Q: How much does it cost to see a clinician in your practice?

The cost of seeing a psychiatrist or another mental health clinician depends on a variety of factors -- location, education, experience, in-network v. out-of-network model, and much more. Zea Psychiatry prides itself on its clinical excellence and ability to provide comprehensive mental health care with an individualized approach. Our fees are comparable to other psychiatrists and mental health clinicians with similar credentials in NYC. Please schedule a free 10 minute New Patient Introductory Call to discuss the fee schedule with a clinician.

Q: What is reproductive psychiatry?

At Zea Psychiatry, Dr. Duan specializes in reproductive psychiatry. Reproductive psychiatrists evaluate and treat mental health conditions across the reproductive lifespan, which often have a hormonal component. Instead of overlooking hormonal effects on mood, Dr. Duan takes hormonal impacts seriously, helps patients and clinicians understand how it is all related, and makes adjustments to your treatment plan to account for these factors. Reproductive psychiatrists treat issues around puberty, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause, menopause, etc. Additionally, reproductive psychiatrists specialize in treatment mental health conditions around pregnancy. This includes pre-conception planning, the pregnancy itself, the postpartum period, and lactation. They are sensitive to issues around birth control, loss, birth trauma, infertility (IVF, IUI, ICI, etc.) and more. Dr. Duan has extensive experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings with those who have postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, psychosis, and bipolar disorder. They also trained in Advanced Perinatal Psychopharmacology through Postpartum Support International.

Q: If I already have a therapist, can I see a clinician for medications only?

Yes! It's great that you are already working with a therapist and we would be happy to collaborate with them to provide you with the best possible care. Even though psychiatrists and PMHNPs can administer both psychiatric medications and therapy, they are often willing to consider primarily managing your psychiatric medications and sharing the psychotherapy with another clinician. This is called the “split treatment” model. For medication management, follow-ups are typically needed every 1-3 months in order to continue prescribing refills. Refills should be requested during appointments. If a refill is needed between visits, please allow up to 3-5 business days for your request to be processed and for the electronic prescription to be issued to your pharmacy. Requests can be made by phone call, voicemail, or e-mail, and NOT text message. If you have an urgent need for a refill, please call first. If you wish to change the pharmacy, you can request that your preferred pharmacy contact your previous pharmacy to obtain the prescription. Our office sends electronic prescriptions to pharmacies located in the state of New York or to authorized mail order pharmacies. Please plan accordingly if you are traveling. In the event that you are out of state and urgently need medications, please contact the office. Regulations may prohibit the prescribing of controlled substances out of state.

Q: If we work together, will I be required to take medication?

Not at all! Our clinicians will always work collaboratively with you to determine if medications could be helpful. For some patients, psychotherapy and a holistic, integrative approach alone can be just as effective. If you have been on medications for a long time, our clinicians are happy to re-evaluate your treatment plan and consider whether you may benefit from deprescribing certain medications.

Q: What if I am in an emergency or crisis?

In the event of an emergency crisis or life threatening emergency, please call 911, go to a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), or go to your nearest emergency room. Urgent needs should be communicated by phone or in person, NOT through e-mail or text messaging. Please be aware that the office is not staffed 24/7 and we may not be able to return your call immediately. Additional resources are as follows: HOTLINES NYC Well: NYC's free, confidential support, crisis intervention, and information and referral service for anyone seeking help for mental health and/or substance misuse concerns, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Talk by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL. Text "WELL" to "65173” Chat online here. Crisis Text Line: New York State has partnered with Crisis Text Line, an anonymous texting service available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy. Text GOT5 to 741741. OASAS HOPEline: New York State’s 24/7 problem gambling and chemical dependency hotline. For Help and Hope call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If your life or someone else's is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988 Domestic Violence: If you or someone else is in a relationship is being controlled by another individual through verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, or other tactics, please call: 1-800-942-6906 CRISIS SERVICES 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Learn more about the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available July 16, 2022. Suicide Prevention: If your life or someone else's is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call (800) 273-8255, 24/7.

Question 1

What is integrative / holistic psychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Zea Psychiatry specializes in delivering holistic psychiatry. Also known as integrative psychiatry, it combines traditional psychiatric treatment, which includes prescription medication and psychotherapy, with other complementary and holistic options that promote mental wellness. Some complementary approaches can include addressing lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, sleep), incorporating evidence-based nutritional supplements (eg. magnesium, etc.), and integrating other modalities (eg. Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, Ayurveda, yoga, breathwork, etc.).

