A psychiatrist is a physician i.e., a medical doctor (MD or DO), who went to medical school. As physicians, a psychiatrist has thousands of hours of actual hands-on training (generally this involves completing a 4-year residency training program) after completing medical school (usually about 4-5 years).

They can prescribe medications as well as offer psychotherapy, because of their intensive training along with a deep understanding of biology and mental health.

I work with adults aged 18 years to 65 years old.

In-person appointments are limited and offered on a case-by-case basis in Howard County and nearby areas. Services are presently rendered primarily via telehealth. I believe this model allows me to have a deeper outreach into the community and provide care across the states of Maryland and Virginia.

Yes! I am seeing new patients in Maryland and Virginia.

For new patient scheduling, please fill a new patient form on the main page or call us at 301-288-1028

I have worked extensively with a wide variety of individuals with various psychiatric conditions in many different settings and am able to work with most people. However, as a physician myself, I am quite familiar and sensitive to the challenges faced by my healthcare colleagues and enjoy working with them.

I strongly believe psychotherapy is invaluable as a tool in your care. If you are already working with a therapist, I recommend you to keep working with them. I will collaborate with them to coordinate your care.

An extensive review of your symptoms, diagnoses and other history will best dictate the course of your treatment options. If medications are recommended, a detailed discussion will be done to help you understand the risks-benefits associated with them.

Step One:

Schedule an initial screening consultation with Dr. Bhatia, usually by phone. If it is felt to be a mutually good fit, the next step involves setting up a more comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment.

Step Two:

A Psychiatric Assessment is an initial meeting with the psychiatrist, that lasts 60-90 minutes. A detailed review of your current needs, clinical symptoms, diagnostic formulation and treatment planning is done. Occasionally, a second meeting maybe required.

No formal patient-doctor relationship is established at this stage due to the nature of the visit being an initial consultation. At this point, if the doctor feels you need a different approach to your care, this maybe recommended. You are also able to continue looking for alternative approaches to your care if the recommendations do not align with your goals or expectations.

Step Three:

These are follow-up meetings, after a formal patient-doctor therapeutic relationship has been established and treatment interventions are initiated. These meetings can last approximately 30-45 minutes, to review your progress.

I do not take insurance, and the services are considered Out of Network (OON). I believe this model allows me to spend more time with patients and provide care as best as I see fit, without any pressure of time or unnecessary paperwork, and focus all my attention to you.

I can provide a superbill to submit to your health care plan for reimbursement, if you have Out-of-Network benefits. I recommend reaching out to your insurance carrier directly to review these.

Your information and care history is protected under the guidelines provided by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your information is confidential and private, as deemed by you, within the limitations of the law.

I believe in a patient-centric, patient-driven approach to care. If a medication is indeed indicated, extensive discussions regarding available treatment options will be provided. It is paramount to a good patient-doctor relationship to have a mutual agreement regarding the treatment plan.

Fees are discussed during the initial free screening consultation call.

Due to the nature of the practice, we are unable to respond quickly to urgent or crisis calls. It is recommended that patients go the nearest emergency room or call 911 in such an event. If you are an existing patient, you may request an earlier appointment through the portal (if available).

We respond to routine clinical requests within 1-2 business days.

I do not fill out any paperwork during the initial consultation. Selective paperwork may be occasionally completed for long-term established patients on a case-by-case basis.

I strongly recommend such patients seek out higher levels of outpatient care, for long-term impairments impeding work, as I believe it helps improve overall functioning and have clear goals of recovery.

Yes. Dr. Bhatia is a trained Forensic Psychiatrist and often provides expert witness testimony.

Attorneys or law firms seeking forensic consultations are encouraged to reach out to us directly via the website or calling the practice at 301-288-1028

Your appointment is time specifically reserved for you.

A 48-hour advance notice is required to avoid cancelation fees. Full payment of fees maybe applied for cancelation less than 48 hours prior to your appointment.

Please note, pre-payment of fees prior to the appointment is required.

Fill out the form listed on the website or call us at 301-288-1028 with your questions.