ADHD Psychiatrist in Brooklyn, NY
ADHD has become one of the most frequently discussed mental health conditions, but diagnosing it correctly is often more complicated than people expect. Difficulty concentrating, chronic disorganization, impulsivity, and poor executive functioning can all point toward ADHD, but they can also be caused by anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a combination of factors.
Dr. Beata Lewis provides comprehensive ADHD evaluations for adults, adolescents, and children in Brooklyn and throughout New York. Rather than relying on symptom checklists alone, every ADHD evaluation is designed to understand how symptoms developed, how they affect daily life, and whether ADHD is the correct diagnosis. Treatment recommendations are based on that evaluation and may include medication management, psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, or an integrative approach when clinically appropriate.
ADHD can affect every part of daily life, from managing responsibilities at work and staying organized at home to maintaining relationships and keeping up with school demands. The purpose of an ADHD evaluation is not simply to determine whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria, but to understand how symptoms affect daily functioning and what factors may be contributing to them.
Dr. Lewis evaluates children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing persistent difficulties with attention, executive functioning, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. Every evaluation includes a detailed psychiatric history, medical history, previous treatment, and a discussion of current concerns. This allows treatment recommendations to be based on a complete clinical picture rather than on symptoms alone.
Depending on the findings, treatment may include medication management, psychotherapy, executive functioning support, lifestyle recommendations, or integrative psychiatric care. Recommendations are individualized and adjusted over time as symptoms, responsibilities, and treatment response change.
When Is It Time to Schedule an ADHD Evaluation?
People seek an ADHD evaluation for many different reasons. Some have struggled with attention and organization for years, while others notice symptoms becoming more disruptive as work, school, or family responsibilities increase. A comprehensive assessment helps determine whether ADHD is present or whether another condition better explains those concerns.
Adults often seek an evaluation after years of struggling with organization, procrastination, missed deadlines, or difficulty managing increasing responsibilities. A comprehensive assessment helps determine whether ADHD is contributing to these challenges and what treatment options are most appropriate.
Children and adolescents may benefit from an evaluation when attention, impulsivity, organization, or emotional regulation begins affecting school performance, behavior, friendships, or family life. A careful assessment helps determine whether ADHD or another condition is contributing to these concerns.
Difficulty concentrating is not always caused by ADHD. Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, hormonal changes, thyroid conditions, and other medical concerns can produce similar symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation helps identify the underlying cause so treatment is based on an accurate diagnosis.
Making the Right Diagnosis
An ADHD diagnosis should answer more than one question. It should confirm whether ADHD is present, identify any conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, and provide a clear path for treatment.
A comprehensive assessment includes:
- Current symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Childhood, school, and work history
- Previous diagnoses and treatments
- Medical history and current medications
- Sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors
- Family history when relevant
Attention difficulties are not always caused by ADHD. Anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, thyroid conditions, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and other medical conditions can produce similar symptoms. When clinically appropriate, additional laboratory testing or medical evaluation may be recommended to rule out underlying medical causes.
By the end of the evaluation, you’ll have a clear understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options that best fit your needs.
Treatment Recommendations
Treatment begins after the diagnosis is clear. Every recommendation is based on the evaluation, current symptoms, medical history, and the patient’s daily responsibilities.
Medication Management
Medication may be recommended when it is likely to improve attention, executive functioning, and daily functioning. Treatment is carefully monitored and adjusted over time based on effectiveness, medical history, and any side effects.
Many patients benefit from psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), executive functioning strategies, organizational skills, and practical techniques that improve daily functioning at work, school, and home.
As a physician board-certified in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Lewis considers sleep, nutrition, physical health, lifestyle factors, and appropriate laboratory testing when they may be contributing to attention, mood, or cognitive performance. Recommendations are based on clinical findings rather than a standardized treatment approach.
ADHD frequently occurs alongside other mental health or medical conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, sleep disorders, learning differences, and certain medical conditions. Identifying these coexisting conditions is an important part of the diagnostic process because they can influence attention, executive functioning, and treatment recommendations.
