Managing a mental health condition is challenging, and getting care for it can be even more difficult. At ColumbiaDoctors, our goal is to help make your journey to getting the help you need as easy as possible. Whether you are looking for an individual therapist or psychiatrist, a consultation, or one of our specialized services, we will help you get the care you need and deserve. This guide covers the basics of how to get care with us. Here is how we can help.
Becoming a Patient
The first step for any prospective patient is to complete our initial intake screening, which is a 20-30 minute phone conversation with a trained member of our intake team. Our intake specialists are knowledgeable, sensitive, and responsive. They will obtain brief background information and history to better understand your needs.
Following the intake screening, our team will review to determine if we are an appropriate setting to provide an evaluation and discuss those details with you directly. We take pride in tailoring our recommendation to the individual while taking into consideration their unique needs and preferences.
To begin the process, please call 212-305-6001 or use our Online Form(link is external and opens in a new window) and our intake team will work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The intake specialist will provide the time and location of your first appointment. Be sure to plan your visit and allow time for traffic and parking appropriate to the location.
Please bring any prior treatment records, discharge summaries, lab results, and medical records you have to your first appointment. If you have a loved one that you would like to be involved with your care, feel free to bring that person with you.
In addition, all patients joining our practice must fill out the following forms. You can arrive early and fill these out, or you can fill them out in advance.
We value your time and your safety at Columbia Psychiatry. We want your visit to be as efficient as possible—You can help by following our pre-visit checklist:
- Complete your check-in up to 5 days before you arrive using our convenient patient portal, Columbia Connect. From the comfort of your own home, you can use Columbia Connect to:
- Communicate with your provider
- Manage your appointments
- Check in before your appointment
- Access your test results
- Request prescription refills
- View, manage, and pay your bills (or pay as guest without a Connect account)
- See visit records and summaries
- Schedule a video visit with your doctor
Connect is a joint effort of Columbia, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Weill Cornell Medicine, so a single Connect account links you to all three institutions.
Learn More About the Columbia Connect Patient Portal
You are welcome to search our providers to find a good fit for you. You do not need to know your diagnosis or even exactly what help you need to call. You do not need a referral to meet with our psychiatrists and therapists. We will work to find the right provider to meet your needs. If we do not feel your problems are best treated by us, our intake specialists will direct you to where you can find the services you need.
Please note that not all providers have availability or may not be an appropriate fit based on your needs.
We accept a limited range of insurance plans (listed below). If we do not directly accept your insurance, you can still see a Columbia psychiatrist or therapist by using your “Out of Network” benefits. Many commercial insurance plans will cover Out of Network services after meeting your deductible, allowing you to get the very best care for a more affordable price. To utilize your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier. You can also use pre-tax FSA and HSA funds to help pay for your care. If you have further questions when submitting to your insurance company for Out of Network benefits, please call our billing specialists at 212-305-2600.
Accepted Insurances
Individual Therapy and Psychiatry
- AETNA
- Columbia University Employee Plan
- New York Presbyterian Hospital's Employee Plan
Most of our specialized programs offer in-network coverage through:
- AETNA
- NYU Wellfleet
- New York Presbyterian Hospital's Employee Plan
- Columbia University Employee Plan
Yes, in addition to in-person appointments, Columbia Psychiatry offers video visits. These services allow you to see a Columbia therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor through an online video chat using Connect (MyChart) the online patient portal, giving you access to high quality mental health care without having to leave home.
Please note that due to federal licensing requirements, all patients must be in New York or New Jersey during any virtual appointments.
Benefits of Our Video Visits:
- Maintain safe social distancing
- Receive high quality mental health care without having to leave home
- Reduce the need for time off work and other obligations
- Improve continuity of care and follow-up
- Reduce barriers to treatment, such as commuting/transportation
- Reduce cancellations due to last-minute conflicts
Connect Patient Portal Login information
Studies have shown that mental health care conducted virtually is equivalent to in-person care in terms of accuracy of diagnosis, effectiveness of treatment, quality of care, and patient satisfaction. Although teletherapy will present some differences from an in-person visit, rest assured that you can still speak to your psychiatrist or counselor about anything that’s bothering you in a safe and secure environment. And just as during an in-person visit, your therapist or psychiatrist will be able to listen to you, offer guidance and feedback, and help you achieve your desired goals.
We know that first appointments can be anxiety provoking, and our entire team from the front desk staff to the psychiatrists and therapists will work to put you at ease as you enter into our care. Our providers are empathic listeners trained in the latest advances in psychiatry and psychology. They will listen to what is troubling you and offer you their sense of what is going on and how best to move forward. From there, our providers will serve as your guide as you progress towards your goals.
Your medical records are strictly confidential. The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restricts us from releasing any information without your written permission. To obtain a copy of your record, a Medical Release Form must be completed.
Please complete a request online at: https://www.columbiadoctors.org/i-want/medical-records
If you have any questions, please contact our practice directly.
