Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive for my first an appointment with you or bring in my child for a first appointment with you?

At your first appointment, we will begin with a thorough evaluation covering current concerns, medical and psychiatric history, medications, allergies, social and family background, and other important life factors. For children, we also review developmental and prenatal history. While the assessment is detailed, it helps us understand the full picture and provide the best care. Initial sessions usually last 45 minutes to an hour, but may take longer if a more comprehensive evaluation is needed.

Follow-up appointments are typically shorter than the initial evaluation. These sessions focus on any updates to psychiatric, medical, or social history, including changes in medication or concerns about side effects. They usually last between thirty minutes and one hour.

What type of mental health professional should I see?

The goal of all mental health providers is to offer the most effective care based on each person’s unique needs. Choosing between a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, psychologist, or other therapist depends on the treatment approach that best fits the individual. Below is a brief overview of each role.

Psychoanalysts focus on uncovering unconscious factors that influence emotions and behavior. Through regular sessions in a safe and nonjudgmental setting, individuals explore the roots of their difficulties, gain insight into how past experiences shape current behavior, and work toward lasting emotional change.

Psychologists typically provide talk therapy to help individuals manage stress, trauma, relationship challenges, and unhelpful thought patterns. They may also conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing to assess conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, or personality disorders.

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners focus on the biological and genetic aspects of mental health. They often prescribe medication and may incorporate therapy, lifestyle changes, or nutritional support into treatment. Their approach aims to address mental health from a medical and neurological perspective.

 May I join in a session with my child if I wish?

Absolutely! When treating children, providers work to understand the full picture of the child’s life by speaking with parents and other important adults who may offer insights the child cannot express. Sometimes, the provider may ask to meet with the child alone to create a safe space for open and honest conversation. All licensed mental health professionals are required to follow HIPAA laws, which protect patient confidentiality. This means that what a child shares in private cannot be disclosed without their consent unless there is a safety concern, a court order, or the child is unable to care for themselves. While this level of privacy can feel difficult for parents, a skilled provider will work with both the child and the family to build trust, encouraging the child to feel safe and eventually open up in a way that supports healing and strengthens communication.

If I feel that my current provider isn’t meeting my needs, what steps should I take?

The goal of any treatment is to meet your needs and support your well-being. You should always feel free to express your concerns, ask questions, and seek care from someone you feel comfortable with. If a medication is not helping or causes unwanted effects, or if a therapy style does not feel right, speak up. This is your time and your treatment. A good provider will always want what is best for you. Sometimes patients worry about disappointing their provider, but it is important to remember that treatment is about you, not us. Just as in everyday life, not every match is perfect, and that is completely okay. What matters most is that you feel safe, understood, and supported. If you ever feel the need to make a change, I will gladly help you find someone who may be a better fit.

I believe I need help, but I have concerns about taking medications. What alternative treatment options are available?

In some cases, prescription medication is necessary or recommended, but there are always alternatives your provider can discuss with you. These may include nutritional and lifestyle changes, supplements, and complementary therapies like acupuncture or sensory deprivation. Additionally, talk therapy can be an effective way to cope with and overcome mental health challenges.

I am concerned about seeking treatment because I do not want it to appear on my medical record. What options do I have to protect my privacy?

Mental health conditions are just like any other medical issue. If you broke your arm, you wouldn’t avoid treatment out of fear of others finding out, so the same should apply to mental health care. Although stigma around mental health exists, it’s important to know that your insurance and treatment information is confidential and cannot be accessed without your consent or a court order. In rare cases, such as involuntary hospitalization due to risk of harm or inability to care for yourself, this information might be reported to a background check database for firearm purchases, but laws vary by state.

I need help now. What do I do?

If you need immediate help, please ask for it. In a psychiatric emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-8255. While we are not an emergency facility, our top priority is your safety and well-being. If someone poses an immediate threat to themselves or others, we are required to contact emergency services to protect everyone involved.