Dr. Farkas brings a rare combination of credentials: MD/PhD in neuroscience (summa cum laude), training at one of four NIH research centers for schizophrenia, and direct involvement in pharmaceutical medication development (cariprazine). This combination of scientific depth, research center training, and pharmaceutical expertise is virtually unprecedented in private practice.

She specializes in treatment-resistant conditions—cases where standard care hasn't worked. Her comprehensive 30-60 minute initial evaluations and measurement-based monitoring ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.

Yes, Dr. Farkas is board-certified in psychiatry with specializations in adult and geriatric psychiatry. She maintains active medical licenses in South Carolina, New York, and Virginia.

Cariprazine is an antipsychotic medication FDA-approved for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It's considered a gold-standard treatment with favorable side effect profile compared to many other antipsychotics.

Dr. Farkas's involvement in cariprazine's development means she understands the medication's mechanism of action, pharmacology, and clinical applications at a level most prescribers don't possess. This enables more sophisticated prescribing and better management of its use.

Phone: 917-267-9678

Email: hello@pearlbh.com

New patient appointments typically available within 2-4 weeks. We'll confirm your preferred appointment time via phone or email.

Initial evaluation: 30-60 minutes for comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment planning.

Follow-up appointments: 20-30 minutes for medication monitoring, symptom assessment, and treatment adjustments.

Second opinion consultations: 60-90 minutes for comprehensive review of existing treatment and detailed recommendations.

Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Emergency situations are always understood.

Yes, Dr. Farkas accepts new patients. Given the comprehensive nature of evaluations, there may be a waitlist for new patient appointments. Contact us to discuss your situation and get on the schedule.

All appointments are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing. You'll need a device with a camera (computer, tablet, or smartphone), internet connection, and a private space for the appointment.

You'll receive a secure link via email before your appointment. Simply click the link at your scheduled time and connect directly to Dr. Farkas.

Research shows that telehealth psychiatric care is equally effective as in-person visits for most conditions. The key is clear communication, good video and audio quality, and a private, comfortable setting.

Dr. Farkas conducts the same comprehensive evaluations and provides the same level of care via telehealth as would occur in-person. The clinical depth and expertise don't change—only the delivery method.

• A device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
• Stable internet connection
• A private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted
• A clear view of your face on camera

Test your camera and audio before the appointment to ensure everything works smoothly.

Yes, absolutely. Dr. Farkas uses secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing with military-grade encryption. All sessions are private and confidential, protected by the same privacy standards as in-person visits.

The video platform does not record appointments without your consent, and your personal health information is never shared with third parties.

In-Network: Aetna, Cigna

Out-of-Network: We provide superbills for out-of-network coverage through other insurance companies. You submit the superbill to your insurance for reimbursement.

Contact your insurance company directly to verify coverage and out-of-network benefits.

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes billing codes allowing your insurance company to reimburse you directly. If you have out-of-network benefits, you can submit the superbill to your insurance for reimbursement.

This allows you to use Dr. Farkas's services even if she's not contracted with your insurance, and potentially receive partial reimbursement based on your out-of-network benefits.

We accept multiple payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. Payment is due at the time of service for out-of-network visits, or according to your insurance terms for in-network visits.

If you have questions about payment arrangements, please contact us at hello@pearlbh.com to discuss options.

You can still schedule appointments. Payment is due at the time of service. We offer competitive fees and accept multiple payment methods.

Contact us to discuss your situation and available options.

Not necessarily. Dr. Farkas recommends treatment based on your specific diagnosis, symptom severity, and individual circumstances. Some conditions respond well to therapy and lifestyle changes alone; others benefit significantly from medication; many require combination treatment.

During your evaluation, Dr. Farkas will discuss whether medication is recommended for your specific situation, explain the reasoning, and discuss alternatives.

This varies by medication class:

• Antidepressants: 4-8 weeks for full benefit (improvement may begin in 1-2 weeks)
• Stimulants: 30 minutes to 1 hour (fast acting)
• Anti-anxiety medications: Varies by type (benzodiazepines work within hours; buspiron takes 2-4 weeks)
• Mood stabilizers: 2-6 weeks for full effect

Dr. Farkas will explain the expected timeline for your specific medication during your appointment.

If a medication isn't working after an appropriate trial period, there are multiple options:

• Adjust the dose
• Switch to a different medication in the same class
• Switch to a medication with a different mechanism
• Add an augmentation agent
• Combine multiple medications

Dr. Farkas's pharmaceutical research background and treatment-resistant expertise make her particularly skilled at developing alternative strategies when first-line approaches don't work.