Question 2

Are you accepting new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Zea Psychiatry is accepting new patients, and we have same week availability. With our comprehensive care model, we ensure that clinicians are not overbooked and have the flexibility to tailor their schedule for your needs. Please schedule a free 10 minute New Patient Introductory Call.

All of our clinicians are licensed in New York. For telehealth appointments, patients must be physically present in New York State at the time of their visit. In office visits can also be arranged in our Greenwich Village location, which is right next to Union Square (15 East 10th Street, Suite 1A, New York, NY, 10003).

Question 3

Do I need a referral to see a clinician in your practice?

Accepted Answer

Referrals from a primary care physician (or another clinician) are not required! We encourage prospective patients to reach out to us directly. Please schedule a free 10 minute New Patient Introductory Call.

Question 4

Are appointments virtual, in-office, or both?

Accepted Answer

Both! At Zea Psychiatry, we have a hybrid model where we offer virtual and in-office visits. All of our clinicians offer virtual telehealth appointments. Our clinicians can provide in-office visits, depending on the circumstances. All of our clinicians are licensed in New York. For telehealth appointments, patients must be physically present in New York State at the time of their visit.

If you have a strong preference for working with a clinician with regular in-office hours, you can schedule a free 10 minute New Patient Introductory Call and let our office know by emailing info@zeapsychiatry.com or calling (833) ZEA-PSYC / (833) 932-7792.

Dr. Duan sees patients two days per week (Th/Fr) in our Greenwich Village location, which is right next to Union Square (15 East 10th Street, Suite 1A, New York, NY, 10003). Please note that patients <18 years old should be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian for all in person visits.

Question 5

How much does it cost to see a clinician in your practice?

Accepted Answer

The cost of seeing a psychiatrist or another mental health clinician depends on a variety of factors -- location, education, experience, in-network v. out-of-network model, and much more. Zea Psychiatry prides itself on its clinical excellence and ability to provide comprehensive mental health care with an individualized approach.

Our fees are comparable to other psychiatrists and mental health clinicians with similar credentials in NYC. Please schedule a free 10 minute New Patient Introductory Call to discuss the fee schedule with a clinician.

Question 6

Do you accept my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Zea Psychiatry is an out-of-network provider, which means that we do not participate in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other insurance plans. However, most patients do receive reimbursement for their visits if they have out-of-network mental health benefits as part of their insurance plan.

Why we are out-of-network with insurance companies

In order to provide the highest quality, individualized care to our patients, we prefer to work with patients directly -- not insurance companies. Insurance companies have a one-size-fits-all approach that prioritizes short-term symptom management over long-term, sustainable wellness that is only achieved through a thoughtful, integrative and holistic approach that examines the root causes of disease.

Insurance dictates can restrict the number of visits you are allowed, the amount of time per visit, the conditions/diagnoses treated, and the types of treatment offered through prior authorizations, appeals, and other complex administrative processes that delay and compromise care. These administrative burdens create barriers to investing our best efforts directly in our patients.

What you should know about the out-of-network reimbursement process

As a patient at Zea Psychiatry, you are responsible for the full cost of the session. The default payment method at the time of visit is the credit, debit, FSA/HSA card or ACH bank account information you submit. At this time, we are unable to accept payments by cash or check for visits.

You should contact your insurance about your out-of-network benefits. You should ask about the out-of-network deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, allowed amount, and process of submitting claims. Some insurances ask for the procedure codes that we use, which you may request from us.

At the beginning of each month, we can provide you with a superbill for the previous month. This is a monthly invoice with all the necessary information to submit to your insurance for out-of-network services. Once you submit your claim along with the superbill, your insurance will be able to reimburse you directly if you have out-of-network benefits.

What to do if you don't have out-of-network benefits

If you do not have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to ask for a "network gap exception" or "in-network exception." This is a request for your insurance to cover an out-of-network clinician at your in-network rate because your insurance plan's network lacks the specialists needed within a reasonable distance or wait time. If you are granted a network gap exception, you will pay us directly for the session and be reimbursed by your insurance after you submit a claim.

Please note that we do not participate in "single case agreements" or accept payments from insurance companies directly.

Question 7

What is reproductive psychiatry?

Accepted Answer

At Zea Psychiatry, Dr. Duan specializes in reproductive psychiatry. Reproductive psychiatrists evaluate and treat mental health conditions across the reproductive lifespan, which often have a hormonal component. Instead of overlooking hormonal effects on mood, Dr. Duan takes hormonal impacts seriously, helps patients and clinicians understand how it is all related, and makes adjustments to your treatment plan to account for these factors.

