ADHD Psychiatrist NYC
Board-Certified ADHD Specialist Serving Manhattan
Dr. Ryan S. Sultan, MD | Assistant Professor, Columbia University
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Dr. Ryan Sultan is a board-certified ADHD psychiatrist in NYC providing comprehensive ADHD evaluation and medication management at Columbia University and Integrative Psych NYC (Chelsea/Manhattan).
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🎯 Searching for "ADHD Psychiatrist Near Me" in NYC?
Dr. Ryan Sultan is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in ADHD diagnosis and treatment at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. With expertise in adult ADHD, inattentive presentation, and executive function challenges, Dr. Sultan provides comprehensive, evidence-based care for ADHD across the lifespan.
đź“Ť Locations: Chelsea (10011), West Village (10014), Upper West Side, Manhattan
🏥 Affiliations: Columbia University, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
📞 Contact: Schedule Your ADHD Evaluation →
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Why Choose Dr. Sultan for ADHD Care in NYC?
🔬 Research-Based Expertise
Dr. Sultan isn't just a clinician—he's an active ADHD researcher whose work has been cited over 411 times in peer-reviewed medical literature. His landmark 2019 JAMA publication on ADHD treatment established foundational evidence for prescribing practices nationwide.
Current NIH-Funded Research:
🎓 Academic Excellence
Credentials:
- Double Board-Certified: General Psychiatry (2015) + Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2016)
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- Attending Psychiatrist, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Medical Education: Drexel University College of Medicine
- Residency: Emory University (Adult Psychiatry)
- Fellowship: Columbia University (Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)
🌟 Specialized ADHD Focus
Dr. Sultan specializes in:
- Adult ADHD diagnosis (particularly women with inattentive presentation)
- Executive function challenges (task initiation, organization, time management)
- ADHD medication management (stimulants and non-stimulants)
- Comprehensive treatment approaches (medication + therapy + lifestyle)
- Comorbid conditions (ADHD with anxiety, depression, substance use)
- College students and young adults in transition
đź“ş Media Recognition
Featured ADHD expert on PIX11 Television during ADHD Awareness Month, discussing adult ADHD misconceptions and the neuroscience of attention. 234 media mentions on mental health topics.
ADHD Services in NYC
Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation
What's included:
- 90-minute clinical interview covering symptoms, history, and functional impairment
- Validated symptom rating scales (ASRS, CAARS, or age-appropriate measures)
- Childhood history assessment (ADHD must have been present before age 12)
- Differential diagnosis ruling out anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, medical conditions
- Comorbidity assessment for coexisting mental health conditions
- Functional impairment evaluation across work, relationships, daily activities
- Treatment recommendations tailored to your specific presentation and needs
Cost & Insurance: Most insurance plans accepted. Evaluation typically covered as diagnostic psychiatric visit. Contact office for details →
ADHD Medication Management
Dr. Sultan provides expert psychopharmacological treatment for ADHD, including:
Stimulant Medications:
- Methylphenidate: Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Quillivant
- Amphetamines: Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine
- Both short-acting and extended-release formulations
- Careful titration to find optimal dose with minimal side effects
Non-Stimulant Medications:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera): For patients who can't tolerate stimulants or prefer non-controlled substance
- Guanfacine (Intuniv): Particularly helpful for hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Off-label use for ADHD, helpful when depression comorbid
- Clonidine: Adjunctive treatment for sleep and tics
Medication Philosophy: Evidence-based prescribing informed by latest research. Regular monitoring to optimize benefits and minimize side effects. Treatment personalized to your specific needs, symptom profile, and lifestyle.
Complete ADHD Medication Guide →
Psychotherapy & Behavioral Strategies
Medication alone is rarely optimal. Dr. Sultan integrates:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD: Skills training for organization, time management, planning
- Executive function coaching: Practical strategies for task initiation, follow-through
- Mindfulness and emotional regulation: Managing frustration, impulsivity
- Environmental modifications: Optimizing your spaces and systems
- Lifestyle interventions: Exercise, sleep, nutrition optimization
Accommodations Support
Documentation and guidance for:
- College accommodations: Extended test time, reduced distractions, note-taking support
- Workplace accommodations: Under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Standardized testing: SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT accommodations
- Graduate/professional school: Medical school, law school accommodation letters
ADHD Treatment Approach
Dr. Sultan uses an evidence-based, personalized approach to ADHD treatment that goes beyond just prescribing medication. As an integrative psychiatrist, he addresses the whole person—biological, psychological, and social factors.
