General FAQs

  • You don't have to figure it out on your own. During your initial evaluation, we'll take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and goals before recommending the treatment—or combination of treatments—that best fits your needs. Whether that's therapy, medication management, integrative psychiatry, ketamine infusion therapy, Spravato®, Exomind™ TMS, or another approach, we'll create a personalized plan designed specifically for you.

  • No. Most patients do not need a referral to schedule an appointment. However, some insurance plans may require one, so we encourage you to verify your benefits before your visit.

  • Treatment recommendations are based on your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment experiences, goals, preferences, and the best available clinical evidence. We work collaboratively with you to determine the most appropriate approach.

  • Absolutely. As your symptoms, goals, or life circumstances change, we'll continue to adjust your treatment plan to ensure it remains effective.

  • If your symptoms are interfering with work, school, relationships, sleep, or your overall quality of life—or if you've simply noticed you're not feeling like yourself—it may be time to seek an evaluation. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.

Medication Management FAQs

  • Medication recommendations are based on your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, previous medication responses, family history, other medical conditions, current medications, and your personal preferences. Our goal is to choose the safest and most effective treatment for your individual situation.

  • Many of our patients come to us after previous medications haven't provided enough relief. We'll carefully review your treatment history and discuss alternative medications, combination therapy, genetic testing when appropriate, or advanced treatment options.

  • Most medications used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are not addictive. Some medications, particularly certain anti-anxiety medications or stimulants used for ADHD, do carry risks that we'll discuss before prescribing.

  • Many side effects improve as your body adjusts to a medication. If side effects become bothersome, please contact our office before stopping the medication. We can often adjust the dose, change medications, or recommend strategies to improve tolerability.

  • Feeling better is often a sign that your treatment is working. Stopping medication suddenly can increase the risk of symptoms returning or cause withdrawal symptoms with some medications. Always speak with your provider before making any medication changes.

Ketamine FAQs

  • Treatment-resistant depression generally refers to depression that has not responded adequately to at least two appropriate antidepressant medications. If you've tried multiple treatments without enough improvement, ketamine may be an option to discuss during your evaluation.

  • Unlike many traditional antidepressants that primarily affect serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine works differently by influencing glutamate, an important neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and brain connectivity. Researchers believe this may help the brain form healthier connections and improve symptoms in some individuals.

  • When administered by qualified medical professionals in a controlled clinical setting, ketamine has an established safety profile for appropriate patients. Before treatment, we'll carefully review your medical history to determine whether ketamine is a suitable option.

  • Some patients benefit from maintenance infusions after completing an initial treatment series, while others may not. Maintenance schedules are individualized based on your response and clinical needs.

  • No. Because ketamine temporarily affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after every treatment.

Spravato® FAQs

  • Although they are related, they are not the same treatment.

    Spravato® contains esketamine, one component of ketamine, and is FDA-approved for specific types of depression. It is administered as a nasal spray under a standardized treatment protocol through the REMS program.

    Ketamine infusion therapy uses racemic ketamine administered intravenously. Both treatments may be appropriate for different patients, and we'll help determine which option best fits your individual needs.

  • You don't have to decide on your own. During your comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, we'll review your diagnosis, treatment history, medical history, current medications, and goals to determine whether Spravato® may be an appropriate option. If another treatment is likely to better meet your needs, we'll discuss those options and develop a personalized plan together.

  • Some patients notice improvement within days or weeks, while others experience more gradual changes. Every individual responds differently, and continued treatment is often needed to achieve the greatest benefit.

  • When used as prescribed and administered through the REMS program under medical supervision, Spravato® is designed to be used safely. We'll discuss the risks and benefits during your consultation.

  • Because of its safety requirements, Spravato® is available only through the FDA's REMS program. This ensures patients receive treatment in a certified healthcare setting with appropriate monitoring.

Exomind™ TMS FAQs

  • Exomind™ uses advanced TMS technology with a streamlined treatment experience. Depending on your treatment protocol, sessions may be shorter than some traditional TMS programs while still using the same general principle of magnetic brain stimulation. Your provider will recommend the protocol that's appropriate for you.

  • Most patients do not describe treatment as painful. You may feel a gentle tapping sensation on your scalp during treatment as the magnetic pulses are delivered. Most people adjust quickly after the first few sessions.

  • Yes. Unlike ketamine infusion therapy or Spravato®, Exomind™ does not require sedation or an observation period, so most patients are able to drive themselves home and return to work or normal activities immediately afterward.

  • Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the indication being treated. Our office can help verify your benefits and discuss available payment options.

  • Exomind™ is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic stimulation rather than medication to activate specific brain circuits involved in mood regulation. Unlike medications that work throughout the body, TMS acts locally on targeted brain regions. Some patients choose Exomind™ because they have not achieved enough improvement with medication, have experienced medication side effects, or are looking for another evidence-based treatment option. Whether Exomind™ should be used alone or alongside medication depends on your individual treatment plan.

Insurance & Billing FAQs

  • Our office can help verify your insurance benefits before your appointment. However, because every insurance plan is different, we also recommend contacting your insurance company directly to understand your deductible, copay, coinsurance, prior authorization requirements, and any out-of-pocket costs.

  • Please notify our office as soon as possible if your insurance changes. Updating your information before your appointment helps avoid delays, claim denials, and unexpected bills.

  • Yes. We welcome self-pay patients. Please contact our office for current pricing and available appointment options.

  • In many cases, yes. HSA and FSA funds may be used for eligible mental health services. We recommend checking with your plan administrator if you have questions about your specific account.

  • If your claim is denied, we'll review the reason for the denial and determine whether additional information, corrections, or an appeal may be appropriate. We encourage patients to contact their insurance company with benefit-specific questions, as coverage decisions are ultimately made by the insurer.

New Patient FAQs

  • If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, stressed, or simply not like yourself, you don't have to figure it out alone. Mental health symptoms don't have to reach a crisis point before seeking help. If your symptoms are affecting your relationships, work, school, sleep, or overall quality of life, a psychiatric evaluation may be beneficial.

  • Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We'll spend time getting to know you by discussing your current concerns, symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, medications, family history, lifestyle, and goals.

    Rather than rushing to a diagnosis or treatment, our goal is to understand the complete picture so we can develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.

  • Many of our patients come to us after trying multiple medications without adequate improvement.

    We'll carefully review your previous treatment history and discuss additional options, including medication adjustments, therapy, integrative psychiatry, genetic testing when appropriate, ketamine infusion therapy, Spravato®, or Exomind™ TMS.

  • You don't have to decide before scheduling.

    One of the most important parts of your first appointment is helping determine which treatment—or combination of treatments—is most appropriate for your individual needs.

  • We believe exceptional mental health care starts with listening.

    Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we take time to understand your story and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication management, integrative psychiatry, advanced treatments, lifestyle recommendations, and ongoing support. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting wellness—not simply manage symptoms.