Our Reviews
General Practice Reviews
Finally found my person
"After years of feeling like just another number at other practices, Different Approach NP in Psychiatry actually lives up to its name. James takes the time to really listen, and Bibiana makes everything so much easier to navigate. I've never felt more supported in my mental health journey. The office in Manhattan is comfortable and welcoming, and I actually look forward to my appointments now."
Professional yet personal
"What I appreciate most is how James balances being incredibly professional with genuinely caring about me as a person. He remembers details from previous sessions and asks about things that matter to me. Bibiana is amazing too—she handled my insurance authorization without me having to stress about it. This is what healthcare should feel like."
Game changer for my mental health
"I was hesitant to try another provider after some disappointing experiences, but I'm so glad I found Different Approach. The combination of medication management and therapy with the same provider is exactly what I needed. No more miscommunication between different doctors. James gets it, and the whole team makes you feel like you matter."
Affirming care that actually affirms
"As a queer person, I've had to explain myself to too many therapists. Here, I can focus on my actual mental health instead of educating my provider about LGBTQ+ issues. James understands the unique challenges we face, and it makes such a difference in treatment. This is truly affirming care, not just a rainbow sticker on the website."
Worth every penny
"The level of care here is exceptional. Appointments never feel rushed, and James really takes time to understand what's going on with me. Bibiana is incredible—she follows up on everything and makes sure I never have to worry about the administrative stuff. Yes, quality care costs money, but this is an investment in my wellbeing that's paying off."
Comprehensive Medication Management Reviews
No more medication roulette
"I spent two years with my previous psychiatrist trying different medications that either didn't work or had terrible side effects. James took the time to understand my specific situation and found the right medication on the second try. He monitors everything closely and actually listens when I report how I'm feeling. Finally have stability in my medication routine."
Personalized approach that works
"What sets James apart is how he considers my whole life when prescribing medication. He asked about my work schedule, sleep patterns, and even my exercise routine to find something that would work with my lifestyle. The medication I'm on now actually enhances my life instead of disrupting it. That's never happened before."
Patient and thorough
James explains everything—why he's recommending specific medications, what to expect, potential side effects, and how we'll monitor progress. I never feel like I'm blindly taking pills. When I had concerns about one medication, he worked with me to find alternatives. This is what medication management should be like."
Bibiana saves the day
"My insurance was being difficult about authorizing my medication, and I was about to run out. Bibiana handled everything—called the insurance company multiple times, worked with my pharmacy, and even helped find a temporary solution while waiting for approval. I never missed a dose thanks to her dedication."
Collaborative care
"I love that James involves me in medication decisions. He presents options, explains the pros and cons, and respects my preferences. When I wanted to try a non-stimulant ADHD medication first, he supported that choice and worked with me to make it successful. True partnership in my care."
Individual Psychotherapy Reviews
Real tools for real life
"Therapy with James isn't just talking in circles. He gives me practical strategies I can actually use when life gets overwhelming. I've learned to manage my anxiety in work meetings and handle relationship conflicts better. The tools he teaches actually work in the real world, not just in theory."
Safe space to be myself
"I've never felt judged here, even when sharing my most difficult thoughts and experiences. James creates an environment where I can be completely honest about what's going on in my head. That kind of safety is rare and essential for real therapeutic work. I'm making progress I never thought possible."
Finally understands my background
health
"As a Black woman, I've had therapists who didn't understand the unique stresses I face. James gets the intersection of mental health and identity in a way that makes me feel truly seen. I don't have to spend sessions explaining cultural context—we can focus on healing."
Flexible and responsive
"James adapts his approach based on what I need each session. Sometimes I need to process emotions, other times I need concrete problem-solving strategies. He follows my lead while gently guiding me toward growth. It's exactly the kind of flexible therapy I didn't know I needed."
Patient with my process
"I'm not the fastest to open up or make changes, but James never makes me feel like I'm moving too slowly. He meets me where I am and helps me progress at my own pace. This patience has been crucial for my healing process. I finally feel like I have a therapist who gets it."
Anxiety Treatment Reviews
Life-changing anxiety relief
"My anxiety was controlling every aspect of my life—work, relationships, even simple daily tasks. James helped me understand what was happening in my brain and gave me tools to manage panic attacks. I'm not 'cured,' but I'm living my life again instead of being held hostage by anxiety. The improvement has been remarkable."
Practical strategies that actually work
"I've tried generic relaxation techniques before with little success. James taught me anxiety management strategies tailored to how my anxiety specifically shows up. The breathing techniques he taught me have stopped several panic attacks, and I feel more confident handling stressful situations."