Medication Options Explained
Stimulant Medications (First-Line Treatment):
| Medication |
Duration |
Best For |
Considerations |
| Adderall/Adderall XR |
4-6 hrs / 10-12 hrs |
Severe inattention, academic/work performance |
Amphetamine-based, stronger effect |
| Vyvanse |
12-14 hours |
All-day coverage, binge eating disorder |
Smooth onset/offset, less abuse potential |
| Ritalin/Concerta |
3-4 hrs / 8-12 hrs |
Trying stimulants first time, kids |
Methylphenidate-based, shorter half-life |
| Focalin/Focalin XR |
4-6 hrs / 8-10 hrs |
Sensitive to side effects |
Half the dose of Ritalin, cleaner |
Non-Stimulant Options:
- Strattera (atomoxetine): 24-hour coverage, not a controlled substance, helps with anxiety. Takes 4-6 weeks to work fully.
- Wellbutrin (bupropion): Also treats depression, helps with focus and motivation. Learn more about Wellbutrin for ADHD →
- Intuniv (guanfacine): Reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity, helps with sleep and emotional regulation.
- Qelbree (viloxazine): Newer non-stimulant FDA-approved in 2021, similar efficacy to Strattera with fewer GI side effects.
Dr. Sultan's Approach to Medication Selection:
- Start with detailed discussion of your goals, lifestyle, and concerns
- Consider comorbid conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep issues)
- Begin with low doses and titrate based on response
- Monitor for side effects closely (appetite, sleep, mood, heart rate)
- Adjust dosing based on real-world performance (work, school, relationships)
- Consider combination therapy if single medication insufficient
Therapy & Skills Training
Medication is most effective when combined with behavioral strategies:
- CBT for ADHD: Address negative thought patterns ("I'm lazy," "I can't do anything right")
- Organizational skills training: Time management, prioritization, task initiation
- Mindfulness techniques: Improve attention control and emotional regulation
- Sleep hygiene: ADHD brains are especially sensitive to sleep deprivation
- Exercise prescription: Aerobic exercise increases dopamine naturally
- Nutritional guidance: Protein-rich meals, omega-3s, minimizing processed sugar
Who Dr. Sultan Treats
Adults with ADHD (Ages 18+)
Common presentations:
- Professionals struggling with time management and organization
- Women with inattentive ADHD (often undiagnosed until adulthood)
- College students facing academic challenges
- Young adults transitioning to independence
- Adults diagnosed in childhood seeking updated treatment
- High-achieving individuals compensating until systems break down
Specialized expertise in:
- Late-diagnosis ADHD (diagnosed in 20s, 30s, 40s+)
- ADHD in women (inattentive presentation often missed)
- Executive function challenges (task paralysis, procrastination)
- ADHD with anxiety and depression
- ADHD and substance use concerns
Why 85% of Adults with ADHD Are Undiagnosed →
Children & Adolescents (Ages 6-17)
As a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Sultan treats:
- School-age children with ADHD (combined or hyperactive presentations)
- Adolescents with executive function challenges
- Teens preparing for college transitions
- Children with comorbid learning disabilities
- Behavioral challenges related to ADHD
Family-centered approach: Working collaboratively with parents, schools, and other providers to create comprehensive support systems.
