MEET PSYCHIATRIST
Sheikh Afzal, M.D.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Sheikh Afzal – Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Sheikh Afzal has spent over 25 years helping individuals navigate life’s mental health challenges, from insomnia and anxiety to mood disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions. His journey in psychiatry began with a deep curiosity about the connection between mind and body, shaping his holistic, biopsychosocial approach addressing the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental well-being.
Education and Training
Dr. Afzal completed his psychiatry residency at Elmhurst Hospital within the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. He then pursued one additional year of advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Institute of Living in Connecticut, a nationally recognized center for psychiatric research and education. Early in his career, he was “grandfathered in” subspecialty Psychosomatic Medicine (also known as Consultation‑Liaison Psychiatry), and went on to accumulate over 10 years of experience managing complex cases at the intersection of medical and psychiatric illness.
Dr. Afzal’s background gives him deep expertise in assessing and treating patients with co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions including medically complicated or comorbid illnesses and delivering integrated biopsychosocial care. He is skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary medical teams to support optimal outcomes for medically and psychiatrically complex patients.
Teaching and Mentorship
Dr. Afzal is deeply committed to medical education and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. He regularly mentors and teaches medical students, residents, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants bringing a wealth of clinical experience combined with up-to-date evidence-based medicine into every learning encounter. Whether through bedside teaching, case discussions, or guided clinical supervision, he strives to offer a supportive, collaborative learning environment tailored to each trainee’s needs. His goal is to inspire critical thinking, professionalism, and compassionate care, while helping learners develop the confidence and competence needed to excel in modern clinical practice.
Clinical Interests and Approach
Dr. Afzal’s clinical interests include neurodevelopmental disorders, sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances, treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders, and psychiatric care for patients with co-occurring medical conditions. He provides patient-centered care that integrates biological, psychological, and social dimensions, developing individualized treatment plans that promote lasting mental health and functional well-being.
A Personalized Philosophy of Care
For Dr. Afzal, psychiatry is more than diagnosing and treating it’s about understanding each person’s story, supporting them through challenges, and empowering them to achieve balance, resilience, and functional well-being. Your mental health matters, and he is here to guide you every step of the way.