FAQs

    • The intake process typically takes place over the course of 2-3 sessions. I do not typically start a new medication, refill an existing prescription, or stop a medication you are already taking during the first session. Rather, we will spend 60 minutes getting to know each other. I will try to get a sense of your personal history, any treatment history you may have, and treatment goals. And you will hopefully try to get a sense of whether I am a good fit for you. You are strongly encouraged to ask questions and feedback is always welcome. The first session will typically last for approximately 60 minutes, while subsequent sessions range from 30 to 45 minutes. 

  • Psychodynamic psychotherapy is typically 1-2 sessions weekly, while psychoanalysis is 3-5 sessions weekly; I typically offer psychoanalysis 4x weekly. The treatment plan we will establish at our first session will lay out the frequency of treatment I recommend for you, and we can go from there. We can also work collaboratively to increase or decrease the frequency of treatment as needed.

  • The cost of psychotherapy varies depending on the length of the session, the frequency of your sessions, and whether I am providing medication management, psychotherapy, or both. I will provide you with a fee schedule during your intake session. I accept cash, check, and credit cards.

  • Not at this time. I do accept sliding-scale fees depending on your ability to pay; we can discuss that further in session.

    • I require 24 hours’ notice for switching from in person to virtual sessions, or vice versa, unless you have a fever or contagious illness. In that case, please stay home and rest up! 

  • I require 24 hours' notice for cancellations. If you need to cancel your session, please contact me as soon as possible. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be charged the full fee for the session.

  • I am a licensed psychiatrist pending board certification and have completed two different training courses on psychodynamic psychotherapy through the New York Psychoanalytic Institute and Society, where I am currently a candidate pursuing additional training in psychoanalysis.

    • My approach to treatment is inspired by a wide range of psychodynamic theories and principles and centers around whole-person wellbeing, rather than symptoms and diagnoses. Treatment centers around understanding and changing lifestyle choices and patterns that lead to distress and dissatisfaction with the goal of increasing your sense of an integrated personal identity with a coherent set of values, goals, and life practices. Instead of making medication management the main focus of treatment, I use medication as a tool to achieve these larger, person-centered goals. My approach to medication management acknowledges the ways that the relationship between doctor and patient impacts every aspect of psychiatric practice - including how effective the medication is and how many side effects you may experience. I therefore prioritize creating an effective partnership that will help make your treatment more meaningful and more useful to you.

    • You can contact me by email at contact@hannahkrystalmd.com. I typically respond to emails within 24 hours.

    • If you feel that you are in a crisis and cannot wait for an appointment, please contact 911, 988, or go to the nearest emergency room. 

    • Please consider reaching out to these additional resources for immediate support:

      • Suicide Prevention Hotline Phone (Free, 24/7): 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

      • Safe Horizons Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) 

      • Confidential free NYC hotline 24/7: Call 1-888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), or Text “WELL” to 65173