Christopher Laurie, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, and psychotherapist, who helps treat a wide range of relationship, mood, and cognitive issues. He has completed specialized training in both general psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine, a subspecialty that focuses on the interaction between physical illness and mental health. He believes that mental health encompasses a complex mix of social, biological, psychological and relational factors, and will work with you to understand your values and the contributors to your wellbeing.


He completed general psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Morningside and West Hospitals before a psycho-oncology fellowship at The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/Weill Cornell Medical College. Currently, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at both the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medical College. He helps train psychiatry residents at several Mount Sinai hospitals, including on the management of psychiatric emergencies. He has worked across a range of life stages - from college and graduate students at Fordham University to end-of-life cancer patients in the hospital setting. He believes strongly in the importance of therapy, and has pursued postdoctoral psychotherapy courses at The William Alanson White Institute and The New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute.

About

Offering appointments in-person at Columbus Circle, or via Telehealth.

Location

 

Services & Approach

All treatment relationships begin with a comprehensive evaluation and discussion of your psychiatric, medical, and social history. This can include aspects of your lifestyle including diet, sleep and exercise in order to develop a holistic picture. Together we will work to develop an understanding of your values and goals in seeking treatment.

At times evaluation will necessitate laboratory testing, or coordination with your other doctors, to identify if underlying medical problems are contributing to symptoms.

Most successful treatment includes some element of therapy or a therapeutic interchange. I have training in multiple modalities of talk therapy including DBT, CBT, ACT, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and meaning-centered psychotherapy. At the same time, my medical background allows me to incorporate medications when necessary.

I treat a wide range of mental health issues including mood, anxiety and cognitive disorders. However, I understand that mental health cannot simply be reduced to a series of diagnoses. Many people experience significant emotional symptoms that emanate from everyday occurrences such as difficulty in relationships, school, or professional environments. 

For patients who already have established relationships with therapists, I welcome the opportunity to partner with your therapist or counselor to provide you with medication management services. If you simply seek new perspective on your symptoms or current treatment plan, I offer isolated consultation services.


  • As a general psychiatrist, I work with a range of ages and issues, including:

    Anxiety

    Depression

    Sleep Issues

    ADHD

    Bipolar Disorder

    Psychosis

    Trauma and PTSD

    Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

    Family issues

    Relationship issues

    Educational and Professional Stress Management

    End-of-Life Care

    Grief and Loss

    Addiction and Substance Use Issues

    Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

    Weight and Body Image Issues

    Dementia and Cognitive Issues


  • Both people affected by cancer, and their families, often seek support in managing the cancer experience. This can include practical issues such as help managing sleep, living with pain, body image or sexual changes (as in breast or prostate cancer), or processing the uncertainty and frustration of navigating a complex health system. On the other hand, even the idea of cancer can raise existential issues such as how we find meaning with limited time, or how to live with guilt and regret.

    I have a special interest in working with patients and families affected by cancer and loss.

  • Psychiatric medications have profound and often helpful neurobiological effects. They can be powerful tools in achieving your goals. However, it is also true that many medications are overprescribed or simply continued for too long. Precisely because medications can have serious effects, and side effects, it is always important to carefully consult with a doctor when considering reducing or stopping a medication.

    I believe in prescribing medications judiciously. As part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, I can help clarify your values, what has worked for you, and what has not.

  • Psychotherapy can be challenging, but is aimed at providing you with a supportive and confidential space to explore both your life history, and also your current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

    I have training in multiple different therapeutic modalities, and provide therapy services either alone or in combination with other forms of treatment.