No judgment about my fears
"My anxiety includes some irrational fears that I was embarrassed to discuss. James never made me feel silly about them. Instead, he helped me understand why they developed and worked with me to gradually reduce their power over me. I can drive on highways again—something I avoided for years."
Combination approach works
"James recommended both therapy and medication for my anxiety, and the combination has been incredibly effective. The medication helps with the physical symptoms while therapy gives me long-term coping skills. I appreciate having both approaches from one provider who coordinates everything."
Social anxiety breakthrough
"I avoided social situations for years because of my anxiety. James helped me gradually challenge myself in safe ways and build confidence. I recently attended a friend's wedding and actually enjoyed myself instead of spending the whole time in the bathroom. These might seem like small victories, but they're huge for me."
Depression Support Reviews
Hope when I had none
"I came to James at my lowest point—couldn't get out of bed, couldn't see any point in trying. He didn't minimize my pain or give me false positivity. Instead, he helped me take tiny steps forward and celebrated each small victory. I'm not completely better yet, but I have hope again, and that's everything."
Understands complex depression
"My depression isn't just sadness—it's numbness, exhaustion, and feeling disconnected from everything. James gets that depression shows up differently for everyone. He helped me identify what my depression actually looks like and created a treatment plan that addresses my specific symptoms."
Gentle but effective approach
"James never pushed me to feel better faster than I was ready for. He worked with my pace while still encouraging growth. The combination of therapy and medication has helped me rediscover parts of myself I thought depression had taken away permanently. I'm engaging with life again."
Long-term depression finally treated
"I've been depressed for over a decade and had given up hope that anything would help. James took my long history seriously and tried approaches other providers hadn't considered. For the first time in years, I'm experiencing genuine moments of joy. I forgot what that felt like."
Addresses root causes
"James doesn't just treat symptoms—he helps me understand contributing factors to my depression and work on those too. Whether it's family dynamics, work stress, or past trauma, he addresses the whole picture. This comprehensive approach is helping me heal at a deeper level."
OCD Treatment Reviews
Finally someone who gets OCD
"I've had therapists tell me to 'just stop' my compulsions or dismiss my obsessive thoughts as 'not real.' James understands that OCD is a medical condition requiring specialized treatment. He's helped me gradually reduce my rituals without feeling overwhelmed. My OCD doesn't control my life anymore."
No shame, just support
"My OCD involves intrusive thoughts that I was too ashamed to tell anyone about. James created such a safe environment that I was able to share these thoughts without fear of judgment. He explained that these thoughts don't reflect who I am as a person. That understanding alone was incredibly healing."
Gradual progress that sticks
health
"James doesn't rush the process. We work at a pace that feels manageable, gradually reducing the power my obsessions have over me. I can now leave my house without checking the locks fifteen times. These changes feel sustainable because we built up to them slowly."
Medication and therapy combination
"The medication James prescribed significantly reduced my obsessive thoughts, making it easier to engage in therapy work. Having both treatments from one provider means everything is coordinated perfectly. My OCD symptoms are the most manageable they've been in years."
Reclaimed my time
"I was spending hours each day on compulsive behaviors. James helped me understand the cycle and gradually break free from it. I now have my evenings back instead of being trapped by rituals. The quality of my life has improved dramatically."
ADHD Management Reviews
Adult ADHD finally taken seriously
"I was diagnosed with ADHD at 32, and James was the first provider to really understand how it had been affecting my entire life. He helped me process the grief of missed opportunities while building practical strategies for moving forward. I finally have systems that work with my brain instead of against it."
Work-life balance achieved
"My ADHD was destroying my career and relationships. James helped me find the right medication and taught me organizational strategies that actually stick. I can focus during meetings now and follow through on commitments. My whole life feels more manageable."
Emotional regulation breakthrough
"I didn't realize that emotional dysregulation was part of my ADHD. James helped me understand this connection and develop strategies for managing intense emotions. I'm not exploding at my partner anymore, and our relationship is so much stronger."
Comprehensive ADHD care
"James addresses all aspects of ADHD—attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and the anxiety that often comes with it. He doesn't just throw medication at the problem; he helps me understand my brain and develop practical life skills. This holistic approach is exactly what I needed."
No more ADHD shame
"James helped me reframe ADHD as a different way of thinking rather than a defect to fix. He celebrates my creativity and energy while helping me manage the challenging aspects. For the first time, I feel proud of my neurodivergent brain instead of ashamed of it."
