Finding the Right Psychiatrist New York Needs: Real Talk About Mental Health
It can feel really heavy when you know you or someone you care about needs help. Maybe you feel sad all the time. Maybe your adolescent child is having trouble in school. Or perhaps you’re just trying to figure out why things feel off. Finding a good Psychiatrist New York can be tough, especially in a big city like this. You want someone who gets what it’s like to live and work here, from Lower Manhattan stress to the busy life in Midtown. We know that New Yorkers face unique health challenges.
We’re here to help you sort through it all. We are a trusted Mental health clinic and Mental health service right here in the New York city area. We don’t just give out diagnoses. We listen. We give you a safe, clear path forward. Our job is to give you the facts, the advice, and the expert psychiatric care you need. We understand these health challenges and offer an approach to care that is personalized. We are an outpatient clinic focused on your needs. We are part of the larger New York State health system committed to behavioral health care. We also offer telehealth options for easier access to services.
Comprehensive Mental Health Service for the New York Community
Neuropsychological testing is just one part of quality mental health care. A strong Mental Health Service looks at the whole person—not just symptoms or test results. Our outpatient mental health services are designed to support children, adolescents, and adults across New York City with compassionate, coordinated care. From initial evaluations to ongoing treatment, we help you understand what’s happening and what steps come next, without confusion or judgment.
Our mental health service brings together psychiatrists, psychologists, and other licensed mental health professionals to create a clear, personalized care plan. Whether you need therapy, medication management, school or workplace documentation, or ongoing behavioral health support, everything works together in one place. In a city that never slows down, we provide steady, reliable care that helps you feel supported, informed, and empowered to move forward.
Is It Time to See a Doctor? Understanding Psychiatric Testing and Psychiatry
Lots of folks in Brooklyn and Queens ask us, “How do I know if this is just a bad week or if I need professional help?” That’s a great question. When feelings or behaviors start to stop you from living your normal life—missing work, fighting with family, or feeling worried all the time—it’s time to talk to an expert psychiatrist. This is a core part of psychiatry and behavioral health.
Psychological and Psychiatric Testing is often the first, best step. Think of it like a roadmap. These tests don’t put you in a box. They just help us understand exactly what’s going on inside. This is how we figure out the best way to help you feel better. Our team uses the latest methods to check your thinking, feelings, and behavior patterns. We have extensive experience in this field of psychiatry. This helps us improve your health outcomes.
Our Services
When Thoughts Need a Check-Up: Neuropsychological Testing
You may hear the term Neuropsychological Testing, and it can sound very complex. It’s not! It’s just a special way to look at how your brain is working. For example, maybe you or a child has been struggling to pay attention or remember things since a concussion.
We use specific, fun tasks to check things like:
- Memory Issues: Why are you forgetting things more often?
- Problem-solving skills
- How fast you process information
- Language skills
This kind of evaluation is vital for understanding problems like ADHD, or figuring out the effects of an injury. It gives us a clear picture of your brain’s strengths and where it needs support. We’re proud to offer this specialized service to our New York community as part of our outpatient mental health offerings.
Getting the Right Support for Students: Psycho-Educational Testing
Parents in Staten Island often come to us when their child is struggling in school, and the teachers aren’t sure why. Is it a focus problem? Is it how they read? Psycho-Educational Testing helps us answer those questions. We work closely with school social worker professionals.
This testing looks at two big things: a student’s smarts and how they learn. It can show if a child has a Learning Disability, like dyslexia or dysgraphia. It is the key to getting special services or a special learning plan at school. This can make all the difference for a child who feels frustrated or behind. We offer child psychiatry and are experts at finding the hidden potential in every young person in NYC. This is essential mental health support.
TESTING FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
Tailored Neuropsychological Evaluations and Assessments
At Comprehend the Mind, our evaluations and assessments are customized to address each patient’s specific needs. After testing is finished, instead of delivering a brief summary of findings, our team offers thorough reports with actionable recommendations.
A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment tests brain functions, including memory, learning,
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attention, and cognitive ability, while also accounting for psychiatric, social-emotional, and genetic factors.
