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…
Personalized, science-driven care for co-occurring ADHD and bipolar disorder, mood instability, and complex attention challenges, for patients across New Jersey and New York.
Self-pay practice · Superbill provided for out-of-network reimbursement
When ADHD and bipolar disorder occur together, the two conditions can amplify each other, and treatment that helps one can destabilize the other if the order is wrong. This overlap, often called comorbid ADHD and bipolar, calls for careful diagnosis and a plan built around your specific pattern of symptoms, mood episodes, and daily stressors rather than a generic protocol.
Impulsivity, emotional outbursts, and dysregulation can look like ADHD, like a manic episode, or like both. To tell them apart, I use structured diagnostic criteria, clinical interviews, and tools from the DSM-5, alongside a review of age of onset, family history, and the pattern of mood episodes over time. I also screen for anxiety, personality, and substance use disorders so the diagnosis is complete before any medication decision.
When ADHD and bipolar disorder occur together, mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine are generally established first. Stabilizing mood reduces the frequency and intensity of manic and depressive episodes and lowers the risk that a stimulant introduced later will trigger a manic or mixed state. In some cases an antipsychotic medication may be added to address more severe symptoms, always with careful monitoring.
Stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications can improve focus and impulse control, but in bipolar disorder they carry a real risk of worsening mood if used too early. Once mood is stable, I introduce ADHD medication gradually and monitor closely, adjusting dosing based on your response. The goal is better attention without destabilizing mood, which is why sequencing and follow-up matter as much as the medication itself.
Medication is one part of care. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and practical skill-building support emotional regulation and help you manage the executive function challenges common to both conditions. I also watch for mixed episodes, sleep disruption, and substance use, all of which can interfere with recovery. Consistent routines and regular check-ins keep the plan working over time rather than only during a crisis.
No two people experience ADHD and bipolar disorder the same way, so each plan accounts for symptom severity, lifestyle, and co-occurring conditions. I coordinate medication and therapy on an ongoing basis, reference longitudinal research and data from the National Institute of Mental Health, and adjust as symptoms change. The aim is a treatment plan that is both effective and sustainable for the long term.
⚠ 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.
I review full medical & psychiatric history, prior treatments, symptoms and goals together.
Medication plan, dosage refinement, and
regular check-ins.
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
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, and 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.
I personally read every inquiry and respond within one business day.