ADHD in Different NYC Populations
College Students & Young Adults
The transition to college often unmasks ADHD that was previously manageable with parental structure:
- Challenge: Managing multiple classes, long-term projects, social life without parental oversight
- Common presentation: "I did fine in high school, but college is overwhelming"
- Treatment focus: Time management, study skills, medication management during exams
- Academic accommodations: Extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, priority registration
NYC area colleges where Dr. Sultan's patients attend: Columbia, NYU, Fordham, CUNY system, Barnard, The New School, Pace, Parsons, FIT, Juilliard, Cooper Union
Working Professionals
Many adults discover their ADHD when job demands exceed their coping strategies:
- Challenge: Meeting deadlines, managing email overload, sitting through meetings, executive function tasks
- Common presentation: "I'm successful but working twice as hard as everyone else"
- Treatment focus: Workplace productivity, managing imposter syndrome, career advancement
- Medication timing: Optimizing coverage for work hours, considering booster doses for evening work
Common NYC professional fields where ADHD treatment helps: Finance, tech, law, healthcare, creative industries, consulting, entrepreneurship
Parents with ADHD
Parenting with ADHD presents unique challenges—and often leads to diagnosis when helping your child:
- Challenge: Managing household tasks, keeping track of kids' schedules, emotional regulation during tantrums
- Common presentation: "My child was just diagnosed, and I see myself in the symptoms"
- Treatment focus: Parenting strategies, household organization systems, self-compassion
- Family considerations: Medication timing around childcare, genetic counseling for children
Women with ADHD
Women are often diagnosed later than men due to different symptom presentation and better masking:
- Presentation: More inattentive symptoms, internalized struggles, people-pleasing to compensate
- Hormonal factors: Symptoms worse during PMS, postpartum, perimenopause
- Treatment approach: Cycle-aware medication dosing, addressing rejection sensitivity dysphoria
- Resource: Complete Guide to ADHD in Women →
Entrepreneurs & Creative Professionals
ADHD traits can fuel creativity and entrepreneurship—but also create challenges:
- Strengths: High energy, creativity, risk-taking, ability to hyperfocus on interests
- Challenges: Follow-through, administrative tasks, financial management, time blindness
- Treatment focus: Leveraging strengths while building systems for weaknesses
- Medication approach: Balancing focus with preserving creativity
Treatment Costs & Insurance
Understanding ADHD Treatment Costs in NYC
Initial ADHD Evaluation (90 minutes):
- Self-pay: $400-600 typical in NYC
- Insurance: Often covered with copay (check your benefits)
- Includes: Comprehensive history, symptom assessment, rating scales, treatment planning
Follow-Up Medication Management (30 minutes):
- Self-pay: $200-350 per visit
- Frequency: Monthly initially, then every 3 months once stable
- Includes: Medication adjustment, side effect monitoring, symptom tracking
Therapy Sessions (45-50 minutes):
- Self-pay: $200-300 per session
- Frequency: Weekly or biweekly
- Includes: CBT for ADHD, skills training, behavioral strategies
ADHD Medication Costs (Monthly):
- Generic stimulants: $30-80 with insurance, $50-150 without
- Brand-name stimulants: $200-400 (Vyvanse, Adderall XR)
- Non-stimulants: $30-100 generic, $300+ brand-name
- Most insurance plans cover generic ADHD medications
Insurance & Payment Options
Dr. Sultan accepts:
- Most major insurance plans (verify coverage before first appointment)
- Medicare
- Out-of-network benefits (superbills provided for reimbursement)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Insurance Tips:
- Call your insurance before booking to verify: psychiatry coverage, copay amount, deductible status
- Ask about: Pre-authorization requirements, visit limits per year, medication formulary
- Prior authorization: Some medications (Vyvanse, Strattera) require insurance pre-approval
- Generic first: Insurance often requires trying generic versions before covering brand-name
Making ADHD Treatment Affordable:
- Manufacturer coupons: Vyvanse, Concerta, and other brands offer discount cards (savings of $50-100/month)
- Generic alternatives: Almost all stimulants available as generics now
- GoodRx: Price comparison tool can save 50-80% on medications
- 90-day supplies: Often cheaper per month than 30-day fills
Is ADHD Treatment Worth the Cost?
Consider the cost of untreated ADHD:
- Lost income from job difficulties, missed promotions, or unemployment
- Academic struggles leading to extra years of school or lower earning potential
- Relationship problems leading to divorce costs
- Car accidents (2-4x higher risk with untreated ADHD)
- Comorbid conditions (anxiety, depression, substance use)
Research shows treated ADHD saves money: Studies find every $1 spent on ADHD treatment returns $3-5 in increased productivity, reduced accidents, and better health outcomes.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Before Your Visit
Please bring:
- Insurance card and photo ID
- List of current medications (including doses)
- Previous psychiatric records (if available)
- School report cards from childhood (very helpful for ADHD diagnosis)
- Any previous ADHD testing or evaluations
Optional but helpful:
- Collateral information from family member (ADHD is often easier to see from outside perspective)
- Examples of functional impairment (missed deadlines, forgetfulness patterns)
- Questions you want to ask written down
During Your Evaluation (90 minutes)
We'll discuss:
- Current symptoms: Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive function challenges
- Childhood history: When symptoms began, how they manifested in school
- Functional impairment: Impact on work, relationships, daily life
- Medical and psychiatric history: Other conditions, medications tried
- Family history: ADHD and other psychiatric conditions in relatives
- Substance use: Caffeine, alcohol, cannabis, other substances
- Goals for treatment: What you hope to achieve
Assessment tools: Validated rating scales help quantify symptom severity and track improvement over time.