Reproductive psychiatrists treat issues around puberty, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause, menopause, etc.

Additionally, reproductive psychiatrists specialize in treatment mental health conditions around pregnancy. This includes pre-conception planning, the pregnancy itself, the postpartum period, and lactation. They are sensitive to issues around birth control, loss, birth trauma, infertility (IVF, IUI, ICI, etc.) and more.

Dr. Duan has extensive experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings with those who have postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, psychosis, and bipolar disorder. They also trained in Advanced Perinatal Psychopharmacology through Postpartum Support International.

Question 8

What is the difference between a psychiatrist v. psychologist? And what is the difference between those and therapist v. nurse practitioner?

Accepted Answer

The short answer

Psychiatrists are specialized medical doctors or physicians (MD, DO) with 12+ years of training who can prescribe medication. They manage mental health conditions with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Psychologists have doctorate degrees in psychology (PhD, PsyD) with 8+ years of training. They manage mental health conditions with psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing, and often have a background in psychology research.

Therapists have master's degrees in social work, counseling, or therapy, with 6+ years of training. They manage mental health conditions with psychotherapy, and some have expert knowledge of complex social systems and community resources. This includes professionals with:

Master of Social Work → Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Master of Arts or Science in Counseling → Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy → Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses with 4+ years of training who can prescribe medication. They manage mental health conditions with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

How psychiatrists are trained

Psychiatrists are specialized medical doctors or physicians (MD, DO) with 12+ years of training. This usually includes 4 years of undergraduate schooling, 4 years of medical school, 4 years of psychiatry residency, and optional fellowships (eg. 2 additional years of fellowship training to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry). Psychiatrists have about 16,000+ total clinical hours of experience by the end of their training, and have the capacity to handle more high-acuity, complex cases.

How nurse practitioners are trained

PMHNPs are advanced practice nurses with 4+ years of training. First, they must become a registered nurse by completing a nursing program (2 year associates, 4 year bachelor of science, or another accredited diploma granting nursing program). Then, they usually need 1-2 years of nursing experience before they can enter a 1-2 year master of science in nursing program or 3-4 year doctor of nursing practice program.

After completing an advanced program, they will have a masters or doctorate in nursing that includes a minimum of 500 total clinical hours of experience. At this point, they can take a certification test to become a PMHNP. Some choose to take an optional PMHNP Advanced Certificate Program.

Post-licensure, PMHNPs may be mandated to engage in collaborative practice with a physician who is consulted to guide their process of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Some PMHNPs practice independently and handle more low-acuity, straightforward cases. While some PMHNPs have a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, they are not medical doctors or physicians.

Question 9

If I already have a therapist, can I see a clinician for medications only?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It's great that you are already working with a therapist and we would be happy to collaborate with them to provide you with the best possible care.

Even though psychiatrists and PMHNPs can administer both psychiatric medications and therapy, they are often willing to consider primarily managing your psychiatric medications and sharing the psychotherapy with another clinician. This is called the “split treatment” model.

For medication management, follow-ups are typically needed every 1-3 months in order to continue prescribing refills. Refills should be requested during appointments. If a refill is needed between visits, please allow up to 3-5 business days for your request to be processed and for the electronic prescription to be issued to your pharmacy. Requests can be made by phone call, voicemail, or e-mail, and NOT text message. If you have an urgent need for a refill, please call first. If you wish to change the pharmacy, you can request that your preferred pharmacy contact your previous pharmacy to obtain the prescription.

Our office sends electronic prescriptions to pharmacies located in the state of New York or to authorized mail order pharmacies. Please plan accordingly if you are traveling. In the event that you are out of state and urgently need medications, please contact the office. Regulations may prohibit the prescribing of controlled substances out of state.

Question 10

If we work together, will I be required to take medication?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Our clinicians will always work collaboratively with you to determine if medications could be helpful. For some patients, psychotherapy and a holistic, integrative approach alone can be just as effective. If you have been on medications for a long time, our clinicians are happy to re-evaluate your treatment plan and consider whether you may benefit from deprescribing certain medications.

Question 11

Are there conditions you don't treat?

Accepted Answer

Zea Psychiatry is an outpatient practice that prides itself on its ability to provide quality mental health care across the lifespan, from toddlerhood to the geriatric population, along with specialty care in integrative and reproductive psychiatry.

