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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Our Psychiatric Care, Treatment, & Services

This FAQ page provides clear answers to common inquiries about our practice, telepsychiatry services, insurance coverage, medication management, and more. Whether you're a new or existing patient, find the information you need to make informed decisions about your mental health care.

What services does Dr. Gajiev offer?

Dr. Gajiev is a Board-Certified psychiatrist in New York, specializing in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalized treatment plans for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. He focuses on evidence-based psychiatry and collaborates with psychologists and therapists to provide holistic, coordinated care.

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Where is Dr. Gajiev’s practice located?

Dr. Gajiev’s psychiatric practice is based in New York City, serving patients across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and surrounding areas. He offers telepsychiatry services to patients throughout New York State, providing convenient, secure, and HIPAA-compliant virtual care.​

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How do I know if I need a psychiatric evaluation?

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like depression, anxiety, mood swings, difficulty focusing, or sleep disturbances, a psychiatric evaluation can help uncover underlying mental health conditions and guide the creation of an effective, personalized treatment plan.

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What is the process for an initial mental health evaluation?

During your initial evaluation, Dr. Gajiev will review your medical history, discuss current symptoms (such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD), and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication management and referrals for therapy if needed.

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How do I know if I need a psychiatrist for anxiety?

If anxiety interferes with your daily life—causing constant worry, panic attacks, or sleep disturbances—it’s time to consider seeing a psychiatrist. Dr. Gajiev provides diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based medication management for anxiety and related disorders.

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Does Dr. Gajiev treat anxiety and panic disorders?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev specializes in treating a wide range of anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Phobias. His treatment approach includes medication management and, when appropriate, collaboration with therapists who provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy. He helps patients manage symptoms such as excessive worry, panic attacks, restlessness, and sleep disturbances.

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Does Dr. Gajiev treat social anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev offers medication management and evidence-based treatments for social anxiety, specific phobias, and panic disorders. He also works closely with therapists specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy for more complex cases when specialized behavioral treatments are needed.

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Does Dr. Gajiev provide treatment for depression?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev offers evidence-based psychiatric care for individuals experiencing depression, including Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia). Through comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management, he helps patients reduce symptoms such as persistent sadness, fatigue, low motivation, and difficulty concentrating. When needed, Dr. Gajiev also coordinates with therapists for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other talk therapies to support holistic recovery.

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What is Dr. Gajiev's approach to treating ADHD?

Dr. Gajiev provides Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and medication management for both inattentive ADHD symptoms and hyperactivity management in adults. He collaborates with therapists who focus on improving attention, focus, impulse control, time management and executive functioning training, and offers telepsychiatry for ADHD, making it convenient for patients with busy schedules.

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Does Dr. Gajiev provide treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev offers comprehensive treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through medication management and care coordination. His approach focuses on reducing intrusive thoughts, managing compulsive behaviors, and improving overall quality of life. While he handles medication management directly, he also collaborates with therapists who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard for OCD treatment.

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Does Dr. Gajiev offer treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev provides virtual psychiatric care for individuals struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His treatment focuses on medication management to help reduce symptoms such as hypervigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Dr. Gajiev also collaborates with trauma-focused therapists for patients who may benefit from specialized interventions like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE).

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Does Dr. Gajiev offer treatment for insomnia and sleep issues?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev provides evaluations and medication management for insomnia and related sleep disorders. He also coordinates with therapists who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) , sleep hygiene training, and other non-pharmacological approaches to improve sleep quality, any related underlying issues, and overall well-being.​

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What’s the difference between psychiatry and psychotherapy?

While many therapists focus on talk-based methods, such as CBT, DBT, IFS, or ACT, psychiatrists can also diagnose conditions and prescribe medications. Dr. Gajiev focuses on psychiatric evaluations and medication management while collaborating with psychologists and psychotherapists for a holistic treatment approach.

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How do I choose the right psychiatrist in New York?

When selecting a psychiatrist, consider credentials, specialization, and accessibility. Dr. Gajiev is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in New York with expertise in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, offering both in-person and telepsychiatry services.​

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Does Dr. Gajiev offer telepsychiatry services?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev provides HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry services in New York, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. These virtual psychiatrist visits make quality mental health care accessible from the comfort of your home.

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Are virtual psychiatry appointments as effective as in-person sessions?

Yes. Studies show that telepsychiatry is equally effective for many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. Virtual sessions offer flexibility and convenience without compromising quality of care.

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Does Dr. Gajiev offer second opinions on mental health diagnoses?

Yes. If you’re unsure about a current diagnosis or want a second opinion, Dr. Gajiev offers comprehensive reviews, including fresh psychiatric evaluations and medication management recommendations.

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What does psychiatric medication management involve?

Medication management includes assessing the right medication and dosage, monitoring side effects, and making adjustments to optimize treatment. Dr. Gajiev specializes in evidence-based medication strategies for anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, and insomnia.

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Can I have my medications refilled through telehealth?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev offers online prescription refills and manages medication adjustments through virtual appointments, ensuring continuous care for his patients.

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Can I discuss switching medications or adjusting dosages?

Absolutely. Dr. Gajiev offers psychiatric medication reviews to fine-tune your treatment. Whether you’re considering a switch in antidepressants or exploring alternative, non-habit-forming anxiety medications, he ensures each plan supports your mental well-being.

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Can I use my insurance for psychiatry appointments?

Dr. Gajiev accepts select insurance plans for psychiatric services and telehealth. Currently accepted insurances include Aetna, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, and 1199. Contact our office or your insurance provider to confirm coverage for psychiatric evaluations and medication management.

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What if my insurance doesn’t cover psychiatric services?

If your insurance doesn’t fully cover psychiatric care, you can still see Dr. Gajiev as a private-pay patient. Our office can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

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Does Dr. Gajiev accept private-pay patients?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev welcomes private-pay patients seeking personalized psychiatric care without the limitations of insurance. This option offers greater privacy and confidentiality, flexibility in treatment plans, and priority scheduling without pre-authorization delays. We also provide superbills for patients seeking out-of-network reimbursement through their insurance provider.

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What are the costs for private-pay services?

•   Initial Psychiatric Evaluation: $350
•   Follow-up Medication Management: $150

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How should I prepare for my first telehealth appointment?

Please ensure a private space with a stable internet connection, and have your medical history, a list of current medications, and any specific concerns ready to discuss.

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How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Gajiev?

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at (718) 407-4775 or using the online request form on our website, linked below.

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Can I see Dr. Gajiev if I’m outside of New York City?

Of course. Although based in New York City, Dr. Gajiev offers telepsychiatry services to patients across New York State. All appointments are conducted securely online, giving you access to quality psychiatric care from the comfort of your home or office.

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Does Dr. Gajiev offer psychiatric care in Russian?

Yes. Dr. Gajiev offers psychiatric services in both English and Russian, ensuring accessible care for a diverse patient base.

© 2025  by Elchin Gajiev, MD, DO

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