After Your Evaluation
You'll receive:
- Clear diagnosis: Whether ADHD is present and which presentation type
- Treatment recommendations: Medication options, therapy approaches, lifestyle modifications
- Prescription (if indicated): Starting medication with clear instructions
- Follow-up plan: Schedule for monitoring and adjustments
- Educational resources: Information about your specific ADHD presentation
Patient Success Stories
Emma, 28 - Marketing Professional, Brooklyn
"I was drowning at work. Everyone else seemed to handle their workload fine, but I was constantly missing deadlines, forgetting meetings, staying late every night just to keep up. My boss said I was 'not focused enough.' I thought I was just bad at my job.
After my evaluation with Dr. Sultan, everything made sense. We started Vyvanse, and within a week I could actually finish tasks without getting distracted every five minutes. I also learned organizational strategies specifically for ADHD. Six months later, I got promoted. My boss said I 'really turned things around.' If only he knew—I just finally got the right treatment."
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Michael, 35 - Attorney, Upper East Side
"I was a successful lawyer on the outside, but internally I was a mess. I'd read the same paragraph five times and not retain anything. I'd miss important details in contracts. I stayed at the office until 11pm because tasks that should take an hour took me four hours. I thought I just wasn't as smart as my colleagues.
Dr. Sultan diagnosed me with ADHD—predominantly inattentive type. Started on Concerta, and it was like someone turned the volume down on all the noise in my head. I could actually focus on one thing at a time. My work quality improved, my hours decreased, and my anxiety about making mistakes disappeared. I wish I'd gotten help 10 years ago."
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Sofia, 22 - NYU Student, Greenwich Village
"I barely made it through high school, and college was even worse. I'd start five different papers the night before they were due and panic. I couldn't sit still in lectures. My GPA was suffering, and I was on academic probation. My parents thought I was just partying too much.
A friend suggested I get evaluated for ADHD. Dr. Sultan was really understanding—he didn't judge me for struggling. We tried Adderall XR plus weekly therapy sessions to learn study strategies. My GPA went from 2.3 to 3.6 in one semester. I'm actually excited about my classes now because I can engage with the material instead of just trying to survive."
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David, 42 - Tech Entrepreneur, Chelsea
"I founded a startup, which was great for my ADHD brain—constant novelty, high energy, creative problem-solving. But as the company grew, I needed to do admin work, financial planning, and management. I was terrible at it. We almost ran out of money because I kept forgetting to follow up on funding.
Dr. Sultan helped me understand that ADHD can look like strengths (my creativity and risk-taking) and weaknesses (my inability to do boring tasks). We found a medication that helped with focus without killing my creativity—Strattera—and I hired a COO to handle what my brain isn't good at. Now I can do what I'm best at while the boring stuff gets handled."
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*Patient stories are composites to protect privacy. All experiences are real but details have been changed.
Why NYC Patients Choose Dr. Sultan
| What Patients Value |
Why It Matters |
| Double board-certified (Adult & Child/Adolescent Psychiatry) |
Expertise across the lifespan—understands how ADHD changes from childhood through adulthood |
| Columbia University faculty |
Access to cutting-edge research and latest treatment approaches |
| NIH-funded ADHD researcher |
Contributes to the scientific understanding of ADHD treatment—not just reading research, but creating it |
| 411+ peer-reviewed citations |
Published in top journals (JAMA, Pediatrics)—recognized expert in the field |
| Integrative approach |
Combines medication with therapy, lifestyle, and holistic strategies—treats the whole person |
| Specialized ADHD focus |
Not a generalist treating everything—deep expertise in ADHD specifically |
| Convenient Manhattan locations |
Chelsea (14th St) and Columbia (125th St)—accessible via all major subway lines |
| Evidence-based treatment |
Every recommendation backed by research—no pseudoscience or fads |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have ADHD or just stress/anxiety?
