Addiction Psychiatrist in Indianapolis
An addiction psychiatrist is a physician who diagnoses and treats substance use disorders and behavioral addictions, along with the depression, anxiety, ADHD and trauma that often come with them. Dr. Sanya Virani is a Yale-trained, board-certified addiction psychiatrist in downtown Indianapolis who sees patients 16 and older in person and by telehealth in Indiana, Washington and Massachusetts. She is accepting new patients.
What Dr. Virani treats
- Alcohol use disorder, including medications that reduce cravings and drinking
- Opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine (Suboxone) and naltrexone
- Stimulant, cannabis and benzodiazepine use
- Behavioral addictions: gambling, gaming, internet and compulsive sexual behavior
- Co-occurring conditions: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, sleep problems
- Women's mental health, including perinatal mental health and PMDD
How care works
- Free 15-minute call to see if it is a good fit.
- Comprehensive evaluation of 50 to 60 minutes ($400).
- Treatment plan combining medication, motivational interviewing and CBT-based skills.
- Follow-up visits of 20 minutes ($200) for medication management.
- Between visits: email replies within 24 hours and WhatsApp for medication questions.
Dr. Virani is out of network with insurance, and payment plans are available. Payment by cash, check, card, Venmo or Zelle.
Experience
Dr. Virani is an addiction psychiatrist in the Substance Use Disorders Recovery Program at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine. She previously directed addiction services at UMass Chan Medical School, writes research updates for The Carlat Addiction Treatment Report, and lectures annually on gambling disorder at IU. She speaks English, Hindi and Gujarati.
When to see an addiction psychiatrist
Consider an addiction psychiatrist, rather than a primary care doctor or therapist alone, when cutting back has not worked, withdrawal symptoms appear, use continues despite health, legal or work consequences, or depression, anxiety or ADHD seem tangled up with drinking or drug use. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications that reduce cravings and relapse, treat the co-occurring condition at the same time, and coordinate with therapists, programs and family.
Families and loved ones
Many first calls come from a spouse, parent or adult child. With the patient's consent, family members can join visits to learn how to support recovery without enabling, and Dr. Virani can recommend resources for families.
About Dr. Virani
Dr. Sanya Virani, MD, MPH, FAPA, is triple board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in general psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. She completed her forensic psychiatry fellowship at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and her addiction psychiatry fellowship at Yale School of Medicine, and is Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine. Full credentials.
Frequently asked questions
What does an addiction psychiatrist do?
An addiction psychiatrist is a physician who diagnoses and treats substance use disorders and behavioral addictions, prescribes medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone, and treats co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and ADHD.
Do you prescribe Suboxone (buprenorphine)?
Yes. Dr. Virani treats opioid use disorder with buprenorphine and other evidence-based medications when clinically appropriate.
Do you take insurance?
Dr. Virani is out of network with insurance. Payment plans are available.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for patients located in Indiana, Washington and Massachusetts.
What ages do you treat?
Dr. Virani treats patients 16 and older.
What happens at the first visit?
The first visit is a 50 to 60 minute evaluation covering substance use, mental health, medical history, medications and goals. You leave with a diagnosis, a clear treatment plan and, when appropriate, a prescription. If another level of care such as detox or residential treatment is safer, Dr. Virani will say so and help arrange it.
Can I bring a family member?
Yes. With your consent, a spouse, parent or other support person can join part or all of the visit.
Get started
Call (463) 282-7235, email sv@forensicsandaddiction.com, or book a free 15-minute call. Office: 101 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. In a crisis, call 911 or 988.