Ben Brown, MD

About

Human beings are driven by feelings. To understand these feelings is a challenge, and to handle them skillfully is even trickier. Luckily, practice helps.

I am a Cornell and Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist in private practice in New York and Massachusetts, offering psychodynamic therapy and medication management for adult patients.

In therapy, I strike a balance between mindful listening and sharing the impressions that are called to mind as you tell me your story. I am neither a blank mirror nor an all-knowing teacher, but a co-explorer of your mind.

My prescribing style is careful and collaborative. If we decide that a medication is indicated, the lowest effective dose is used, with attention to and discussion of potential side effects. If we decide that a medication is no longer helpful to you, I advise on how to slowly and safely taper it.

Specialties

My practice has historically centered on students and young professionals who are trying to find a better path through the brambled mazes of work, play, and love. I have a particular interest in cultural immigrants of various types: from family to college, from the small town to the city, from the old country to the new. But I enjoy working with a wide range of patients and all are welcome to inquire at my door.

Many of our inner conflicts do not fall neatly into diagnostic boxes. However, diagnoses can be helpful handles by which to grasp one's experience. I have expertise in anxiety-related issues, such as stress and burnout, panic, OCD, and PTSD. I have also worked extensively with mood disorders, anger issues, substance use, family and relationship issues, and other concerns that benefit from exploration.

Please reach out if you have any questions. I'm happy to learn more about you and discuss my style of care.

Insurance and payment

In New York, I am out-of-network for most insurers. My cash rate is $400 for a 50-minute session (intake or therapy) and $250 for 30-minute med management follow-ups. I am happy to provide a superbill that you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement.

In Massachusetts, I take several insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Harvard Pilgrim, and MGB/Optum. If you intend to pay with insurance, I recommend checking with your insurance and confirming that I am in-network. If I am not, the cash rates above apply.

Telehealth and practice policies

In New York, I can see patients in-person in midtown Manhattan or via telehealth.

My Massachusetts practice has limited availability. I am currently only taking on medicaction management patients, and I am only offering telemedicine visits to new patients.

Some important practice policies include:

• I do not fill out medical leave paperwork or test accommodations.
• I do not routinely prescribe benzodiazepines such as Klonopin, Ativan, or Xanax.
• I do not routinely prescribe stimulant medications such as Adderall or Ritalin.
• For telehealth appointments, there is a $150 late fee for missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice. For in-person appointments, 48 hours' notice is required.

Appointments

If you would like to make an appointment, please email me at bbrownpsychiatry@gmail.com or leave me a voicemail at 617-383-4151.

Please include days and times when you are available for an initial 50-minute consultation, and a brief description of why you are asking for help. I will be in touch with any clarifying questions and to confirm the appointment time. I will also send you some paperwork to fill out and a link to my patient portal.

The first one or two appointments will be consultations focused on reviewing and understanding your psychiatric history. At the end of the consultation period, we can decide whether we are a good fit to continue working together, and what sort of treatment would be most helpful.