What to Expect at Your First Psychiatric Evaluation
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…
Precision psychiatric care for the full bipolar spectrum, from accurate diagnosis to medication and therapy, for patients across New Jersey and New York.
Self-pay practice · Superbill provided for out-of-network reimbursement
Bipolar disorder is a mood condition marked by shifts between emotional highs and lows that can affect energy, sleep, judgment, and daily functioning. With accurate diagnosis and consistent care, it is highly manageable. I provide precision psychiatric care across the full bipolar spectrum, helping you understand your specific diagnosis and build a treatment plan that supports long-term stability rather than only easing symptoms in the moment.
Bipolar disorder is not a single condition. Bipolar I involves full manic episodes that may include psychosis, while Bipolar II involves hypomania alongside longer depressive periods. Cyclothymic disorder brings chronic mood shifts that are less intense but still disruptive. Identifying which pattern fits your experience is the first step, because the type shapes the treatment approach and the medications most likely to help.
Manic and hypomanic phases can bring elevated mood, racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive decisions. Depressive phases can bring low mood, fatigue, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating. Because the depressive side is often more frequent and more disabling, bipolar disorder is sometimes mistaken for depression. Tracking the pattern of episodes over time is central to an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis relies on a structured clinical evaluation rather than a checklist. I review your history of mood episodes, sleep and energy patterns, family history, and any co-occurring anxiety or substance use, using established diagnostic criteria. Getting the diagnosis right matters, because treatment for bipolar disorder differs from treatment for depression, and the wrong medication can sometimes worsen mood instability.
Treatment usually combines medication with therapy and lifestyle support. Mood stabilizers, and in some cases antipsychotics or carefully chosen antidepressants, help reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes, while therapy supports emotional regulation and steady routines.
Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, and consistent follow-up is what keeps it stable. I monitor your response over time, adjust the plan as your symptoms and life change, and watch for co-occurring concerns such as anxiety, sleep problems, or substance use. Whole-person care, including attention to sleep, nutrition, and routine, supports both mood stability and overall wellbeing.
⚠ 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.