TELEMEDICINE INFORMATION
Telemedicine has proven to be a very effective tool. We are committed to the integration of telemedicine into our ongoing practice to better serve our patients.
Doxy.me enables HIPAA secure audio/video sessions and is an effective way to work together. Doxy.me can be used on mobile devices, tablets, and computers. You will need a working webcam camera and/or microphone (most laptops and cellphones have this capability). We suggest being connected to the Internet for higher quality video calls.
After your appointment is scheduled you will receive an appointment confirmation email including a link to connect to the call. At the time of your scheduled appointment, simply copy the link into your web browser and follow the instructions to check-in. The providers will initiate the call at your scheduled time.
There is no app to download or install. If you are using an iPhone for your video call, you will need to copy the link into Safari or you can use Chrome. If you are using an Android, you will need to copy the link in Chrome. Doxy.me can be used with any browser on any type of computer (Macs and PCs).
Clinician Doxy.me links:
Alan Wachtel, MD: doxy.me/fha
Alana O’Leary, LCSW: doxy.me/aolearylcsw
Alberto Escallon, MD: doxy.me/FHA2
Jonathan Wachtel, MD: doxy.me/drjwachtel
Kristi Bracchitta, PhD: doxy.me/Bracchitta
Laura Andreski, DO: doxy.me/drandreski
Lisa Rosner, LCSW: doxy.me/fhalisarosnerlcsw
Lisa Scionti, PsyD: doxy.me/drscionti
Paula Dorinson, PhD: doxy.me/drdorinson
Richard Ripaci, LCSW: doxy.me/richardrepaci
Scott Tessler, PsyD: doxy.me/drtessler
Victoria Schattner, PhD: doxy.me/drschattner
Group Account: doxy.me/fhagroup
Quick Links
About Us
Familyhealth Associates is an integrated, multidisciplinary private practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of attentional, behavioral, depression, anxiety, mood and learning disorders. Under the direction of renowned psychiatrist Alan B. Wachtel, M.D., a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Familyhealth Associates uses a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating children, adolescents, adults and families.
We are unique in offering the value of a “boutique practice” – timely, highly-personalized, comprehensive and integrated care.
Our treatment team includes board-certified adult and child and adolescent psychiatrists (English and Spanish speakers; men and women), neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and executive functioning coaches. Our services are provided in person and remotely using a secure telehealth platform via a computer or mobile device.
We recognize that children, adolescents and adults with attention deficit disorder, depression, anxiety, mood and other psychiatric disorders learn or work differently, and frequently experience a high degree of stress, confusion, and self-doubt. Their behavior and its ramifications often impact the entire family unit. Our approach uses a biopsychosocial model that addresses the physical, social and emotional well-being of the individual and their family.
Our offices are located in the business district of White Plains in Westchester County and on the Upper East Side of New York City.
Our clinical and administrative staff operates during normal business hours Monday - Friday. Many of our clinicians are also available outside of these hours.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please email pc@myfhany.com, call 914-428-8563 or 212-722-0860, or click to Request an Appointment. You can also go to our website’s Frequently Asked Questions page by clicking on FAQ.
Our Services
Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
We believe that coordination and integration of care are essential to successful outcomes. We are committed to our multi-disciplinary approach in which professionals within Familyhealth Associates bring their expertise together for the benefit of each individual/family. We recognize the importance of family and encourage participation of family members at appropriate stages of treatment. Since attentional and other psychiatric disorders have a genetic component, many patients of Familyhealth Associates are multiple members of the same/extended family. We have the resources to address each member separately, by a different team member as appropriate, while integrating the invaluable knowledge of the family and team collaboration.
We recognize that parental involvement is critical to the treatment of children and adolescents. We regularly discuss each child/adolescent’s progress with their parents so that pertinent supports and adjustments may be made. When appropriate, a Familyhealth professional will consult with a child’s school faculty or may visit the school to observe a child in an academic setting. When educational remediation is prescribed, we are available to liaise with the educational therapist and the school. We consult with a patient’s physician and other professionals outside our practice who are working with the patient. We have ongoing relationships with placement consultants, should a higher level of care be needed.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations and Diagnoses A comprehensive, detailed evaluation by highly trained professionals is the first step in diagnosing emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Our psychiatrists are neuropsychopharmacologists who specialize in diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric and behavioral disorders.
The initial psychiatric evaluation is to establish a comprehensive diagnosis. For a child or adolescent, the evaluation focuses first on getting to know the patient and their family, and obtaining information from one or more parents. This will include information on current and previous symptoms of concern, screening for potential comorbid psychiatric symptoms/disorders, and reviewing medical, family, developmental, and social histories. Information from a neuropsychological evaluation or teacher reports, if available, may be helpful to review but are not necessary for the evaluation. The last part of the evaluation is to meet the parent(s) to discuss the clinical impressions, treatment recommendations and to address any questions/concerns before we proceed with treatment.
During the evaluation for an adult, we assess current and past signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders, developmental, psychological and social issues, family history, and treatment history and obtain collateral information, as appropriate.
Neuropsychological and Educational Diagnostic Testing Evaluations Our neuropsychologists provide in-depth, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations using a full battery of neuropsychological testing materials. In-school observation may be part of this process. Based on the diagnosis, they create educational and treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual. Test results may be shared by parents with their child’s school and other professionals working with their child.
Medication Management Once a patient is diagnosed with a disorder, we answer all questions and communicate options (medication and non-medication) with the patient and, if appropriate, their family. If a patient would benefit from medication, we may recommend the use of third-party pharmacogenomic testing as a tool to determine the individual’s receptivity to specific medications. We practice evidence-based medicine and consult with our patients’ primary care clinicians, outside therapists and schools, as appropriate. We order laboratory or other testing when indicated.
Our board-certified psychiatrists recommend the best, most advanced medications with maximum efficacy and safety, with the fewest potential side effects, as customized for each patient. We have established relationships with specialized pharmacies that may provide medications at the best prices.
Prescribed medication is closely monitored and adjusted, as appropriate. We recommend incorporating physical exercise, balanced nutrition, and good sleep habits into daily life. We encourage the inclusion of various forms of therapies, as appropriate, to maximize successful outcomes.
Psychotherapy Our psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and social workers provide psychotherapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and families to address depression, anxiety, mood and other disorders. We help children recognize and change detrimental behavioral patterns and learn healthier behavior. In our treatment of adolescents, we focus on the development of the emerging adult within each teen. Individual, couple and family therapies are available to address complex interpersonal and social dynamics. As an integrated multidisciplinary team, we collaborate closely with the patient’s entire team.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) We offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a short-term, solution-focused type of psychotherapy, that targets specific behaviors and thought patterns. The goal of this treatment is to teach patients to achieve positive changes by utilizing helpful strategies and coping skills. It effectively addresses the high degree of stress, confusion, and self-doubt that children, adolescents and adults who learn or work differently or behave unpredictably frequently experience.
Executive Function Coaching
Our executive function coaches teach students and adults how to organize, plan, prioritize, manage time, maintain focus, self-assess, and study/work efficiently. We assist in development of self-management skills for success at school, work and home.
We do not offer a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program.