This is the most common and comprehensive of all the evaluations.
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Educational evaluations are designed to help a student succeed by assessing their strengths,
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weaknesses, and learning style, as well as any learning disorders such as Dyslexia and Dyscalculia.
This evaluation will also reveal any other factors at play, such as processing speed and memory issues.
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When mood disorders, anxiety, anger, behavioral problems, or other issues are a
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concern, a comprehensive mental health assessment can provide guidance on the right course of therapy and/or medication.
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The Psychiatric Fitness-for-Duty Examination (FFDE) provides unbiased information that can be
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used to help determine the ability of an individual to safely and effectively perform their job.
We offer this examination for both individuals and their employers (e.g. law enforcement, military, teachers).
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We offer forensic evaluations and expert witness testimony in multiple areas
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: Personal and catastrophic injury, Immigration and hardship (N-648, medical waiver), Medical malpractice,
Child custody, Special education, Guardianship Article 17.
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• Bariatric surgery
• Gender reassignment and affirmation surgery
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Help for Kids and Families: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Working Together
Kids are not just small adults; their brains and feelings work differently. We help families in the Upper East Side and beyond with tough issues. We have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists dedicated to this. We offer family therapy as part of our services for children.
Autism Testing and Support
When parents notice their child isn’t hitting typical milestones for speech or social interaction, it can be scary. We offer expert Autism Testing for children. Getting a clear diagnosis of Autism early is so helpful. It opens the door to therapies that can really change a child’s life for the better. We look at social skills, repetitive behaviors, and how a child communicates. This is part of our comprehensive mental health approach.
Dealing with Behavior Problems
Every kid has a bad day, but when a child’s Behavior Problems are constant and severe, it’s a sign they need help. This could look like terrible tantrums, hitting, or being defiant. We help families understand why the behavior is happening and give them tools to manage it and teach the child better ways to cope.
Addressing Developmental Delays
Sometimes a child is just a little behind. Sometimes it’s more. We look at many different kinds of Developmental Delays, including problems with how a child learns, moves, or talks. Our psychiatrist can treat mental health conditions across the lifespan.
Speech / Language Delays and Problem
When a child can’t express themselves or understand others well, it causes big stress for the whole family. We work with families on all kinds of Speech / Language Delays and Problem issues to help kids find their voice.
Finding Relief for Mood and Worry: Psychiatry Practice and Treatment Plan
It’s completely normal to feel down or stressed sometimes. But what about when that feeling doesn’t go away? Our Psychiatrist New York team helps people every day with very common mental health issues and mental health conditions. This is the heart of psychiatry. We offer an array of services to address various mental health needs.
Lifting the Weight of Depression
If you feel like you’re walking around with a heavy blanket over you—no energy, no interest in things you used to love—that could be Depression or even postpartum depression. It’s a real medical issue, and you don’t have to just “power through” it. We offer proven mental health treatment, including medication management and psychotherapy, to help you feel lighter and get back to your life. We also treat treatment-resistant depression.
Managing Anxiety and OCD in the City
Life in New York is fast, and it can feed anxiety. If you’re worrying too much, having panic attacks, or find yourself avoiding normal situations, we can help. We use cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based methods. This includes treating OCD. We teach you practical, real-world tools and new coping skills to calm your mind and take control back from the worry.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Psychotic Disorders
Bipolar Disorder, or just bipolar, involves big mood swings, from very high energy (mania) to very low (depression). It can make your life feel chaotic. We also treat psychotic disorders and other forms of serious mental illness. Our adult psychiatrist specializes in diagnosing and managing these mood disorders so you can have a more stable, predictable life.
Other Common Mental Health Challenges
We also help with severe sleep problems like insomnia and with personality disorders. Our goal is quality patient care. We provide outpatient and sometimes coordinate inpatient care and hospitalization if needed. We work with the New York State Department of Health and mental hygiene offices. We develop a treatment plan together.
Specialized Expert Services and Our Psychiatry Program
We do more than just therapy and general testing. We also offer highly specialized, detailed psychiatric evaluations and behavioral health services for unique situations. Our integrated outpatient mental health services are key.
