Practice Philosophy:
Dr. Purkayastha is a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in adult, child, and forensic psychiatry. She provides compassionate, culturally sensitive care to both children and adults. Although medications are an essential component of treatment, Dr. Purkayastha recognizes that true mental well-being is achieved through therapeutic processes, strong social support, skill building, and positive behavioral change.
Dr. Purkayastha takes the time to truly listen to her patients, helping them to understand their behavioral patterns and what may be impacting symptoms. Children and adults appreciate her warm and engaging approach, and she works closely with families to support parents with practical communication strategies and positive reinforcement techniques to use at home. She believes mental health is impacted by both genetics and environment, guiding patients toward greater self-awareness and empowering them with the tools they need to thrive.
Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Purkayastha specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and behavioral challenges in both children and adults. She also treats individuals with autism, oppositional defiant disorder, psychosis and personality disorders. Patients appreciate her clear, supportive explanations of treatment and medication options, and she takes the time to listen to concerns before devising a treatment plan together. In addition to assessment, diagnosis and medication management, Dr. Purkayastha integrates evidence-based behavioral techniques into her practice, helping patients develop the skills they need to succeed in school, work, relationships, and everyday life. She collaborates closely with families, teachers, primary care doctors, and therapists to create a well-rounded, holistic treatment plan that supports each patient’s unique needs.
Experience and Training:
Dr. Purkayastha completed her psychiatry residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Elmhurst Hospital) and went on to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry at Tulane University, where she served as Chief Fellow. She further advanced her expertise with a Forensic Psychiatry fellowship at Harvard University’s Massachusetts General-Brigham Hospital. An avid student, she has completed additional trainings in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy for children, Management of Borderline Personality Disorder, and Coping Cat for Anxiety. She has worked with underserved communities in India through the Global Mental Health Program at the Icahn School of Medicine. Whether working with a child struggling in school, a teen navigating anxiety, or an adult seeking balance, Dr. Purkayastha brings warmth, expertise, and a deep commitment to each patient’s well-being.
Fluent in Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu
