Weill Cornell Physicians

Payne Whitney Women's Program

Mission
To address the unique emotional needs of women across the life cycle through clinical care, research, education, and outreach.

Program Overview

The Payne Whitney Women's Program in the Department of Psychiatry at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center was established in 2002 to provide comprehensive care for a range of women's mental health concerns. Founded and directed by Catherine Birndorf, M.D., the Program offers state-of-the-art consultation, expert diagnosis, and a variety of treatment options.
The clinical program is complemented by research into the emotional illness distinctive to women, from menses through menopause. In addition, the multidisciplinary team is committed to training health care professionals in reproductive psychiatry and reaching to the community to increase awareness and access to care.

Treatment Team

The staff is composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and nurse practitioners collaborating to create a comprehensive treatment team. Drawing on the expertise of specialists from the faculty of Weill Medical College of Cornell University, the Program has access to resources from the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, alternative medicine, and primary care. The team uses an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social dimensions into the treatment of women's reproductive mental health.

Areas of Concern

The Program provides comprehensive diagnostic consultation for women experiencing psychological distress related to:
-Premenstrual symptoms
-Fertility
-Pregnancy
-Pregnancy Loss
-Postpartum adjustment
-Lactation
-Parenting
-Perimenopause and menopause
-Gynecological cancers
-Sexual function and dysfunction

Specialized Clinical Services

-Diagnostic evaluations
-Consultations with partner and family
-Psychopharmacology
-Psychotherapy
-Psychoeducation, including information and support groups
-Links to specialty treatment facilities
-Opportunity to participate in clinical research studies

Research

A cornerstone of Payne Whitney Women's Program is the improvement of mental health treatment through scientific investigations into women's emotional concerns and exploration of unanswered questions. Findings can inform clinical care and contribute to new understanding in the field of women's reproductive psychiatry. Current research studies examine symptoms and treatment in areas such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation.

Information and Referrals

For referrals to the Payne Whitney Women's Program and information about its services, please call the program coordinator, Kathryn Bleiberg, Ph.D. at 212-746-5928.

Physicians

Kathryn Bleiberg
Catherine Birndorf
Tammy Gotlieb
Rachel Goldstein
Nicole Regent
Margaret Altemus
Theresa Nguyen

Our Physicians:

Birndorf, Catherine

Altemus, Margaret

Goldstein, Rachel Alisa

Gotlieb, Tammy

Regent, Nicole

Bleiberg, Kathryn

Miari, Anna R.