We generally treat all conditions, including complex cases -- however, there are certain conditions that we are not as well equipped to manage. For instance, we are not the best practice to support those requiring high levels of care or intensive monitoring. These conditions may include severe psychotic disorders, severe substance use disorders, severe eating disorders, and severe personality disorders requiring a multidisciplinary treatment team, intensive treatment, continuous supervision, or case management.

We do not offer treatment for:

⊘ Opioid addiction - we do not prescribe methadone or Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)
⊘ Medical cannabis - we do not have a medical cannabis certification and are unable to recommend medical cannabis to patients
⊘ Long-acting injectable medications (LAIs)- we do not prescribe or administer LAIs such as aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Aristada), paliperidone (Invega Sustenna, Trinza, Hafyera), risperidone (Risperdal Consta, Perseris), olanzapine (Zyprexa Relprevv), haloperidol decanoate, fluphenazine decanoate, naltrexone (Vivitrol), etc.
⊘ Formal Dialectical Behavioral Therapy - we are DBT-informed, but do not offer a full DBT program with coaching calls and a formalized consultation team

Interventional psychiatry

While some of our experts do have training in interventional psychiatry modalities, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine treatment (intranasal Spravato/esketamine, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous), psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and pharmacogenetics, we are only offering pharmacogenetic testing at this time. Zea Psychiatry does not offer TMS, ketamine treatment, or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, though can provide high quality referrals and collaborate with the interventional psychiatrist you choose to work with throughout your care.

Still unsure?

If you're unsure whether your needs are a good fit, please schedule a free 10 minute New Patient Introductory Call to speak with a clinician. We are always happy to point you toward the right resources if we are not the best fit for your needs.

Question 12

What if I am in an emergency or crisis?

Accepted Answer

In the event of an emergency crisis or life threatening emergency, please call 911, go to a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), or go to your nearest emergency room.
​​
Urgent needs should be communicated by phone or in person, NOT through e-mail or text messaging. Please be aware that the office is not staffed 24/7 and we may not be able to return your call immediately. Additional resources are as follows:

HOTLINES
NYC Well: NYC's free, confidential support, crisis intervention, and information and referral service for anyone seeking help for mental health and/or substance misuse concerns, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Talk by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL. Text "WELL" to "65173” Chat online here.
Crisis Text Line: New York State has partnered with Crisis Text Line, an anonymous texting service available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy. Text GOT5 to 741741.
OASAS HOPEline: New York State’s 24/7 problem gambling and chemical dependency hotline. For Help and Hope call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If your life or someone else's is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988
Domestic Violence: If you or someone else is in a relationship is being controlled by another individual through verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, or other tactics, please call: 1-800-942-6906
​​
CRISIS SERVICES
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Learn more about the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available July 16, 2022.
Suicide Prevention: If your life or someone else's is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call (800) 273-8255, 24/7.

Meet the Zea Team

Dr. Danielle Stern, MD
Child & Young Adult Psychiatrist (virtual)

Agnes Csepany
Administrative Assistant

Read our founder's bio (Dr. Christy Duan)

What is integrative / holistic psychiatry?

Are you accepting new patients?

Do I need a referral to see a clinician in your practice?

Are appointments virtual, in-office, or both?

How much does it cost to see a clinician in your practice?

Do you accept my insurance?

What is reproductive psychiatry?

What is the difference between a psychiatrist v. psychologist? And what is the difference between those and therapist v. nurse practitioner?

If I already have a therapist, can I see a clinician for medications only?

If we work together, will I be required to take medication?

Are there conditions you don't treat?

What if I am in an emergency or crisis?

Meet the Zea Team

Dr. Danielle Stern, MD Child & Young Adult Psychiatrist (virtual)

Agnes Csepany Administrative Assistant

Read our founder's bio (Dr. Christy Duan)

What is integrative / holistic psychiatry?

Are you accepting new patients?

Do I need a referral to see a clinician in your practice?

Are appointments virtual, in-office, or both?

How much does it cost to see a clinician in your practice?

Do you accept my insurance?

What is reproductive psychiatry?

What is the difference between a psychiatrist v. psychologist? And what is the difference between those and therapist v. nurse practitioner?

If I already have a therapist, can I see a clinician for medications only?

If we work together, will I be required to take medication?

Are there conditions you don't treat?

What if I am in an emergency or crisis?

Dr. Danielle Stern, MD
Child & Young Adult Psychiatrist (virtual)

Agnes Csepany
Administrative Assistant