FAQ

General Practice Information

What services do you offer?

We provide comprehensive psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults, including diagnostic evaluations, medication management, therapy services, and primary care services. Our integrated approach allows us to address both mental health and physical health needs.

Do you accept insurance?We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. Please call our office to verify coverage for your specific plan, as benefits can vary.

How do I schedule an appointment?You can schedule by calling our office directly, using our online patient portal, or requesting an appointment through our website. New patients may need a referral depending on your insurance requirements.

What should I bring to my first appointment?Please bring a valid ID, insurance card, list of current medications, any previous medical/psychiatric records, and completed intake forms. Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork.

What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications and provide therapy. We also work with licensed therapists and counselors who specialize in talk therapy and behavioral interventions.

How long does a psychiatric evaluation take?Initial evaluations typically last 60-90 minutes for adults and may be longer for children. Follow-up appointments are usually 15-30 minutes depending on your needs.

What mental health conditions do you treat?We treat a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues in children and adolescents.

Will I need to take medication?Not necessarily. Treatment plans are individualized and may include therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication depending on your specific needs and preferences.

At what age do you start seeing children?We typically see children starting at age 5, though we can evaluate younger children on a case-by-case basis for specific concerns.

Do parents need to be present during appointments?For younger children, parents are usually present throughout the session. For adolescents, we often meet with both the teen and parents separately to respect privacy while keeping parents informed.

How do you handle confidentiality with minors?We follow state laws regarding minor confidentiality while maintaining open communication with parents about treatment goals and safety concerns.

What about school-related issues?We can provide documentation for school accommodations, work with school counselors, and address issues like school refusal or academic performance related to mental health.

Can you be my primary care doctor too?Yes, we offer comprehensive primary care services including annual physicals, preventive care, chronic disease management, and routine health maintenance.

How does integrated care work?We coordinate your mental health and physical health care, recognizing that both are interconnected. This allows for more comprehensive treatment and better outcomes.

Do you handle prescription refills for non-psychiatric medications?Yes, as your primary care provider, we can manage routine medications and coordinate with specialists when needed.

How often will I need appointments?Initially, appointments may be weekly or bi-weekly. As you stabilize, they may become monthly or quarterly. Primary care visits are typically annual unless you have ongoing health issues.

What's your cancellation policy?We require 24-hour notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in fees not covered by insurance.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?We offer some extended hours and may have weekend availability for urgent situations. Please ask about our current schedule options.

Can I have phone or video appointments?Yes, we offer telehealth services for appropriate appointments, though initial evaluations and certain services may require in-person visits.

What should I do in a mental health crisis?For immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For urgent but non-emergency situations, call our office - we have an after-hours answering service.

Do you provide crisis intervention?We offer crisis appointments when possible and work with local crisis services. We also provide safety planning and crisis resources.

How long does it take for psychiatric medications to work?This varies by medication and individual, but most take 2-6 weeks to show full effects. We monitor closely during this period and adjust as needed.

Are there side effects to worry about?All medications can have side effects. We discuss potential effects before starting any medication and monitor regularly to minimize problems.

Can I stop taking medication once I feel better?Never stop psychiatric medications suddenly. We work together to determine the right timing and approach for any medication changes.

What if I don't have insurance? We offer cash services and payment plans on a case by case basis. We also accept HSA/FSA accounts and can provide documentation for reimbursement.

What's not covered by insurance?Some services  certain therapy types, or administrative tasks (forms, letters)are. not be covered by insurance and require out-of-pocket payment.