Questions & answers

Dr. Bekker provides psychiatric care for adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns. Her primary areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and peri- and postpartum depression, among other mental health conditions.

Treatment is individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, previous treatment experiences, and personal goals.

Appointments with Dr. Bekker are available Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

Your initial evaluation is a comprehensive psychiatric assessment designed to understand the full picture of your mental health. Dr. Bekker will review your current symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, previous treatments, medications, family history, lifestyle, and any factors that may be contributing to your concerns.

The appointment is also an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. If appropriate, recommendations may include medication management, psychotherapy referrals, lifestyle modifications, laboratory testing, or additional evaluations.

Every treatment plan is individualized and developed collaboratively based on your unique needs.

Follow-up frequency is individualized based on your treatment needs and progress. During the early stages of treatment, appointments are typically scheduled about once a month so Dr. Bekker can monitor your response to treatment, evaluate effectiveness and tolerability, and make adjustments when necessary.

As symptoms improve and treatment becomes more established, appointments may generally be spaced every two to three months, based on Dr. Bekker’s clinical judgment and your individual needs.

At the end of each visit, Dr. Bekker will recommend when you should be seen again. Follow-up appointments are not scheduled automatically, so patients are responsible for contacting the office to reserve their next appointment. Because the schedule may fill approximately one month in advance, we recommend scheduling within the timeframe discussed with Dr. Bekker rather than waiting until a prescription refill or other need arises.

At the end of each appointment, Dr. Bekker will recommend an appropriate follow-up timeframe based on your individual needs. Please note that appointments are not scheduled automatically. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact our office to book their next visit. Because many patients reach out promptly after their sessions, the schedule often fills up about a month in advance.

Yes. Dr. Bekker provides secure, HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry appointments, allowing patients to receive psychiatric care from the comfort and privacy of their own home.

Telehealth appointments offer the same comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and follow-up care as traditional office visits for many mental health conditions. Research has consistently shown that telepsychiatry is an effective and convenient way to receive psychiatric treatment for many patients.

For telehealth visits, patients must be physically located in a state where Dr. Bekker is licensed to practice medicine at the time of the appointment. If medication is prescribed, prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy whenever appropriate and permitted by state and federal regulations.

Yes. You do not need to be new to psychiatric treatment to benefit from a fresh evaluation. Many patients seek a second opinion because they are unsure about a previous diagnosis, continue to experience symptoms despite treatment, have concerns about medication side effects, or simply want to explore whether another approach may be appropriate.

Dr. Bekker takes a comprehensive look at your current symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, previous diagnoses, medications you have tried, treatment response, and other factors that may be affecting your mental health.

A second opinion does not necessarily mean changing your diagnosis or medication. Sometimes it confirms that your current treatment is appropriate; in other cases, a different diagnosis, medication strategy, lifestyle intervention, therapy approach, or additional evaluation may be worth considering.

The goal is to provide greater clarity about your symptoms and treatment options so that you can make informed decisions about your mental health care.

Absolutely. Sleep plays an essential role in emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and overall mental health. While occasional sleepless nights are common, persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed can significantly affect your mood, concentration, energy, and ability to manage everyday stress.

Sleep disturbances and mental health conditions often have a bidirectional relationship, meaning that poor sleep can contribute to psychiatric symptoms, while conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD can also interfere with healthy sleep patterns.

Common signs that poor sleep may be affecting your mental health include:

• Increased anxiety, irritability, or emotional sensitivity
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions
• Persistent fatigue or low motivation
• Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities
• Worsening symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Difficulty managing stress or regulating emotions
• Racing thoughts or excessive worry at bedtime
• Feeling mentally exhausted despite spending adequate time in bed

Sleep difficulties may also be influenced by factors such as chronic stress, medication side effects, hormonal changes, inconsistent sleep schedules, or underlying medical conditions, including sleep apnea.

Dr. Yana Bekker takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating sleep-related concerns, considering both psychiatric and medical factors that may be contributing to symptoms. When appropriate, treatment may include medication management, adjustments to existing medications, behavioral and lifestyle recommendations, and coordination with sleep specialists or therapists who provide cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

The goal is not simply to improve the number of hours you sleep, but to address contributing factors, improve sleep quality, and support better emotional and cognitive functioning.

If ongoing sleep difficulties are affecting your mood, concentration, relationships, or daily life, a psychiatric evaluation may help identify underlying concerns and guide you toward appropriate treatment.

Yes. Dr. Bekker participates with many major commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum.

If Dr. Bekker is in-network with your specific plan, your financial responsibility is generally determined by your individual insurance benefits. Depending on your plan, this may include a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. The practice does not require an additional deposit or upfront payment beyond the patient’s applicable insurance responsibility.

Please note that the practice is out-of-network with Medicare, Medicaid, and other state or government-sponsored health plans, including Marketplace plans.

If we are in-network with your insurance, you are only responsible for whatever your plan’s benefits require for you to pay. We do not ask for any deposits or upfront payments.

For example: if your plan has a per visit co-payment or a deductible, then that is all you pay.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. Because psychiatrists have completed medical school and specialized residency training in psychiatry, they are uniquely qualified to evaluate mental health symptoms within the broader context of a person’s physical health, medical history, medications, lifestyle, and emotional well-being.

Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medications when appropriate, provide supportive psychotherapy, and recommend lifestyle or behavioral changes as part of an individualized treatment plan. They may also collaborate with therapists, psychologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals when additional or specialized care would be beneficial.

While both psychiatrists and psychologists play important roles in mental health care, their training and scope of practice differ. Psychologists typically hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are physicians and can incorporate medical evaluation and medication management into psychiatric treatment.

Dr. Bekker takes a comprehensive approach to psychiatric care, considering biological, psychological, medical, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms. Treatment is individualized based on each person’s concerns, history, treatment goals, and response to care.

