Quick answer
Psychiatric medication management is ongoing care for medications that treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and related conditions. For New York adults, Dr. Farkas provides it by secure video anywhere in the state. Prescriptions go electronically to your pharmacy, as New York law requires, and controlled medications are checked against I-STOP before they're prescribed.
If you’re in crisis right now: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
Key Takeaways
- Every medication should have a purpose you can name, a way to measure it, and a plan for how long you'll take it.
- New York requires prescribers to check I-STOP before prescribing most Schedule II, III and IV medications.
- New York has required electronic prescribing for both controlled and non-controlled medications since 2016.
- Care for New York patients is by secure video while you're physically in the state.
What medication management covers in New York
Medication management covers everything after the prescription: choosing and adjusting doses, managing side effects, ordering labs, checking interactions and deciding when a medication can come down or stop. Dr. Farkas approaches it with a no-harm philosophy, so symptom relief shouldn’t come at the cost of how you live. For the broader service, see medication management.
New York adds two rules that shape every visit. Prescribers must consult the state’s I-STOP registry before prescribing most Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances, and nearly all prescriptions must be sent electronically.1,2
Who this care is for
- You take several psychiatric medications and want to know why each one is there.
- A medication helps, but side effects are wearing you down.
- You’re moving to New York or splitting time between states.
- You take lithium, lamotrigine or an antipsychotic that needs careful monitoring.
- You’re an older adult, or care for one, and worry about interactions or falls.
Guides in this series
Each guide answers one question in depth for New York adults.
How care works
Care starts with a 60 to 90 minute video evaluation, then follow-ups at a pace that matches how you’re doing. Labs are drawn at a lab near you, and prescriptions go electronically to your New York pharmacy. For controlled medications, the I-STOP report shows controlled prescriptions dispensed in New York over the past year.1
Dr. Farkas focuses on evaluation and medication management and coordinates with your therapist and primary care doctor, with your consent.
Evaluate
A full history, every medication and supplement, and baseline scores, all by secure video.
Simplify and target
Keep what's working, fix what isn't and remove what's no longer needed, one change at a time.
Monitor
Regular video follow-ups, local labs where needed, and a standing check on each medication.
Ready to talk it through with a psychiatrist?
Schedule nowGetting medication management in New York
Adults who are physically in New York State can be seen by secure video, whether you’re in Manhattan, on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley or upstate. There’s no New York office, so all New York care happens by video. The practice lists Aetna and Cigna as in-network plans; confirm your plan’s network status for New York care before booking. Self-pay patients receive a superbill and a written good faith estimate.
For complex regimens, a structured treatment review can come first.
The bottom line
Medication management in New York should leave you knowing why you take each medication and how you'll know it's working. Care happens by secure video anywhere in the state, within New York's I-STOP and e-prescribing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get psychiatric medication management by video in New York?
Yes. Adults who are physically in New York State can be seen by secure video for evaluation and ongoing medication management. You'll need a private space and a stable connection. Prescriptions go electronically to your New York pharmacy, and labs are drawn at a lab near you, so there's no need to travel for routine care.
What is I-STOP?
I-STOP is New York's prescription monitoring program. Since August 27, 2013, most prescribers must consult it before prescribing Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances. The report shows controlled prescriptions dispensed in New York over the past year, which helps prevent dangerous combinations and duplicate prescriptions. A check is routine for every patient.
Why can't I get a paper prescription?
New York has required electronic prescribing for both controlled and non-controlled medications since March 27, 2016, with limited exceptions such as technology failures, approved waivers or prescriptions filled outside the state. Electronic prescriptions go straight to your pharmacy, which reduces errors and lost paperwork. If a pharmacy says it hasn't received a prescription, call the practice so it can be resent to the right place.
Does the practice take insurance for New York care?
The practice lists Aetna and Cigna as in-network plans. Networks can differ by state, so confirm your plan's status for New York care before booking. With other plans, you can pay directly and receive a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement, and self-pay patients receive a written good faith estimate first.
What if I'm in crisis?
If you might hurt yourself or someone else, call or text 988 or call 911 now. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and available around the clock. After any crisis, tell your psychiatrist so the treatment plan can be reviewed and adjusted.
How We Reviewed This Page
This page draws on primary sources including federal agencies (FDA, CDC, HRSA, USPSTF), South Carolina law and state agency notices, ACOG clinical practice guidelines and peer-reviewed research. It was written by Steven Lockhart and is pending clinical review by Gabriella I. Farkas, MD PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in South Carolina and New York. We review it at least every 180 days or when FDA labeling or clinical guidance changes.
What’s new: September 2026. Page published. Clinical review by Dr. Farkas pending before this page is marked reviewed.
References
- New York State Department of Health. PMP/I-STOP: Prescription Monitoring Program, Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing. Accessed September 2026. https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/professionals/narcotic/prescription_monitoring/
- New York State Department of Health. Electronic Prescribing: Mandatory Electronic Prescribing Effective March 27, 2016. Accessed September 2026. https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/professionals/narcotic/electronic_prescribing/
- Health in Aging (American Geriatrics Society). The 2023 Updated AGS Beers Criteria: Medications Older Adults Should Avoid. Accessed September 2026. https://healthinaging.org/medications-older-adults/medications-older-adults-should-avoid