This is one of the most common questions. Key differences:
| Factor |
ADHD |
Anxiety/Stress |
| Onset |
Symptoms present since childhood (before age 12) |
Usually develops later in life |
| Constancy |
Present across situations (even when relaxed) |
Worse during stressful periods, better when relaxed |
| Pattern |
Lifelong pattern of attention difficulties |
Episodic, related to life circumstances |
| Focus |
Difficulty focusing even on enjoyable tasks |
Can focus fine when not anxious |
Important: ADHD and anxiety often coexist. Having both is common (50-60% of adults with ADHD have anxiety). Comprehensive evaluation sorts this out.
Do I need to bring proof of childhood ADHD?
Report cards are helpful but not required. We can establish childhood symptoms through:
- Your memories of school struggles
- Parent/family member recall
- Pattern of lifelong difficulties
- Previous evaluations or IEP documents (if you have them)
What if I don't want to take medication?
Medication is not mandatory. We can discuss:
- Non-medication approaches (therapy, coaching, lifestyle)
- Your specific concerns about medication
- Evidence for various treatments
- Trial period to see how medication helps before long-term decision
That said, medication is the most effective evidence-based treatment for ADHD. Many people who were hesitant find that treatment is life-changing. But the decision is always yours.
How long does it take to find the right medication?
Most people respond to the first or second medication tried. Typical timeline:
- Week 1-2: Start low dose, assess response and side effects
- Week 3-4: Increase to therapeutic dose if needed
- Week 5-8: Fine-tune dose, possibly try different formulation
- Week 8-12: Stable dose established for most people
Some people find the right medication and dose quickly (2-4 weeks). Others need more trials (2-3 months). Patience during this process pays off.
Does insurance cover ADHD treatment?
Most insurance plans cover ADHD evaluation and treatment as standard psychiatric care. Dr. Sultan accepts major insurance plans.
Covered services typically include:
- Diagnostic evaluation
- Medication management appointments
- Therapy/counseling sessions
- ADHD medications (though coverage varies by plan)
Contact the office to verify your specific coverage →
Is ADHD medication a controlled substance?
Stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.) are Schedule II controlled substances, which means:
- Prescriptions cannot be refilled (new prescription each month)
- Many pharmacies limit quantity dispensed
- Some insurance plans require prior authorization
- Prescriptions typically cannot be called in (must be e-prescribed or written)
Non-stimulant ADHD medications (Strattera, Intuniv, Wellbutrin) are NOT controlled substances and have fewer restrictions.
Office Locations & Scheduling
đź“Ť Manhattan Locations
Chelsea Office:
80 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1501
New York, NY 10011
Near 14th Street (A/C/E/L trains)
Columbia University Medical Center:
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10032
Near 125th Street (1 train)
🗓️ Scheduling Your Evaluation
Available appointment times:
- Weekday mornings
- Weekday afternoons
- Early evening appointments (limited availability)
Typical wait time: 2-4 weeks for new patient evaluations
Urgent cases: If experiencing crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to nearest ER. For urgent psychiatric care, NewYork-Presbyterian Emergency Department is available 24/7.
Nearby Areas Served
Dr. Sultan's NYC practice serves patients from throughout Manhattan and surrounding areas, including:
Manhattan Neighborhoods:
- Chelsea (10011) - Primary office location
- West Village / Greenwich Village (10014, 10012)
- East Village (10003, 10009)
- Flatiron / Gramercy (10010, 10016)
- Hell's Kitchen / Midtown West (10019, 10036)
- Midtown East (10017, 10022)
- Upper West Side (10023, 10024, 10025) - Near Columbia office
- Upper East Side (10021, 10028, 10075)
- Murray Hill / Kips Bay (10016)
- SoHo / Tribeca (10013, 10007)
- Lower East Side (10002)
- Financial District (10004, 10006)
- Battery Park City (10280)
- Harlem (10026, 10027, 10030, 10037) - Near Columbia office
Outer Boroughs & Beyond:
- Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO)
- Queens (Astoria, Long Island City, Forest Hills)
- Bronx
- Staten Island
- New Jersey (Hoboken, Jersey City, Fort Lee)
- Westchester County
- Long Island
Many patients travel from outside NYC for specialized ADHD expertise. Accessible via all major subway lines and Metro-North.
Learn More About ADHD
Comprehensive Resources:
đź“š Related ADHD Resources
Learn more about ADHD before your consultation:
