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Dr. Ryan Sultan is a double board-certified psychiatrist at Columbia University specializing in ADHD, substance use disorders, and digital therapeutics with 411+ research citations and NIH funding.


Dr. Ryan Sultan, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Columbia University

Double Board-Certified | ADHD Specialist | NIH-Funded Researcher | 411+ Citations


Who is Dr. Ryan Sultan?

Dr. Ryan Sultan is a board-certified psychiatrist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center who has established himself as a leading expert in ADHD, substance use disorders, and psychiatric treatment innovation.

As an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia and attending psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Sultan combines clinical excellence with groundbreaking research. His work bridges the gap between academic psychiatry and real-world patient care, focusing on conditions that affect millions of Americans yet remain inadequately understood and treated.

Dr. Sultan's unique position at the intersection of clinical care, research, and medical education allows him to advance the field while directly improving patient outcomes. His patients benefit from evidence-based treatment approaches informed by his extensive research experience and deep understanding of psychiatric conditions across the lifespan.

What Sets Dr. Sultan Apart

Unlike many psychiatrists who focus narrowly on either clinical care or research, Dr. Sultan excels in both domains. His 411+ research citations demonstrate the impact of his scholarly work, while his clinical practice at Columbia and Integrative Psych NYC reflects his commitment to patient care. This dual expertise means his patients receive treatment informed by the latest research, while his research is grounded in real clinical challenges.

Dr. Sultan's approach emphasizes:


Board Certifications & Credentials

Dr. Sultan holds double board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry (2015) and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry (2016).


Board certification represents the highest standard of psychiatric training and expertise in the United States. Dr. Sultan's double board certification in both adult and child/adolescent psychiatry is particularly valuable, as it enables him to treat psychiatric conditions across the entire lifespan—from childhood through adulthood.

Medical Education & Training

Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine (MD degree)

Residency: General Psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine (2011-2015)
One of the nation's premier psychiatry training programs, where Dr. Sultan received comprehensive training in psychiatric diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Fellowship: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine (2015-2016)
Advanced subspecialty training focusing on psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental psychopathology.

Academic Appointments

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Department of Psychiatry
2016 - Present

As faculty at Columbia, Dr. Sultan contributes to medical education, supervises psychiatry residents and fellows, and conducts research that advances the field. His role includes clinical teaching, research mentorship, and academic leadership in ADHD and substance use disorder research.

Attending Psychiatrist
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital | Department of Psychiatry
2016 - Present

Dr. Sultan provides psychiatric care at one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals, treating complex cases and contributing to multidisciplinary treatment teams.


Clinical Expertise & Specializations

Dr. Sultan specializes in ADHD across the lifespan, cannabis and substance use disorders, treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions, and psychopharmacology with expertise in both pediatric and adult populations.


1. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is Dr. Sultan's primary area of expertise. His comprehensive approach includes:

Dr. Sultan's NIH-funded ADHD research examines treatment patterns, outcomes, and the intersection of ADHD with substance use disorders. His comprehensive ADHD guide is one of the most thorough resources available online, reflecting his deep expertise.

Read more: Dr. Sultan's ADHD Expertise | Complete ADHD Guide | Free ADHD Quiz

2. Substance Use Disorders & Cannabis Research

Dr. Sultan is a recognized expert in the intersection of psychiatric disorders and substance use. His NIH-funded research examines:

His research has revealed that even non-disordered cannabis use doubles depression risk and quadruples arrest rates in adolescents, challenging common assumptions about cannabis safety.

Read more: Cannabis & Mental Health Research

3. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr. Sultan's child psychiatry fellowship and board certification enable him to treat:

His approach to pediatric psychiatry emphasizes family involvement, school collaboration, and developmentally appropriate interventions.

4. Psychopharmacology

Medication management is a core component of Dr. Sultan's practice. His expertise includes:

His research on neuroscience-based medication naming and prescribing patterns informs national conversations about rational psychopharmacology.


Research & Publications

Dr. Sultan has authored 40+ peer-reviewed publications with 411+ citations, including a landmark JAMA Network Open study that shaped national policy on antipsychotic prescribing in youth with ADHD.


Landmark Publication: JAMA Network Open (2019)

Dr. Sultan's most cited work examined off-label antipsychotic prescribing patterns in children and adolescents with attention disorders. Published in JAMA Network Open, this study:

This research demonstrates Dr. Sultan's ability to conduct rigorous, large-scale studies that have real-world impact on patient care and healthcare policy.

