FAQs

Posted on: June 1, 2014

What can I expect from the first visit?

Psychiatric treatment starts with an initial 90-minute appointment where we focus on why you are starting or continuing psychiatric care.  What are your concerns and what have you noticed about yourself?  What are your strengths and your goals? What do you want from treatment?  I will ask questions about your overall health, your background and current life circumstances, your family and friendships and use of drugs or other substances.  I may also ask you to complete some pen and paper symptom scales to provide an additional measure of how you are doing.  This process, though intensive, bears fruit down the road as it allows me to have a fuller understanding of who you are and to collaborate with you to find the best treatment possible.

At the end of this appointment we will discuss a treatment plan which will include the frequency of subsequent visits.  This treatment plan may include medication or psychotherapy or both, and will be guided by your preferences and needs. I may also refer you for a group or other professional consultations or testing. If you choose to go on medication, we will discuss potential side effects and what you can expect from the medication.

How long are subsequent visits?

Medication monitoring visits are 25 minutes long and are spaced apart depending upon how often we need to get together to review your medication treatment and make decisions about any changes that may be needed. If your medication is working well and your condition stable, I will ask you to see me every 6 months at a minimum. These checkup visits must be face to face and cannot be held over the phone.

Psychotherapy visits are 45 minutes in length and may include medication monitoring.  The frequency of psychotherapy visits is variable, ranging from twice weekly to once a month.

Is there anything I should do before our first appointment?

It is helpful if you complete the Patient Registration Form, which is available in the Patient Forms section of my website and bring it to your first appointment.  If you have been on medication previously, please bring a list of your current and previous medications, including the doses and length of time you used them. If you have a psychotherapist and would like for me to speak with them before your fist visit, please have them contact me.

Do you do collaborate with other psychotherapists or physicians to provide integrated treatment?

Yes.  If you are currently in treatment with a psychotherapist or primary care physician, I will have you complete an Authorization to Release Information form since this will allow me to contact your therapist or physician to provide him or her with feedback about our appointment and to discuss a shared treatment plan as needed.  I stay in regular communication with collaborating providers.

What if I have a question about my medication (e.g. side effects) or need a refill in between appointments? 

I always encourage you to call or email me with questions about your medication. I do my best to return all calls and emails the day they are received unless you call after business hours. I feel that time spent on the phone or by email can be essential for good treatment and I do not routinely charge for this time. However, if I see that we are spending extended periods of time outside of the session, I will discuss with you the need to charge for that time as if it were an office visit. Please be aware that email is not a secure method of communication and let me know if you do not want me to communicate clinical information with you via email.

If I am prescribing medication for you, I ask that you keep track of your medication supply so that you can call for a refill at least a few days before you will run out. It is helpful to me if you always call your pharmacy for a refill rather than contacting me directly as this enables the pharmacy to have your records prepared when they call me. This applies even if your bottle indicates that there are no additional refills available.

Do you charge for missed visits?

I understand that there may be times when you will need to change an appointment. I request 24 hours advance notice of cancellation or else I will need to charge you for that session. Please be aware that insurance companies will not reimburse for a missed appointment.

What are your fees and do you accept insurance?

While I do not contract with insurance companies, I do assist my patients by providing the paperwork necessary to submit to their insurance carriers for reimbursement. I am considered an “out-of-network” physician for PPO insurance plans. Practicing this way allows me to provide the kind of care I feel is most helpful, without having to spend substantial amounts of time on paperwork. Additionally, it ensures complete patient confidentiality for patients who elect not to notify their insurance carriers or employers of provided care.

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