Why Experience Matters in ADHD Care
ADHD shares symptoms with many psychiatric and medical conditions, making an accurate diagnosis especially important. Experience matters because similar symptoms can have very different underlying causes.
Dr. Beata Lewis is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist who is board-certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as board-certified in Integrative Medicine. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she evaluates ADHD across every stage of life, from childhood through adulthood.
Her background in both psychiatry and Integrative Medicine allows her to consider the full clinical picture before making treatment recommendations. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, she considers medical history, physical health, lifestyle factors, and coexisting conditions that may influence attention, mood, and cognitive function.
ADHD Care in Brooklyn & Throughout New York
Dr. Lewis provides ADHD evaluations and treatment for adults, adolescents, and children from Brooklyn and throughout New York City. Patients regularly visit the practice from Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, and surrounding neighborhoods.
For patients who qualify, telehealth appointments are available throughout New York State, making it easier to continue treatment while maintaining consistent follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have ADHD or anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety often share similar symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and feeling overwhelmed. In some cases, both conditions are present. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation helps determine what is contributing to your symptoms so treatment can be directed appropriately.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?
Many adults are diagnosed for the first time after work, family, or other responsibilities make long-standing attention difficulties more noticeable. Receiving a diagnosis later in life is common and often explains challenges that have been present for years.
Is medication always part of ADHD treatment?
No. Medication can be highly effective for many patients, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Treatment recommendations may include psychotherapy, executive functioning strategies, lifestyle modifications, medication, or a combination of approaches depending on your individual needs.
What happens during the first appointment?
The first appointment focuses on understanding your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, and the ways attention difficulties affect your daily life. If additional information or testing is needed before reaching a diagnosis, those recommendations will be discussed before treatment begins.
Do you treat both children and adults?
Dr. Lewis provides ADHD evaluations and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Because ADHD presents differently at different stages of life, treatment recommendations are tailored to each patient’s age, symptoms, responsibilities, and developmental needs. This allows care to remain appropriate whether the goal is improving school performance, managing workplace responsibilities, or addressing challenges at home.
Can ADHD occur alongside other mental health conditions?
ADHD commonly occurs alongside anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, learning differences, and other psychiatric conditions. When more than one condition is present, each can influence the other and affect how symptoms are experienced. Identifying all contributing conditions helps create a treatment plan that addresses the full clinical picture rather than focusing on a single diagnosis.
Are telehealth appointments available?
Telehealth appointments are available for eligible patients throughout New York State. While some initial evaluations or clinical situations may be better suited to an in-person visit, many follow-up appointments can be completed remotely. The most appropriate appointment format will depend on your individual needs and treatment plan.
Do I need a referral?
Most patients do not need a referral to schedule an ADHD evaluation. If you have previous psychiatric records, psychological testing, school evaluations, or relevant medical records, bringing them to your appointment can provide helpful background information. If additional information is needed as part of the diagnostic process, those recommendations will be discussed during your evaluation.
How long does an ADHD evaluation take?
The length of an ADHD evaluation depends on your individual history and the complexity of your symptoms. The focus is not on reaching a diagnosis as quickly as possible, but on gathering enough information to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If additional information or testing is needed, those next steps will be discussed during your appointment.
Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health
Imagine waking up with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. With the help of Dr. Bliss Lewis, that reality is within reach. Discover how functional psychiatry can uncover the root causes of your mental health challenges and empower you with strategies that work.
It’s time to get the support you deserve—schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward long-lasting wellness.
Schedule an ADHD Consultation
If attention, organization, impulsivity, or executive functioning difficulties are affecting your life or your child’s development, a comprehensive evaluation can provide the clarity needed to move forward with confidence. An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment and the first step toward meaningful improvement.
Dr. Beata Lewis provides ADHD evaluations and treatment for adults, adolescents, and children in Brooklyn and throughout New York. To schedule a consultation, contact the office to learn more about in-person and telehealth appointments.