NIH-Funded Research

Dr. Sultan has received over $670,000 in NIH funding for research projects including:

His research portfolio spans multiple NIH institutes (NIDA, NIMH) and addresses critical gaps in our understanding of ADHD, substance use, and psychiatric treatment optimization.

Research Areas

  1. Psychopharmacoepidemiology - Study of medication prescribing patterns in real-world settings
  2. ADHD Treatment Outcomes - Examining what works for whom in ADHD treatment
  3. Cannabis & Mental Health - Effects of cannabis use on psychiatric conditions
  4. Digital Therapeutics - Development of app-based interventions for ADHD
  5. Treatment-Resistant Conditions - Strategies for patients not responding to standard treatments

View complete list: Dr. Sultan's Publications | Publication Highlights


Clinical Philosophy & Patient Care Approach

Dr. Sultan's treatment approach combines evidence-based medicine with individualized care, emphasizing thorough evaluation, patient education, and long-term outcome optimization rather than quick fixes.


Evidence-Based Medicine

Every treatment recommendation Dr. Sultan makes is grounded in rigorous research evidence. As both a clinician and researcher, he stays current with the latest literature and applies findings from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews to patient care.

This means:

Comprehensive Evaluation

Dr. Sultan believes accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. His evaluations include:

Patient Education & Empowerment

Dr. Sultan is committed to helping patients understand their conditions. His educational approach includes:

This philosophy is reflected in his extensive patient education resources and comprehensive guides available on this website.

Continuity of Care

Psychiatric treatment is most effective with consistent, ongoing care. Dr. Sultan emphasizes:


Media Appearances & Public Education

Dr. Sultan is committed to educating the public about mental health through media appearances and accessible online resources.

Television & Media

Watch: Dr. Sultan's ADHD Video Interviews

Online Education

This website (ryansultan.com) has been online since 1994 and contains comprehensive, evidence-based information including:


Professional Affiliations & Speaking

Professional Memberships

International Speaking

Dr. Sultan speaks at national and international conferences on ADHD and psychiatric topics. Recent presentations include:


Clinical Practice & Consultation Services

Dr. Sultan provides expert psychiatric consultations through Columbia University and Integrative Psych NYC for complex cases, ADHD evaluations, and second opinions on treatment-resistant conditions.


Where Dr. Sultan Practices

Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Department of Psychiatry
New York, NY

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Department of Psychiatry
New York, NY

Integrative Psych NYC
Chelsea, Manhattan
www.integrative-psych.org

Consultation Services

Dr. Sultan offers professional consultations for:

International Consultation

Dr. Sultan provides consultations for healthcare professionals and patients internationally, including:

Contact: Schedule a Consultation


Why Choose Dr. Ryan Sultan?

Unique Combination of Expertise

Few psychiatrists possess Dr. Sultan's combination of:

Qualification Benefit to Patients
Double Board Certification Expertise across the lifespan (children through adults)
Columbia University Faculty Access to cutting-edge research and treatment approaches
NIH-Funded Researcher Treatment informed by latest research evidence
411+ Citations Nationally recognized expertise influencing the field
ADHD Specialization Deep expertise in most common reason patients seek psychiatry
Substance Use Expertise Comprehensive care for dual diagnosis patients

Patient-Centered Care

Dr. Sultan's approach prioritizes:


Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Dr. Sultan treat?

Dr. Sultan's primary areas of expertise include:

Does Dr. Sultan accept new patients?

Availability varies by practice location. Contact Columbia Psychiatry or Integrative Psych NYC for current availability.

Does Dr. Sultan treat adults with ADHD?

Yes, Dr. Sultan specializes in ADHD treatment across the lifespan, including comprehensive evaluations and treatment for adults with ADHD, including those diagnosed later in life.

What is Dr. Sultan's approach to medication?

Dr. Sultan uses evidence-based psychopharmacology, meaning he prescribes medications with proven efficacy based on rigorous research. He carefully considers risks and benefits, monitors for side effects, and adjusts treatment based on patient response.

Does Dr. Sultan conduct research studies?

Yes, Dr. Sultan is an active researcher with NIH funding. Patients may have opportunities to participate in research studies. All research participation is voluntary and explained thoroughly.

How can I schedule a consultation with Dr. Sultan?

Professional consultations can be scheduled through:


Learn More About Dr. Sultan's Expertise

ADHD Resources

Cannabis & Substance Use Research

About Dr. Sultan

Media & Education


Schedule a Consultation

For patient consultations:

For professional inquiries:


Dr. Ryan Sultan, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Double Board-Certified: Adult Psychiatry & Child/Adolescent Psychiatry
411+ Research Citations | NIH-Funded Researcher

Online since 1994 | Last updated: February 2026


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