Dharmendra Kumar, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at our Houston, TX clinic, dedicated to providing comprehensive Psychiatric care to all ages. He is a trusted local provider registered with The Texas Medical Board, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, managing psychiatric medications, and performing advanced treatments like TMS and ECT, often working collaboratively with primary care physicians to provide comprehensive patient care. Dr. Kumar's extensive experience, spanning over 15 years, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He earned his degree from Mumbai University, Bombay Hospital Institute Of Medical Sciences in 2005, and is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He is also one of very few psychiatrists in the nation who is board certified in Brain Injury Medicine. He provides consultation services for mental and behavioral health for brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury, in addition to treating common psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Kumar is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (713) 797-7233 to schedule an appointment. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Dharmendra Kumar provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Kumar is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Kumar's comprehensive approach to psychiatric care prioritizes a strong patient-physician relationship. He meticulously assesses each patient's unique needs, employing evidence-based treatments and collaborating with primary care physicians to ensure holistic care. His practice encompasses a full spectrum of psychiatric services, including medication management, advanced therapies like TMS and ECT, and supportive counseling, ultimately empowering patients to achieve optimal mental well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Kumar can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Group Health Network
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Houston Area HMO-Standard
- Humana
- Humana Health Plan of Texas
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Prime Health Services
- Signature Administrators PPO
- SureFit Houston
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Kumar offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: This involves problematic marijuana use that falls short of a formal diagnosis of marijuana use disorder; a psychiatrist can assess the situation, address co-occurring mental health issues, and offer strategies for managing marijuana use.
- Somatoform Disorders: Somatoform disorders are mental health conditions where someone experiences physical symptoms like pain or fatigue, but there's no medical explanation found.
- Drug-Induced Mental Disorders: Drug-induced mental disorders happen when medications or drugs cause changes in mood, thinking, or behavior.
- Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent drug and alcohol abuse refers to using drugs or alcohol in a way that causes problems, but not to the level of full-blown addiction.
- Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: A psychiatrist can help individuals who are misusing antidepressants without forming a physical dependence by providing guidance on safe medication practices and alternative treatments.
- Psychosis: Hallucinations and delusions are key symptoms of psychosis, a condition affecting how someone thinks, feels, and behaves. A psychiatrist can help manage these symptoms through medication and other interventions.
- Manic Disorder: Manic disorder, a part of bipolar disorder, involves periods of intense mood elevation, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, and a psychiatrist can help manage these episodes with medication and therapy.
- Phobia: Overcoming a phobiaan intense fear of something specificis possible with the help of a psychiatrist who can create a treatment plan using therapy and/or medication to manage your anxiety.
- Impulse Control Disorders: Impulse control disorders involve difficulty resisting urges or impulses that are harmful to yourself or others, and a psychiatrist can help diagnose and treat these disorders with medication and therapy.
- Cyclothymia (Chronic Mood Disorder): Characterized by unpredictable swings in mood, cyclothymia is a long-term condition where you'll experience periods of mild ups and downs that interfere with daily life; psychiatrists offer various treatment options.
- Combination Drug Dependence: Using multiple drugs together can lead to serious health risks, but a psychiatrist can help you create a plan to overcome combination drug dependence.
- Psychogenic Disorders (incl. Psychogenic Pain): If you're experiencing physical pain or other symptoms with no clear medical cause, it might be a psychogenic disorder; a psychiatrist can assess the mental and emotional aspects to determine treatment.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Kumar offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This involves a discussion about your alcohol or substance use and personalized strategies for managing or overcoming these behaviors.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that teaches you coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: This is an initial assessment to uncover possible signs of dementia or depression, allowing for early intervention and management.
- Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy aims to improve family functioning and address mental health concerns within the context of family relationships, promoting healthier communication and support.
- Group Psychotherapy: This type of therapy uses the power of group interaction to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions and improve overall well-being.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation involves a thorough interview and sometimes includes medical tests to rule out physical causes of your symptoms.
- Psychological Evaluation: During a psychological evaluation, your psychiatrist will talk with you, possibly administer tests, and review your medical history to understand your mental and emotional state.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This evaluation screens for mental health conditions that could impact your bariatric surgery outcome or recovery, ensuring a safer and more successful procedure.
- Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Through talk therapy and biofeedback, this approach helps manage stress, anxiety, and other conditions by teaching you how to control your body's responses.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Kumar is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- By working with a psychiatrist to understand and address their marijuana use, a patient successfully implemented strategies to manage their use, improving their overall well-being and reducing associated concerns.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient learned to manage their somatoform disorder symptoms, leading to a significant improvement in their overall well-being. They regained a sense of control over their health and experienced a reduction in distressing physical symptoms.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
1333 Moursund St, Houston, TX, 77030
Phone: (713) 797-7233
View on Map - Practice
1919 North Loop W Ste 280, Houston, TX, 77008
Phone: (832) 930-1202
View on Map
- MUMBAI UNIVERSITY / BOMBAY HOSPITAL INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (Medical School) - 2005
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Psychiatric care with Dr. Kumar:
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication, while psychologists (PhD or PsyD) are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. They often collaborate to provide comprehensive care, combining medication management with psychotherapy.
- Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
- While a referral from your primary care doctor can be helpful, many insurance plans don't require one. It's best to check with your specific insurance plan to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements before scheduling an appointment.
- Will I have to be on medication forever?
- The duration of medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition and response to treatment. Some conditions may require short-term medication, while others may benefit from long-term maintenance. This will be discussed and reviewed regularly with Dr. Kumar.
- Can a psychiatrist help with ADHD in adults?
- Yes, psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. Dr. Kumar can perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and manage both medication (stimulant and non-stimulant options) and therapeutic strategies to help improve focus and daily functioning.
- What is ECT and is it safe?
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and highly effective medical procedure, performed under general anesthesia, for treatment-resistant depression and other severe mental illnesses. Modern ECT is very different from its cinematic portrayals and is considered a frontline treatment option for severe cases.
- What is TMS therapy and who is it for?
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain, often helpful for depression. It's an FDA-approved, medication-free option typically for adults with major depression who haven't responded to antidepressant medications.
- Do all psychiatrists only prescribe medication? Do you also provide therapy?
- While psychiatrists are experts in medication management, many, including Dr. Kumar, also provide psychotherapy. Treatment plans are personalized and may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both, depending on the individual needs of the patient.
- How long will it take for my medication to start working?
- Most psychiatric medications, especially antidepressants, take several weeks (4-6 weeks, on average) to reach their full therapeutic effect. Patience and regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Kumar are important to monitor progress and adjust dosage as needed.
1333 Moursund St
Houston TX 77030
Phone: (713) 797-7233
Dharmendra Kumar, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1841448511
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Dharmendra Kumar are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.