Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions. I have grouped them into three categories: finance-related, service-related, and questions about psychiatry.
Finance-Related Questions
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, I do not accept insurance. I am considered an out-of-network provider. However, I can provide a super bill for you to submit to your insurance and receive reimbursement.
What are your fees?
Initial consultation (60 minutes)......................... $400
Regular Follow-up (<30 minutes)...................... $200
Intermediate Follow-up (31-45 minutes)............ $300
Long Follow-up (>46 minutes)........................... $400
What forms of payment do you accept?
New patients are required to provide valid payment details when scheduling their initial evaluation. This can be a credit card or HSA/FSA card. These payment details are vaulted securely by my payment processor. Your card will be charged after each appointment according the fee schedule.
Service-Related Questions
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Absolutely! I offer both telehealth appointments and in-person visits at my Brentwood location. Whether you prefer the convenience of telehealth or the personal feel of in-person visits, I've got you covered. Contact me if you have any questions about which option is right for you.
Do you ever require in-person appointments?
Yes. The US government requires an in-person visit before controlled substances can be prescribed. This includes medications such as stimulants (e.g. Adderall and Ritalin), benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax and Klonopin), and certain sleep medications (e.g. Lunesta and Ambien).
I also recommend occasional in-person appointments for patients on certain medications that require physical examination (e.g. checking blood pressure on stimulants or monitoring for tardive dyskinesia for patients on antipsychotics).
What is medication management?
Medication management is a crucial aspect of psychiatry that involves identifying the right diagnosis for each patient and prescribing the most appropriate medication to manage it. At my practice, I prioritize using the minimum number of medications at the lowest effective doses. I believe in working collaboratively with my patients to determine the best fit for their unique needs.
What types of therapy do you offer?
For most of my patients, the primary services I provide are a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, psycho-education (teaching you about your condition), and medication management. In addition, I often recommend some targeted, brief therapeutic techniques. In my practice, I commonly use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques to help my patients achieve their desired outcomes.
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In some cases, I may recommend that patients also engage in high quality, high frequency meetings with a dedicated therapist, such as a psychologist. In these cases, I am happy to provide referrals to trusted therapists. Some patients choose to pursue dedicated therapy with me. This will need to be discussed with me in advance. See my payment and fees page for more information about cost of therapy sessions.
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Questions about psychiatry
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing treating mental illness. They are trained to provide a range of treatments, including therapy and medication management, to help individuals manage their mental health conditions
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists and psychologists offer complementary services in the field of mental health. Psychiatrists tend to focus more on the biomedical aspects of mental health and are able to offer medications in addition to therapy. On the other hand, psychologists specialize in providing therapy and counseling services to help individuals overcome mental health challenges. Together, these professionals can provide a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP)?
Psychiatrists are physicians with specialized training. It requires about 12 years to become a psychiatrist, including 4 year bachelors degree, 4 year medical degree, and 4 year psychiatry residency. Nurse practitioners have nursing background (either a 2 year associates or bachelors in nursing) followed by a masters degree in nursing to allow them to practice as nurse practitioners. In Missouri, nurse practitioners are required by law to practice under supervision of a physician.