Do you take Insurance?
I provide my patients with a high level of personalized care. In order to offer my best work to you, I am limited on the insurances I take, but honor and respect your wish and will assist however I am able. Currently I am “in network” with Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, however, partner with Availity (who finds the best rates possible, as well as Reimbursify to plow through the billing so your deductibles are met and we can focus on YOU). I provide a superbill identifying services rendered upon request and it may be best to reach out to your Insurance if this is of great concern to see what benefits they cover, as each plan is different, I may be out of network, however benefits are often available to cover some or all of your seafter you have met your deductible.
Do you accept FSA/HSA Cards?
I do accept HSA/FSA cards as long as they are from major card brands (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex), and I will provide a superbill identifying services rendered.
Do you offer a Fee Sliding Scale?
I’m sorry, I do not offer a sliding scale. I fear that it will be difficult to apply exceptions fairly.
Why Work With You Rather Than My Insurance?
Insurance limits and dictates a provider’s care regardless of your needs. My commitment to you sets me aside from traditional psychiatric care. Restoring balance requires a holistic approach, one, which requires a provider to invest heart, time, and effort. I will help guide and support you beyond active treatment. I will prioritize setting individualized valuable treatment plans and goals that align in meeting your needs of mind, body and environment.
Is a Nurse Practitioner the same as a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatrists are both trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions with medications and psychotherapy interventions. We often perform the same role in mental health care. Numerous studies have also found that patient outcomes for nurse practitioners are equivalent to, and in some cases better than, those of physicians.
Nurse practitioners are trained under a nursing model – to care for the whole patient in addition to their disease. Although psychiatrists adopt this philosophy of care, rest assured, you are in compassionate, well trained capable hands.
Does Integrative Psychiatry Mean that you Prescribe Supplements Rather than Medications?
NOT AT ALL. Integrative psychiatry combines evidenced practice of traditional medications with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Interventions are not limited to psychotropic medications, supplementation, lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and more. There is also focus on the healing power of relationships and your connection between mind, body and environment that may contribute to your condition. Although I recognize the value of traditional treatments such as psychotropics, they are not the only option.
Where do you see patients?
Please note that I am licensed in Arizona and Oregon. Per licensing regulation, patients must be located in the state of Arizona or Oregon, with Oregon requiring a simple fax from your Primary Care (FNP, MD, or other licensed Provider)
Do you complete FMLA or Disability Paperwork?
Depending on your needs and level of impairment, FMLA, disability paperwork, school absences and work accommodations may be considered. If approved, this will be charged at a rate of $60 per 15 minutes rate as disclosed in my fees.
Why is a 15 minute consultation Beneficial?
Reaching out is the first step. This consultation will help us determine our level of comfort working together and the best way to address your mental health needs.
What about reaching you Between Appointments?
Additional contact information will be provided to you at your initial appointment as a way to communicate simple concerns that may come up. Emails and calls are generally returned within 1-3 business days. If concerns are more complex, I may ask to see you to address concerns. Any concerns that may be discussed through protected electronic means exceeding 15 minutes, the rate fee of $60 per 15 minutes will apply.
Is psychotherapy incorporated in the Visit?
Psychotherapy along with other integrative recommended treatments will be incorporated in your visit.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment
I will provide further instructions to schedule an initial consultation If we find we are a good fit at your free Intro call. Once initial consultation is scheduled, you will be required to complete a questionnaire a week ahead of your appointment to best prepare or you can start here.
Do you Prescribe Controlled Medications?
YES – The Ryan Haight Act amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to generally require that the dispensing of controlled medications by means of the internet be predicated on a valid prescription involving at least one in-person medical evaluation. At the same time, it also established accepted categories of telemedicine pursuant to which a practitioner may prescribe controlled medications for a patient despite never having evaluated that patient in person, provided that, among other things, such practice is in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), issued a temporary rule to allow the following:
All telemedicine flexibilities regarding prescription of controlled medications as were in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will remain in place through November 11, 2024
For more information visit: https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/prescribing-controlled-substances-via-telehealth
Examples of controlled medications are:
Stimulants for ADHD- ritalin, concerta, adderall, vyvanse etc.
Benzodiazepines- xanax, ativan, klonopin etc.
Sleep medications- ambien, lunesta, sonata etc.