My experience with NYC Psychiatric Associates ended in profound disappointment after nearly two years with the practice.
Following Dr. Ceciley Scarbrough’s departure, I was transitioned to Dr. Musat. After she missed our initial consultation and I independently rescheduled, I left our subsequent appointment with concerns about our therapeutic fit and how my experiences with my diagnoses were received. Although I understood we would follow up in two weeks, I later contacted the practice’s text line and was advised to identify other providers. I was never informed that my care had been deemed beyond the practice’s scope, making the subsequent termination letter confusing and unexpected.
When I sought clarification, I was initially reassured that my concerns were valid and would be addressed. Unfortunately, my October 27, 2026, conversation with Dr. Matthew Fan, who identified himself as the practice’s lead provider, was deeply disheartening. Rather than receiving a clear explanation, I felt dismissed when he stated that the practice would “take Dr. Musat’s words for it.” When I respectfully questioned how the determination that I required a higher level of care had been made following a single consultation, Dr. Fan responded in a manner I experienced as aggressive, condescending, and dismissive, emphasizing his authority rather than meaningfully addressing my concerns.
It was specifically my interaction with Dr. Fan that left me feeling chastised for advocating for myself, rather than supported as a patient seeking clarity about my psychiatric care. His tone and approach during this conversation significantly undermined my trust and left me feeling unheard, disrespected, and intimidated when attempting to understand a decision affecting my treatment.
Even more troubling, Dr. Fan’s handling of the conversation left me apprehensive about the sensitive psychiatric information and personal documentation NYCPA maintains about me. Following this interaction, I felt compelled to consider consulting an attorney to better understand my rights and protections, including my concerns about potential reprisal or retaliation by Dr. Fan or Dr. Musat for raising these issues. I am not alleging that retaliation has occurred; rather, I am explaining that Dr. Fan’s conduct during this conversation left me fearful and uncertain about how my concerns and sensitive information may be handled moving forward. It is deeply unsettling to leave a conversation intended to address patient concerns feeling that advocating for oneself may carry consequences.
I understand that clinicians must exercise professional judgment and that a different level of care may sometimes be appropriate. My disappointment lies in the lack of transparency surrounding this transition and, particularly, the manner in which Dr. Fan addressed my reasonable questions. Patients should be able to seek explanations about decisions affecting their care without feeling belittled, intimidated, or discouraged from speaking up.
Seeking psychiatric care requires trust and vulnerability. It is disheartening that after nearly two years with this practice, my final experience was one that left me feeling chastised, concerned about my sensitive information, and compelled to consider seeking legal guidance to understand my protections as a patient.
While I recognize that clinical decisions may differ, I believe respectful communication, transparency, and patient dignity should remain nonnegotiable. Based on my experience, particularly my interaction with Dr. Fan, I cannot recommend NYC Psychiatric Associates. I sincerely hope the practice's leadership reflects on how patient concerns are addressed and ensures that individuals seeking psychiatric support are treated with professionalism, compassion, and respect.
Unsupported C. | Oct 27, 2026