Do You Need a Referral to See a Psychiatrist in NJ?
A surprising number of people put off getting evaluated because they assume a psychiatrist works like a specialist referral from a primary care doctor. It doesn’t usually work that way, and…
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is the foundation of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for patients across New Jersey and New York.
Self-pay practice · Superbill provided for out-of-network reimbursement
A psychiatric evaluation, sometimes called a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, is a structured clinical assessment used to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or mood-related conditions. It's different from a psychological evaluation, which typically involves standardized testing for cognitive or personality assessment. A psychiatric evaluation focuses on symptoms, history, and clinical judgment to reach a diagnosis and build a treatment plan, often including a discussion of whether medication is appropriate.
An evaluation is appropriate for anyone experiencing symptoms that are affecting daily functioning, whether that's persistent low mood, anxiety that won't ease, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, or a pattern of behavior that friends or family have raised concerns about. An evaluation is also the standard first step before starting or changing any psychiatric medication, even if a diagnosis already exists from a previous provider.
The evaluation covers current symptoms, when they started, and how they've changed over time, alongside psychiatric history, medical history, and family history. Providers also assess daily functioning, including sleep, appetite, work or school performance, and relationships. This isn't a checklist exercise; it's a structured conversation intended to understand the full pattern behind the symptoms, not just match them to the nearest diagnosis code.
A comprehensive evaluation typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, longer than a standard medical appointment, because an accurate diagnosis depends on real depth rather than a rushed intake. By the end, most patients leave with a working diagnosis and a treatment plan, which might include medication, a referral to therapy, or a recommendation for further evaluation if something more specific, like neuropsychological testing, is needed.
It's worth scheduling an evaluation if symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, are affecting work, relationships, or daily functioning, or if a previous diagnosis or medication doesn't feel like it fits. Earlier evaluation generally means a shorter path to an effective treatment plan.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation typically includes a review of behaviors and symptoms, complete medical history, and in some cases lab testing to rule out an underlying medical cause, the same structure patients can expect at a well-run evaluation anywhere.
⚠ This content is for informational purposes only. No medication should be started, stopped, or changed without guidance from a qualified psychiatric provider. All treatment decisions at Gimel Health are made following a comprehensive in-person or telehealth evaluation with Michael Feldman, PA-C.
Six focus areas. Click any to see the full approach.
Treatment for depression, bipolar, PMDD, and
complex mood patterns.
Specialized care for chronic worry, panic, PTSD,
and obsessive thoughts.
Treatment for depression, bipolar, PMDD, and
complex mood patterns.
Medical and medication support for anorexia,
bulimia, and binge eating.
Treatment for insomnia, rage, and impulse
control challenges.
Treatment-resistant cases, psychosis,
schizoaffective, autism spectrum.
Three steps. No surprises.
Tell me what's going on. I'll tell you if I'm
the right fit — or refer you to someone
who is.
Full clinical assessment.
We review full medical & psychiatric history, prior treatments, symptoms and
goals together.
Founder · Physician Assistant–Certified
Most psychiatric prescribing is trial-and-error. My background in
molecular biology — MSc from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with
research at the Weizmann Institute and Mt Sinai — lets me think about
your case at the level of biological pathways, not just symptom
checklists. That means fewer wasted medication trials and a clearer
rationale for every decision.
Adults, adolescents, and children with anxiety, depression, ADHD,
bipolar disorder, OCD, eating disorders, and complex or treatment-
resistant cases. I work especially well with patients who've been let
down by rushed 15-minute medication checks elsewhere.
A 60-minute initial evaluation — in person at my Fort Lee office or via
telehealth anywhere in NJ or NY. We'll go through your full history,
current symptoms, prior treatments, and biological context. You leave
with a clear diagnosis and a specific medication plan, not a maybe.
FOUNDER VIDEO
Watch: Why I founded Gimel Health
Verified Google reviews
5.0 ★ · View all reviews on Google
One of the most nicest, kindest and considerate doctors I met. He went over with me thoroughly on the documents and was generous enough to explain me everything that I asked. I think he is a real doctor of people and not just someone that's write prescriptions.
Michael is an amazing professional! He truly invests in his patients and provides care and feedback even during off hours. Although we have only been using his services for a short time, he already stands out as caring, knowledgeable, and confident in his approach. We plan to continue using his services and would absolutely recommend him to anyone!
Dr Michael Feldman is an amazing doctor. He prescribed the proper medication in the right dosage for me. He did this because he listens and asks very good questions. I highly recommend him
Michael Feldman is a wonderful and caring P.A. He always gives 100%. He listens attentively and provides many insights I would never thought of by myself. I find having him in my corner invaluable and I could not recommend him more highly. He's the best!
