluation helps clarify which kind of care fits your needs.
Do you have child and adolescent psychiatrists?
Yes. We provide psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults, in addition to adults. Care for younger patients is tailored to their age and often involves parents or caregivers. You can learn more on our page for children, teens, and young adults.
Can I see a psychiatrist by telehealth in New Jersey?
Yes. Most of our psychiatric care is delivered through secure telehealth, which works well for evaluation, follow-up, and ongoing treatment across New Jersey and New York. When an in-person visit in Bergen County is a better fit, we offer that as well.
Do you accept insurance?
Family Psychiatry and Therapy is in-network with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and works with several other carriers. Many patients with Medicare or other plans also have coverage for psychiatric care. Our intake team can verify your benefits and explain expected costs before your first appointment.
How soon can I be seen?
New patients are often seen within about a week. Availability varies, so the best way to get a specific time is to call our intake team, who can find the soonest appointment that fits your schedule and your insurance.
Schedule with a psychiatrist
If you have been putting off getting help, you do not have to sort it out alone. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is a clear, supportive first step. Call (201) 977-2889 or visit familypsychnj.com to schedule with our intake team. We offer in-person care in Bergen County and telehealth across New Jersey and New York.