CONSULTATIONS

I conduct comprehensive evaluations and formulate extensive treatment plans. The first step in the process is to contact me by phone or email if you are interested in obtaining an evaluation.  You can email me at info.estherkimmd@gmail.com or call 917.512.5641.  If I am not able to answer the phone please leave your name, phone number and the best times to reach you, and I will call you back. The initial phone conversation will take several minutes and I can answer any questions you may have.

Once we schedule an initial appointment, evaluations consist of one or more office visits, which includes an extensive history, as well as a review of relevant documentation and phone contact with clinicians, medical providers, and school contacts, as appropriate.  This helps me to gain better understanding of the issues leading to the consultation and it will also allow me to formulate the best and most appropriate treatment plan for you, your family, or your child.

At the end of the consultation process, I will provide you feedback and the best treatment recommendations. Treatment recommendations can include psychopharmacology; natural treatments; various modalities in individual psychotherapy, i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy; other types of psychotherapy, i.e., couples therapy or family therapy, organizational skills training, and/or parent management training. Treatment may include working together or providing referrals, when appropriate, to provide the best care.  I also work with psychotherapists in split treatment.

Adults

Initial evaluation sessions for adults are generally 60–90 minutes in length, usually split over one or more sessions.

Children and Adolescents

Evaluations for children and adolescents generally consist of two sessions.  The initial session will be a 120-minute session, during which I will meet with the child or adolescent alone for part of the time and with the parents or guardians alone for part of the time.  There will be a second shorter session that usually involves the parents or guardians only to discuss feedback and treatment planning.

Preparation for the Evaluation

In preparation for the evaluation, please try to obtain copies of the following materials and bring them to the initial appointment:

  • Written summaries of prior mental health treatment

  • Prior psychiatric evaluations

  • Neuropsychological/Psychological/Academic evaluations

  • Report cards

  • Recent Physical Exams

  • Auditory/visual evaluations

  • Medical evaluations or laboratory/diagnostic tests

  • List of prescription and over the counter medications

  • Any evaluation forms or symptom questionnaires if you filled them out before the appointment

For younger children, please bring a family member, a friend, or babysitter to be with your child while you are speaking with the doctor.

In addition, as indicated above, you are invited to fill out Initial Patient forms prior to your initial interview.  You can request these forms by email or mail when you schedule your initial appointment.  We will discuss everything in person, but the forms and background history can streamline and focus our work together and facilitate the initial interview.  It is completely optional.

I aim to provide the best care possible to you, but please be advised that the evaluation process takes time and I am not able to accommodate urgent appointment requests.  If you ever have an emergency, please call 911 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.

TREATMENT

Upon completion of the evaluation, treatment visits may be time-limited or long term and can comprise of:  

  • Psychopharmacology (medication management)

  • Psychotherapy (i.e., psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, mindfulness, breath work, organizational skills training, parent management training)

 

PRIVACY

Your privacy is always of the utmost importance to me and I will not release your information without obtaining a written consent.  All your personal information and records are kept secure and confidential.  The only situation where I may be required to compromise your confidentiality is in the case of an emergency, a situation of imminent danger to your life or the life of another person.