What Is a Psychiatrist? Your Questions Answered.

Everything you need to know about psychiatric care, what to expect at your first appointment, and how Harmony Mind Psychiatry can help.

General Questions About Psychiatry

A psychiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions. At Harmony Mind Psychiatry, Dr. Nabintou Bakayoko is a dual board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 20+ years of experience — trained to evaluate your mental health, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy.
 

A psychiatrist can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. A therapist provides talk therapy but cannot prescribe. Dr. Bakayoko at Harmony Mind offers both psychiatric evaluation and psychotherapy, giving you comprehensive mental health care in one place.

 

A psychiatrist (or psychiatric nurse practitioner) can prescribe medication and provide therapy. A psychologist holds a PhD and provides therapy but typically cannot prescribe medication. For conditions that may require medication — such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder — a psychiatrist is usually the right first step.

 

If you are experiencing symptoms that may benefit from medication — such as persistent anxiety, depression, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or sleep problems — a psychiatric evaluation is the best starting point. Dr. Bakayoko will assess your needs and recommend the right treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, or both.

 
 

Consider seeing a psychiatrist if your symptoms are affecting your ability to work, maintain relationships, or enjoy daily life. Common signs include persistent sadness or anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, or thoughts of self-harm. You do not need a referral to book at Harmony Mind Psychiatry.

 

Appointments & Booking

Book directly online at harmonymindpsychiatry.com/booking. No referral needed. Same-week appointments are available. You can also call (332) 233-7881 or email info@harmonymindpsychiatry.com.
 

Most new patients are seen within one week. Dr. Bakayoko personally reviews every new patient inquiry and responds directly. Weekend appointments are available at all three locations.

 

Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation lasting approximately 45 minutes. Dr. Bakayoko will take time to understand your history, concerns, and goals — then work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. There is no rush and no judgment.

 

Yes. Harmony Mind Psychiatry offers HIPAA-compliant telehealth appointments for patients throughout New York and New Jersey. Telehealth is available for most conditions including medication management, therapy, and follow-up visits.

 
 

We are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and Saturday through Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. Telehealth appointments are also available during these hours.

 

Insurance & Fees

Yes. We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, and 200+ additional plans. Contact us to verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
 

Initial session: $250 (45 minutes). Ongoing sessions: $175 (30 minutes). We also offer self-pay options for patients without insurance coverage.

 

Yes. Harmony Mind Psychiatry accepts Medicare at all three locations. Telehealth services are also available for Medicare patients throughout New York and New Jersey.

 

Contact us at (332) 233-7881 or info@harmonymindpsychiatry.com and our team will verify your coverage before your appointment. You can also check directly with your insurance provider using our NPI number.

 
 

Conditions We Treat

Dr. Bakayoko treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and more — for adults, adolescents, and seniors. View our full conditions list on the Services page.
 

Yes. Harmony Mind Psychiatry offers child and adolescent psychiatric care including ADHD evaluation, anxiety treatment, depression, and behavioral issues. Our Bronx location is particularly well-positioned to serve families in the area.

 

Yes. Medication management is one of our core services. Dr. Bakayoko evaluates, prescribes, and monitors medications for anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more — with regular follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.

 

Our Locations

Harmony Mind Psychiatry has three locations: the Bronx (1000 Hoe Ave, Bronx, NY 10459), Manhattan Upper East Side (954 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021), and Linden, NJ (1025 W St Georges Ave, Suite 5, Linden, NJ 07036). Telehealth is available throughout New York and New Jersey.
 

Yes. Our Bronx location at 1000 Hoe Ave is currently accepting new patients with same-week availability. Call (332) 233-7881 or book online.

 

Still Have Questions? We’re Here.

Call (332) 233-7881, email info@harmonymindpsychiatry.com, or book directly online. Same-week appointments available in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Linden, NJ — plus telehealth throughout New York and New Jersey.