Q&A

What conditions does Dr Bekker treat?

What are Dr Bekkers office hours?

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

What can I typically expect in regards to appointment frequency as a patient?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often involves weekly hour-long sessions, appointments with Dr. Bekker are typically less frequent. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Bekker focuses on monitoring progress, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, and making any necessary adjustments. During the early stages of treatment, visits are usually scheduled once a month. As stability is achieved and positive outcomes are observed, appointments may be spaced every 2 to 3 months, based on Dr. Bekker’s clinical judgment.

How does scheduling work?

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.

Does Dr Bekker accept insurance?

Yes, Dr Bekker accepts most major commercial insurances. These are usually employer sponsored insurance plans, that include Aetna, Anthem Bluecross Blueshield, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford and United Healthcare (Optum).

***The practice is Out-of-Network with all state insurance plans, inlcluding all plans through Medicaid, Medicare, and the Marketplace.

How does insurance billing work?

If we are in-network with your insurance, you are only responsible for whatever your plans 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.

How does a psychiatrist support individuals with mental health concerns?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialized training in mental health care. They are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and provide a range of treatments, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapy. Because each person’s needs are different, psychiatrists develop individualized treatment plans based on a thorough evaluation.

What Is a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. A common area of confusion lies in distinguishing psychiatrists from psychologists—while both play essential roles in supporting mental wellness, their training and scope of practice differ.

Psychologists typically focus on providing talk therapy and other evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches to help individuals manage emotional and behavioral challenges. They hold advanced degrees (PhD or PsyD) but are not medical doctors and generally cannot prescribe medication.

In contrast, psychiatrists have completed medical school and specialized residency training in psychiatry. This medical background enables them to evaluate the biological, psychological, and social components of mental health conditions and, when appropriate, prescribe medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In addition to medication management, many psychiatrists are also trained in psychotherapy and may provide talk therapy themselves or collaborate closely with psychologists and other therapists to ensure holistic, individualized care.

This integration of medical and therapeutic expertise allows psychiatrists to tailor treatment approaches that best meet the unique needs of each patient.

How can working with a psychiatrist improve your mental health and overall well-being?

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.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a psychotherapist, and a community mental health team?

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.

What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Psychiatrist?

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.

more Q&A

Coming soon…

Insurance Accepted

Dr. Yana Bekker is an in-network psychiatrist with the following commercial insurance plans: