SUDEEPTA VARMA, M.D.

Dr. Varma treats individuals and couples.

Psychiatric Services offered:  

• Psychiatric Consultation/Evaluation
• Treatment for: depression, anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder
• Individual psychotherapy (with and without medication)
• Split treatment and collaboration for medication management with other therapists
• Couples therapy and sex therapy
• Issues related to cultural identity
• Stress related to work performance
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Emotional Eating
• Sleep disturbances
• Women's issues-body image, self-esteem, romance, sexual issues
• Stress Management
• Job Loss

. My philosophy

My approach to stress reduction

 "I help clients with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues through insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral talk therapy, both with and without medications. I am a board-certified psychiatrist, a professor at NYU Langone, a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a TV contributor. I have done research and published in the field of stress. I believe in achieving results through compassionate care. I work with both men and women, often at a cross-roads in love, work, and personal goals. I will take the time to carefully understand your unique issues so you feel thoroughly understood.

As previous medical director treating 9/11 victims, I worked with individuals in extreme conditions. I adapted what I learned and now apply this resiliency and coping model to "everyday stress"- relationship, work conflicts. When I do recommend medication, I usually have a comprehensive discussion with you about this-discussing benefits and side effects. I start with the lowest dose necessary, and carefully monitor my clients. As part of the initial evaluation and on-going sessions, a thorough psycho-social-medical history will be conducted. I may suggest addressing medical issues that could be affecting your mental health, i.e., vitamin deficiencies, (and make appropriate referrals when necessary), look at exercise, diet, connecting with others, decreasing work stress, and having more fun. Being engaged in your life through meaningful activities and connections with others helps decrease our isolation. I believe in addressing all the relevant aspects of your life as part of our holistic and comprehensive approach to stress reduction. I will recommend yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness activities.

My patients often tell me that although they appreciate my solid background in medicine,/psychiatry/psychopharmacology,and psychotherapy, they mostly appreciate having found a warm and caring therapist that is non-judgmental and has an "excellent memory and understanding of each individual's unique journey ." "

My approach to medication

"I offer psychotherapy with and without medication. Many patients are reluctant to take medication for understandable reasons. I am very sensitive to this issue and will take the time to evaluate you properly and only when deemed necessary, will present you with medication options. 

I will discuss the risks and benefits and monitor you carefully for side effects. If you are already in treatment with a therapist, I can work with your therapist to provide a consultation to determine if you could benefit from taking medications if needed.

Many of the medications available for the treatment of depression and anxiety today have very little side effects and are not habit forming. Approximately 80% of people respond to medications for depression/anxiety and notice significant improvements in their mood, energy, concentration, sleep and appetite as well as improved self-esteem, body image, better communication and productivity in the work place as well as in interpersonal relationships.

In milder forms of anxiety or depression, talk therapy can be just as beneficial as taking medication. I offer therapy with and without medication. Therapy offers the opportunity to understand oneself as well as learn important skills to manage stress and can be long lasting."

-Dr. Varma