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Christina Persaud

Adult Psychiatrist, MDMaster of Public Health, MPH
ConnecticutNew JerseyNew YorkPennsylvania
ADHD- Anxiety - Depression-Medical professionals' mental health-Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-Adjustment difficulties & disorders-

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This therapist is currently not accepting new clients. Find available Connecticut therapists on Zencare.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & FeesTestimonials

Professional statement

Dr. Christina Lakshmi Persaud is a native New Yorker, born in Manhattan + raised in Queens. She graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior and a Masters in Public Health. She also earned a Masters in Biomedical Sciences at Tufts Medical University. She received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) at SUNY Upstate Medical University and completed her psychiatry residency at Boston University Medical Center, where she was a chief resident in her final year of training.

As the first doctor in her family, Dr. Persaud realized her dream of helping her fellow New Yorkers as an attending psychiatrist. Telemedicine allowed her to transcend this dream by giving her the opportunity to connect with people in multiple states.

Dr. Persaud’s areas of interest include: ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, psychiatric effects of medical conditions (psychosomatic medicine), academic/professional stress, navigating cultural dynamics. She incorporates multiple styles of therapy, medical knowledge, cultural awareness, humility, and humor into her sessions. She is a doctor of color taking pride in providing high-quality care and a safe space for everyone. She breaks down the internalized stigma often held by patients seeking mental health care for the first time.

Dr. Persaud embraced telepsychiatry out of necessity during the pandemic. She was diagnosed with COVID in March 2020 and is continuing to manage life with long COVID: “To keep working, I got into telemedicine. It’s been a godsend to me and the people I’ve been working with.”

As part of her COVID recovery, Dr. Persaud embraced long distance powerwalking and completed the 2021 NYC Marathon. She also enjoys comedy shows, reading, kayaking, live music, Broadway shows, Yankees games and NFL Sundays. She has traveled to over 70 countries in 6 continents so far, and will soon visit the 7th continent: Antarctica!


Message to clients

I’m Dr. Christina Persaud, a board certified psychiatrist working and living in New York. As a native New Yorker, I consider it a privilege, pleasure and a lifelong dream come true to connect with and serve my neighbors like yourself. (Thanks to telehealth, all of you outside of NYC, NJ, CT, PA, WI and FL are my neighbors too!)

My goal is to help you improve your quality of life and to help you discover what fulfills you. From our very first session, and throughout treatment, I encourage you to collaborate with me in determining which treatment approaches work best for you. I invite you to consider me as a consultant making recommendations to which you can freely say ‘yes’ or ’no'.

Although I have to call myself a "medication management" specialist, I consider my psychotherapy training and experience an equally important component of my psychiatric practice. I incorporate elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and supportive therapy into each session.

I understand how busy you are, so you have the opportunity to connect with me wherever you are thanks to telepsychiatry. You can connect with me during over lunch, afternoon break, on your way home, or after work/school in the evenings.

Your journey to personal growth can start with one conversation. I look forward to meeting you soon!


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 9 years

Boston Medical Center, Resident Psychiatrist (incl. Chief Residency)
Montefiore Medical Group, Behavioral Health Integration Program Psychiatrist
Skypiatrist, Staff Psychiatrist (telemedicine)

SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD, 2015
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, MPH, 2010
Tufts Medical Center, MBS in Biomedical Sciences, 2008
Columbia University, BA, 2006

Licensure

New York: 296840 - Pennsylvania: MD478507 - Connecticut: 73818 - New Jersey: 25MA11863400

Languages

English

Specialties

ADHD - Skill-building and support around organizational challenges, distracted attention, procrastination; building and maintaining healthy routines and structure

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Medical professionals' mental health - Support navigating work-related expectations and stress; addressing issues of burnout, hierarchical pressures, and vicarious trauma

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Healing painful experiences and memories from the past

Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Support around adapting to new and/or challenging life circumstances; skill-building for improved stress management and reduction of anxiety.




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

I'm fully licensed to practice in NY, NJ, PA, CT, WI. Additionally, I have an out-of-state telehealth certification to see patients in FL.


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna)
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • FIT Student Health Insurance (Aetna)
  • NYU Student Health Insurance (Wellfleet / Cigna PPO)
  • New School Student Insurance (United Healthcare Student Resources)
  • Optum
  • Oscar Health
  • Oxford Health Plans
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Student Health Plan

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$250 (30min)
  • Initial session:$450 (60min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Venmo
  • Zelle
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • Every other month
  • As needed

Client testimonials

"Dr Persaud is a joy to work with and I highly recommend turning to her if you need someone who is focused, thorough, and compassionate. Her interaction doesn't feel rushed and her calm demeanor affords you the ability to discuss any topic with ease."
- Zencare client October 2023