You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to benefit from psychiatric care. If symptoms such as anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, obsessive thoughts, trauma-related symptoms, insomnia, or emotional distress are interfering with your work, relationships, or quality of life, a psychiatric evaluation may help.

Even when you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, an evaluation can provide diagnostic clarity and help identify the most effective treatment options.

If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or a learning disorder, seeing a psychiatrist may seem like an obvious step. But even when symptoms aren’t as clear, a psychiatrist can help you understand what’s really going on. Mental health issues often show up in subtle ways, like low energy, poor sleep, irritability, or trouble concentrating, and a proper diagnosis can be the first step toward feeling better.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who look at the whole picture. They consider your physical health, emotional well-being, life stressors, and habits to understand how these factors affect your mental state. This holistic approach allows for a personalized treatment plan that might include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It’s about treating the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Even if you’re not in crisis, psychiatric care can help you improve focus, sleep better, handle stress, and feel more in control of your life. Whether you’re going through a difficult time or just feel off, a psychiatrist can help you move toward long-term mental and emotional wellness.

Many people assume psychiatrists are only for those with severe depression or overwhelming anxiety, but the truth is that anyone can benefit from seeing one. Life can bring stress, changes in mood, trouble focusing, or difficulties with sleep that aren’t always easy to sort out. A psychiatrist can help you figure out what’s really going on and give you a clear diagnosis when things feel confusing.

Since psychiatrists are medical doctors, they look at the full picture of your health, both mind and body. They can check whether your symptoms are connected to a medical condition, explore how your past experiences and current challenges may play a role, and guide you toward the best treatment options. This might include therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication when needed.

Even if you’re not in crisis, talking to a psychiatrist can bring clarity and peace of mind. It’s about more than just treating problems. It’s about understanding yourself better, building coping skills, and finding balance so you can feel and function at your best.

When you’re looking for help with your mental health, it can be confusing to know which professional, or team, is right for you. Each plays an important role in supporting your well-being, but they differ in their training, approach, and the kind of care they provide.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed 5–6 years of medical school, at least a year working in general medicine and surgery, and a further 6+ years of specialized training in mental health.

Because they are medically qualified, psychiatrists can:

• Assess your mental state in the context of your overall health
• Diagnose mental health conditions using a biopsychosocial approach (considering your personal history, family, culture, environment, and medical factors)
• Provide psychological therapies
• Prescribe and manage medications
• Help you develop a plan for recovery and ongoing wellness

Many psychiatrists also focus on specific patient groups or conditions, developing deep expertise in areas like mood disorders, ADHD, or trauma.

Psychologist

Psychologists hold a degree in psychology and have advanced postgraduate training in understanding human thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Clinical psychologists, in particular, are highly skilled in assessing psychological issues and providing evidence-based therapy.

While they are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication, psychologists excel in helping people better understand how their mind works, develop coping strategies, and make meaningful life changes.

Psychotherapist

A psychotherapist is a trained mental health professional, often a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or social worker, who specializes in psychotherapy (talk therapy).

They help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in depth, and may guide you through strategies to resolve issues, improve relationships, or change unhelpful patterns. Psychotherapy can be short-term and goal-focused, or long-term and exploratory, depending on your needs.

Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)

A CMHT is a collaborative group of mental health professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and more, working together to provide comprehensive care.

They combine their different skills to support people with a wide range of mental health concerns, often coordinating with other services like primary care, housing support, and social services. This approach ensures that treatment addresses both medical and practical aspects of mental health recovery.

Choosing the right support

The best type of professional for you depends on your needs, goals, and preferences. Sometimes, the most effective care comes from a combination of these services, ensuring you receive the right expertise at the right time.

Not necessarily. While psychiatrists are trained to prescribe and manage medications when appropriate, medication is not the right solution for every individual or every situation.

During your initial evaluation, Dr. Bekker will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Based on this comprehensive assessment, she will discuss the available treatment options and make recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

For some patients, medication may be an important part of treatment. For others, improvements may be achieved through psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, stress management strategies, improved sleep habits, or a combination of approaches.

Treatment decisions are made collaboratively, with the goal of developing a plan that is both effective and aligned with your preferences and comfort level.

Finding the right medication is often a process, and it’s important to remember that not every medication works the same way for every individual. While many people experience meaningful improvement with their first medication, others may require adjustments before finding the treatment that works best for them.

If your medication is not providing the expected benefit, Dr. Bekker will carefully review several factors, including your diagnosis, dosage, length of treatment, side effects, medical history, lifestyle, and any other medications you may be taking. Depending on your individual circumstances, treatment may involve allowing additional time for the medication to work, adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or considering an alternative treatment approach.

Psychiatric treatment is highly individualized, and finding the most effective plan sometimes requires patience and collaboration. Throughout the process, Dr. Bekker works closely with each patient to monitor progress, address concerns, and make thoughtful adjustments with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome while minimizing side effects.

Many people who do not respond well to their first medication ultimately find significant improvement with the right treatment plan.

Yes. Anxiety can cause a wide range of physical symptoms, and for many people these symptoms are actually more noticeable than the emotional feelings of anxiety. Because anxiety activates the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” response, it can produce very real physical sensations that sometimes mimic medical conditions.

Common physical symptoms of anxiety include:

• Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Chest tightness or chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle tension or aches
• Headaches
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble concentrating or “brain fog”

Although anxiety can cause these symptoms, it is important not to assume anxiety is always the cause. New, severe, or persistent symptoms should first be evaluated by a medical provider to rule out an underlying medical condition.

Once medical causes have been excluded, a psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether anxiety is contributing to your symptoms. Effective treatment, which may include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, medication, or a combination of these approaches, can often lead to significant improvement in both emotional and physical symptoms.