Anthony Garofano MD PA in Baltimore: Psychiatric Practice for Adults Seeking Medication Management and Psychotherapy
Anthony Garofano MD PA is a psychiatrist in Baltimore offering adult psychiatric care, including medication management, psychotherapy, and evaluation of mood, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The practice operates as an independent medical office, positioning it outside larger hospital systems and allowing for a direct patient-to-provider relationship.
What Garofano Actually Provides
Garofano functions as a general adult psychiatrist, not a specialized clinic. The practice handles the two core components of outpatient psychiatric work: diagnostic evaluation, medication prescription and monitoring, and psychotherapy or talk-based treatment conducted by the psychiatrist during appointments. This dual capability is not universal among Baltimore psychiatrists; many restrict themselves to medication management only and refer therapy to separate therapists. A practice offering both under one roof reduces coordination friction and can simplify insurance claims.
Services and Typical Cost Structure
Garofano provides psychiatric evaluation, ongoing medication management, and individual psychotherapy. Like most private psychiatric practices in Maryland, the office likely operates on a fee-for-service basis, meaning you pay for each visit and submit insurance claims yourself, or the office files claims on your behalf if contracted with your plan. Initial psychiatric evaluations typically run 60 to 90 minutes and cost between $250 and $500 out of pocket (or your insurance copay, deductible, or coinsurance, depending on your plan). Routine follow-up visits for medication checks are usually 30 minutes and cost $150 to $300. Psychotherapy sessions conducted by the psychiatrist often follow the same visit fee. Insurance coverage varies by plan; many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and other regional insurers recognize the practice, but verification with your plan before scheduling is essential.
How Garofano Compares to Other Baltimore Psychiatrists
Baltimore has a shortage of psychiatrists accepting new patients, a problem that affects most of the city. Larger alternatives include providers affiliated with University of Maryland Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Sinai Hospital, where psychiatrists often work in team-based clinics and may have longer wait times (6 to 12 weeks for an initial appointment) but broader support resources like social work and case management on site. Smaller private practices like Garofano's typically offer faster access to appointments (often 2 to 4 weeks) and more continuity with a single provider, though without the institutional backup of a hospital system. If you need crisis intervention, hospitalization, or complex medication management in an inpatient setting, a hospital-affiliated psychiatrist offers more direct coordination; if you value a steady one-on-one relationship and faster scheduling, an independent practice is often preferable. Many Baltimore patients see a private psychiatrist for ongoing care and a hospital system's emergency department only if crisis support is needed.
Who This Practice Suits and Does Not Suit
Garofano suits adults seeking ongoing psychiatric care, medication management, and therapy in a private office setting. It works well for patients with established diagnoses (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) who are stable enough for outpatient care and have insurance or ability to pay out of pocket. The practice is not appropriate for acute psychiatric crisis; in that case, go to the emergency department at Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, or Sinai Hospital. Garofano is also not a child psychiatry practice, so parents seeking care for minors must look elsewhere. Patients without health insurance or those seeking sliding-scale fees may find private practices less feasible and should contact the Baltimore Crisis Response Inc. or community health centers like Bon Secours Baltimore for reduced-cost options.
What Your First Visit Involves
A first visit to Garofano typically involves a 60 to 90 minute psychiatric evaluation. You will provide a detailed history of your current symptoms, past mental health diagnosis and treatment, family psychiatric history, medical history, medications, substance use, and psychosocial situation (work, relationships, stressors). The psychiatrist conducts a mental status exam, observing your mood, thought clarity, memory, and judgment. At the end of the session, Garofano will discuss a diagnosis (if appropriate), treatment plan (medication and/or therapy recommendations), and next steps. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of all current medications, and any prior psychiatric records if available. Expect to fill out several intake forms.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Garofano operates a private office practice in Baltimore. For current hours, appointment availability, and specific address, contact the office directly by phone or website, as psychiatric practices often adjust hours and may not maintain consistent public-facing online calendars. Parking depends on the office location; most Baltimore psychiatrists lease space in medical office buildings with dedicated lots or street parking. Confirm parking availability and any fees when you book your appointment. Most psychiatric visits are in person, though some practices offer telehealth for follow-ups after an initial in-person evaluation; ask whether that option applies to you.
Anthony Garofano fills a gap in Baltimore's limited psychiatric capacity by offering independent adult care without the wait times and bureaucracy of hospital systems, making him a practical choice for patients who can navigate insurance and scheduling directly.
