Psychiatrist in Boston, MA | Richard Cook, M.D. | Telehealth Psychiatry MA & NY

About

About Dr. Cook

I'm Richard Cook, a board-certified psychiatrist based in Boston, with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, substance use, and the emotional challenges of life transitions and relationships.

I received my medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. Following residency, I completed the Adams House Psychotherapy Fellowship at Faulkner Hospital, where I pursued advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

I am licensed to practice medicine in Massachusetts and New York and conduct all appointments via secure video telehealth. I have worked as a psychiatrist providing therapy and medication management for over 19 years.

Approach

My Approach

As a psychiatrist, I offer medication management, psychotherapy, or both. We will discuss what might work best, and it is up to you how we engage.

I spend 75 to 90 minutes in the first session to gather a detailed history and get a sense of what brings you in, what symptoms you are having, and what you are looking to work on. I focus closely on diagnosis, on developing a treatment plan together, and on understanding what would be best for you.

For patients interested in psychotherapy, my approach is psychodynamic. The foundation of good treatment is the relationship we build together. I provide an empathic and non-judgmental environment that allows you to learn more about yourself, examine the patterns you may want to change, and develop the courage to make those changes. I also incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy when appropriate.

For patients seeking medication management, I pay close attention to you as a person as well as to your symptoms and preferences. I make sure we have a clear discussion of my impressions and recommendations, and I go over medication options, the reasoning behind them, and possible side effects. I monitor your progress regularly to see how you're responding to treatment.

Services

Conditions I Treat

I work with adults experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions. I see patients by telehealth throughout Massachusetts and New York, including Boston and the surrounding area. If you're not sure whether your concern fits within my practice, please reach out.

Depression & Mood Disorders

Anxiety & Panic

Bipolar Disorder

ADHD

OCD

PTSD & Trauma

Insomnia & Sleep Disorders

Substance Use

Grief & Loss

Life Transitions

Relationship & Identity Issues

LGBTQ+ Mental Health

Fees & Insurance

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. This allows for longer, unhurried sessions without the constraints that insurance companies place on treatment. I request payment at the time of the session and provide a superbill, a detailed statement you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Many patients recover a significant portion of their fees this way.

Service	Fee
Initial Consultation (75–90 min)	$550
Psychotherapy / Psychotherapy + Medication Management (45 min)	$375
Medication Follow-Up (25 min)	$275

I require 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Missed appointments and sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged the full session fee. There is no charge for late cancellations due to illness or medical emergencies.

Before your first appointment, it may be helpful to call your insurance company and ask:

Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my deductible and how much has been met?
What percentage of out-of-network psychiatric services do you reimburse?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How does telehealth work?

I use a HIPAA-compliant encrypted version of Zoom. The day before each appointment I'll email you a link for our session. You'll need a computer or smartphone and a quiet, private place. If Zoom is not available for some reason, sessions can be conducted by telephone.

How long is the first appointment?

The first appointment is a 75 to 90 minute consultation. I'll gather information about what's bringing you in, your psychiatric history, and your medical history to get an overall picture of your needs. I frame our initial meeting as a consultation, which gives you a chance to meet me and see what I have to offer, and gives me a chance to make sure I'm the best fit for you.

How long are follow-up appointments?

Medication management sessions are generally 25 minutes, unless we are working on something specific in which case we might do a 45-minute session. Psychotherapy sessions are 45 minutes.

How often will we meet?

How often we meet is different for each patient and based on each patient's needs and wants. For medication management, I typically meet with people once every one to three months. For psychotherapy, frequency can range from once every other week to twice a week.

How do I get started?

Call me at (617) 262-1853 or email me at drcook@richardcookmd.com. I typically respond within one business day. I like to have a conversation before setting up the first session to get a sense of what you are coming in for and to make sure I am the right fit.

Do you collaborate with other providers?

Yes. If you are seeing me only for medication management and working with a separate therapist, I will coordinate with them, with your permission. I can also communicate with your primary care doctor or other providers when it's helpful for your care.

Where are you licensed?

I'm licensed in both Massachusetts and New York. You need to be physically located in one of those states at the time of your session.

Are you LGBTQ+ affirming?

Yes. I have worked with LGBTQ+ individuals for over 19 years. I have experience with the dynamics of coming out, relationship issues, and identity. I am also experienced working with people in open and consensually non-monogamous relationships. I have supported transgender patients through their transition and can provide letters for gender-affirming care. I also work with HIV-related issues, including medication interactions and the psychosocial dynamics that come with diagnosis and ongoing care. My approach is to meet you where you are and help you move in the direction that feels right for you.

What if I have a psychiatric emergency?

Your safety matters to me. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time.

Richard Cook, M.D.