Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

  • My practice is best suited for adolescents and adults looking for individualized psychiatric care in a private outpatient setting, including evaluation, medication management, and ongoing treatment.

  • I primarily work with adolescents and adults. Younger children may be considered case by case when the primary need is psychiatric evaluation and medication management.

    Children with more complex behavioral, developmental, family, school-related, or psychotherapy needs may be better served by providers or programs specializing in those areas.

  • The practice evaluates and treats anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, trauma- and stressor-related disorders including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and related psychiatric concerns.

  • All appointments are conducted through secure telehealth. Patients must be physically located in New York State at the time of each visit.

  • The first step is a complimentary 15-minute introductory phone call. This gives you a chance to tell me briefly what you’re looking for, ask questions about the practice, and determine whether working together seems like a good fit.

    If we agree that it’s a good fit, we can schedule your initial evaluation during the call.

Evaluation and Treatment

  • For adults, the initial evaluation is a 60-minute appointment focused on your current concerns, symptoms, psychiatric and medical history, previous treatment, and goals for care. Questionnaires and relevant records submitted beforehand may also be reviewed. We will discuss diagnostic impressions, treatment recommendations, and next steps.

    For children and adolescents, the initial evaluation is a 90-minute appointment and typically includes time with the parent or guardian, time with the child or adolescent, and a discussion together when appropriate. Younger children generally require more parent involvement, while adolescents usually spend more time meeting individually.

  • Follow-up frequency depends on your symptoms, medications, stage of treatment, and individual needs. Appointments may be scheduled more frequently when beginning treatment or making significant medication changes. As treatment becomes more stable, visits can generally be spaced farther apart, but are typically scheduled at least quarterly.

    The recommended frequency and appointment length will be discussed with you and may change over time.

  • Follow-up appointment length is based on your stage of treatment and clinical needs. Most patients are initially scheduled for 50-minute comprehensive follow-up appointments, particularly during the early stages of treatment, when medications are being adjusted, or when more in-depth assessment and discussion are needed. Comprehensive appointments are also commonly recommended for adolescents.

    A 25-minute focused medication follow-up may be appropriate when treatment is relatively stable or the visit is expected to address a specific medication question or minor adjustment. This format may also be suitable for patients who receive regular psychotherapy from another provider.

    The recommended appointment length may change over time as treatment progresses.

  • Treatment length varies based on diagnosis, goals, response, and individual circumstances. Some patients seek a short-term consultation or second opinion, while others benefit from ongoing psychiatric care.

  • Not necessarily. You may be looking for a psychiatric evaluation, consultation, or second opinion without knowing whether medication is right for you. We can discuss treatment options and decide together what makes sense.

    My practice is primarily focused on psychiatric evaluation and medication management rather than stand-alone psychotherapy.

  • Psychotherapy may be incorporated into treatment when appropriate, particularly during longer follow-up appointments. My practice is primarily focused on psychiatric evaluation and medication management rather than therapy-only treatment.

    Patients who would benefit from more specialized or intensive psychotherapy may also work with a therapist as part of their treatment.

  • Controlled substances may be prescribed only when clinically appropriate and consistent with applicable laws and professional standards. Additional records, monitoring, or follow-up requirements may apply, and a prescription is never guaranteed.

  • Yes. Treatment typically begins with well-established, evidence-based options, but some patients do not respond adequately or experience difficult side effects. When appropriate, Dr. Hariz is open to considering off-label medications and emerging treatment approaches after reviewing the available evidence, potential risks, prior treatment history, and alternatives. Patients are also encouraged to share any supplements they use or are considering so these can be discussed as part of the overall treatment plan.

Fees and policies

  • This is a self-pay practice and does not participate in insurance networks. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be able to request reimbursement directly from your insurer. Upon request, the practice will provide you with a superbill.

  • A superbill is an itemized receipt containing information your insurer may require including the services provided and diagnosis codes. A superbill does not guarantee reimbursement; coverage and payment are determined by your plan.

  • A valid card is kept on file and generally charged 24 hours before each appointment. Patients are responsible for all charges regardless of whether their insurance plan provides out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours’ notice, as well as missed appointments, are charged the full visit fee. Limited exceptions may be considered for serious illness or other unforeseen emergencies.

  • Requests for forms, letters, reports, record review, school documentation, disability paperwork, accommodations, or other administrative services are considered case by case. An appointment or additional fee may be required depending on the work involved. Completion cannot be guaranteed and is based on clinical judgment.

Safety and Scope

  • Established patients may use the secure patient portal for routine administrative matters, refill requests and medication-related concerns, such as side effects or difficulty filling a prescription. Dr. Hariz makes every effort to address straightforward issues promptly. Concerns requiring a more detailed assessment or a significant treatment change may require an appointment. Portal messaging is not intended for emergencies or as a substitute for scheduled care.

  • No. This outpatient practice does not provide emergency services or 24-hour coverage. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department.

  • This practice is best suited for adolescents and adults seeking psychiatric evaluation and medication management in an outpatient setting.

    Another provider or treatment setting may be a better fit if you are looking for:

    • Stand-alone or intensive psychotherapy

    • A higher level of care, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP), partial hospitalization program (PHP), residential treatment, or inpatient hospitalization

    • Immediate evaluation or treatment for a psychiatric emergency or acute safety concerns

    • Treatment for active psychosis, mania, or other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms requiring a higher level of care

    • Specialized treatment for active substance use disorders that require addiction-focused care

    • Comprehensive psychological, neuropsychological, educational, or developmental testing

    • Care primarily focused on complex behavioral, developmental, family, or school-related concerns that would be better addressed by a multidisciplinary team

    If it appears that another provider or level of care would better meet your needs, every effort will be made to help guide you toward appropriate resources.

Questions from Connecticut Patients

  • Before opening Hariz Psychiatry PLLC, Dr. Hariz practiced in Connecticut and continues to maintain a separate Connecticut practice for existing patients. This website is for Hariz Psychiatry PLLC, a separate self-pay practice serving patients located in New York.

  • No. Hariz Psychiatry PLLC is only accepting new patients located in New York.

    New Connecticut patients are not currently accepted.

  • If you are an established Connecticut patient, please continue using the email and phone number provided through the Connecticut practice. This website and contact information are intended only for Hariz Psychiatry PLLC and are not monitored for Connecticut patient care.