Our Psychiatrist New York practice includes a Forensic Psychology Practice. This means we are hired to do evaluation for courts and legal cases. This can involve criminal cases, family law, and more. Our experts are objective and respected. We can also help with assisted outpatient treatment.
We recognize that many people face challenges with both their mental health and substance use. We offer substance use treatment and health and substance use services as part of our integrated care model. We help with substance use disorder.
We recognize that many people face challenges with both their mental health and substance use. We offer substance use treatment and health and substance use services as part of our integrated care model. We help with substance use disorder.
Our Team: The Professionals Who Care
We believe in a team approach. You might work with a few different experts here at our psychiatry practice or health center. We look at mental health needs across the lifespan.
- Psychiatrist: This doctor, often a board-certified psychiatrist, can diagnose conditions and manage medicine. They are medical doctors first. You can make an appointment with one of our psychiatrists in NYC.
- Mental Health Professionals: Our team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and peer specialists who offer various care services and psychosocial support. They are the backbone of our mental health programs.
- Nurse Practitioner: Our dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializes in providing evidence-based psychiatric care.
We offer outpatient care and ensure continuity of care as you recover. We help people live successfully in the community. Our focus is on primary care integration with mental health care because physical health is connected to mental well-being. We offer outreach services and support groups for families. We provide an array of services to meet your health needs and services to address your mental health challenges.
Do you need to check your health insurance plan coverage? We can help you check your coverage and find the closest health clinic to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez
ABOUT US
We’re Recognized for Making an Impact
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, founder of Comprehend the Mind, works closely with our team of knowledgeable clinicians and staff at our Forest Hills, Queens location. A highly regarded expert in her field, Dr. Hafeez is often called upon by national media organizations to share insight and analysis on neuropsychology, neurodiversity, and emerging mental health issues.
PRAISE
“I had an incredible experience with Dr. Hafeez and her center. Firstly, they take insurance, which is unheard of for assessments. The process was thorough, and the office advised me of all my financial obligations upfront.”
Samantha T.
“Amazing. I felt heard, and no time was wasted. Really appreciate Dr. Hafeez!”
Heather R.
“She gave us her undivided attention, asked questions, answered all our concerns, and took her time to get to know us. I highly recommend her and her staff.”
Rachelle R.
“She gave us her undivided attention, asked questions, answered all our concerns, and took her time to get to know us. I highly recommend her and her staff.”
Rachelle R.
“Dr. Hafeez is clearly an expert in her field. She was able to explain things to me in patient-friendly terms that not many other doctors have been able to explain clearly. She took her time with my child and me, and truly seems to have my child’s wellbeing at heart.”
Daylahni J.
“Dr. Hafeez was warm, incredibly informative and insightful, and not only gave me techniques during our session, but showed me the testing I will have, which is very expensive without insurance. I left with a lot of clarity about the problems that have plagued me since childhood, and there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.”
Samantha T.
“Very nice and understanding, helped a lot in finding a good treatment plan. The office is eager to help, whether it be scheduling an appointment or giving you references for doctors under your insurance.”
Taylor B.
“She was very helpful, encouraging and warm. The consultation was not rushed, and she really gave the attention needed. In order to meet my schedule, she was very accommodating with making the follow-up appointment.”
Bilal B.
“It was great! I really feel like finally I found someone that understands. I am looking forward to my next visit.”
Myrna M.
“Dr Hafeez was very thorough, as well as kind. Recommend her to anyone needing evaluation.”
Isabell I.
“Everyone in the office was very knowledgeable and great. I will always recommend them to my friends, family, and coworkers, and anyone who needs their services.”
CD
“Dr. Hafeez is amazing! Everything she has told me is on point. Not only does she assess, but she tries to help and really goes above and beyond. I would recommend her any day.”
AM
“I had an incredible experience with Dr. Hafeez and her center. Firstly, they take insurance, which is unheard of for assessments. The process was thorough, and the office advised me of all my financial obligations upfront.”
Samantha T.
Comprehend The Mind-Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services
Address : 114-20 Queens Blvd Cs2, Forest Hills, NY 11375, United States
Phone number : +1 718-441-0166