Michael Feldman is an excellent doctor! Very knowledgeable, attentive to patient's needs, caring, great bedside manners! Highly recommend!
I met Michael Feldman after years of search and trial and error. If you look for a professional who is invested in his patient's progress, research-oriented, with a deep understanding of the body-mind connection and a wholistic approach to treatment, look no further.
I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Feldman and truly feel fortunate to have found such a compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatrist for my teenager son. From the very first appointment, they took the time to listen without judgment and made me feel genuinely understood. Their explanations were clear, thoughtful, and grounded in evidence, which helped me feel confident in my treatment plan. The office staff is also friendly and efficient, making scheduling and follow‑ups easy. I highly recommend Dr. Feldman to anyone seeking a psychiatrist, especially for children.
My dad was recommended to see Dr. Feldman through his psychologist. He got him on track with medication and I finally feel like he’s himself again. Speaks Hebrew fluently as well which was a plus. Would recommend to anyone looking for an attentive and kind professional. Thank you!!
I was looking for support in working through my trauma. From the very first moment, I felt a comfortable atmosphere, even though the meetings were held via Zoom. It was clear that Mikhail was truly listening and delving into the problem. After each session, I felt empowered and calm. I definitely recommend Mikhail Feldman as an excellent specialist.
Great medication management! I was worried about the correct path to take to improve my mental health, and Michael really helped to properly explain my options and recommending the right medication. Highly recommend!
Dr. Feldman is very professional, intelligent, and highly knowledgeable. Appointments always run on time. After we switched to him, he immediately recognized that the previous diagnosis was incorrect. We’re very confident in his care and look forward to continuing with him.
Gimel Health accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, and others commonly offered through New Jersey employers. Coverage for psychiatric medication management varies by plan — our administrative team will verify your benefits before your first appointment so there are no surprises.For patients whose plans do not cover psychiatric services, competitive self-pay rates are available. We believe cost should not be a barrier to receiving an accurate psychiatric diagnosis and effective medication management.
Things patients usually want to know before reaching out.
A psychiatric evaluation focuses on diagnosing conditions through clinical history and symptom review, often leading to a medication-inclusive treatment plan. A psychological evaluation typically involves standardized testing for cognitive functioning, personality, or specific learning differences, and is usually conducted by a psychologist rather than a psychiatric provider.
No formal referral is required. Patients can self-refer directly by phone or online, though some insurance plans require a referral for out-of-network reimbursement, worth confirming with your plan beforehand.
Often, yes, though some cases require a follow-up visit or additional information before a diagnosis is finalized. The goal of the evaluation is accuracy, not speed.
Yes, in most cases. Depending on the medications being considered, an in-person visit may be required for certain controlled substances under New Jersey law, this is confirmed as part of scheduling.
Gimel Health operates on a self-pay basis, with a detailed superbill provided at every visit so patients with out-of-network benefits can seek reimbursement directly from their insurer.
New patient slots are typically available within 1-2 weeks. A free 15-minute discovery call is also available first to confirm fit before scheduling a full evaluation.
I personally read every inquiry and respond within one business day.
(201) 815-4351
440 West Str, Ste 307 Fort Lee, Bergen County, NJ 07024
Mon–Thu · 9am–7pm Fri · 9am–3pm
A surprising number of people put off getting evaluated because they assume a psychiatrist works like a specialist referral from a primary care doctor. It doesn’t usually work that way, and…
The night before a first psychiatric evaluation is when most of the anxiety happens, not during the appointment itself. Patients often arrive expecting either a rapid-fire questionnaire or an…
A patient starting sertraline for the first time often asks the same question in a different form: why this drug, and not one of the dozen others with a similar-sounding name. The honest answer is…
If you have been searching for OCD treatment providers, you have probably noticed how varied the options are. Some practices offer OCD medication and refer out for therapy. Others offer exposure and…
If you have searched for pills for anger because you or someone you live with cannot get a handle on irritability and rage, the first thing worth knowing is that anger is not its own diagnosis in…
Roughly three-quarters of menstruating people experience some form of premenstrual syndrome, but the symptoms vary enormously in severity. For many, lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter options…
If you are considering a psychiatric evaluation NYC and have never been through one before, the unfamiliar process can feel uncertain. What questions will you be asked? How long does it take? What…
If you grew up hearing the term “manic depression” or you are looking for manic depression medication for yourself or a family member, you have probably noticed that the term shows up…
A PMDD diagnosis is one of the most frequently missed and most frequently mis-given in psychiatric care. People with PMDD often go years without a diagnosis while being told they have anxiety,…
Comprehensive services are designed for each individual. Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Eating Disorders,
Psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric conditions.
Sign up to our newsletter
