This page contains frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer here, give us a call or submit your question on our Contact page.

We do not provide short-term disability, long-term disability, or court-related documentation. Forms such as FMLA requests, ESA letters, school letters, and other miscellaneous forms will only be considered for established patients who have been with us for at least 3 months. There is a fee for these services, which insurance typically does not cover these charges.

We are a solo practice, meaning there is only one provider, and we do not have an on-call provider and therefore, we do not offer emergency services. If you are experiencing an urgent mental health concern that cannot wait until the next business day, please contact emergency or crisis services.

All appointments are scheduled online from our website. You may call with any questions or assistance with our online scheduling, but you will still have to complete the online scheduling process and complete our intake forms, which you will receive electronically once your appointment request has been accepted. Please note: Your appointment request will be cancelled if the required intake forms are not submitted within 24 hours of your appointment request. If your appointment is cancelled, you are welcome to request another appointment when you know you have the time to complete the intake forms.

A PMHNP is a master’s prepared, advanced practice nursing specialty which uses the nursing model of care, a holistic focus on both the physical and emotional needs of a patient. This differs from the historical medical model which is the primary model of healthcare used by physicians and physician assistants. Some people prefer one caregiver model over the other. The scope of practice for PMHNPs may differ from state to state. In many states, a PMHNP can practice independently meaning no physician involvement. However, there are still some states in which a PMHNP must work with a collaborating physician. A PMHNP can evaluate and diagnose a wide range of mental health conditions, prescribe medications, order diagnostics tests, and provide psychotherapy.

Yes, Spectrum Psychiatry is currently contracted with most major insurance plans. We are not an in-network provider with Medicaid. If you do not have insurance or do not wish to use insurance, we accept most major credit cards, debit and HSA cards. ​We are also contracted with Medicare of Arizona however, we only see patients aged 13-64. Visit our Locations page to see which insurance plans we accept in your state.

If I am contracted with your insurance carrier, the fee is determined by the contracted rate schedule set by your insurance plan. Private pay rates vary by time and complexity. For patients who do not have insurance or prefer not to use it (self-pay), we offer private pay rates. The private pay fees do not include cost of medications or labs, but we partner with Cost Plus Drug Company which offers an affordable option to accessing medications. New patient 75-minute initial diagnostic assessment ~$300 Established patient 45-minute annual assessment to review complete psychosocial, medical, psychiatric history, discuss how you are feeling and manage medications as needed (Required every 12 months) ~ $200 A 20 minute check to review/adjust your meds if needed ~$150 A 40 minute supportive therapy session and review/manage your medications as needed ~$175 A 60-minute supportive therapy session and review/manage your medications as needed ~$200 The rates above are our private pay rates priced to offer both medication management and therapy to save you time and money.

No, although we treat numerous mental health conditions, there are several we do not treat. We do not treat SMI or opioid use disorder. We do not provide court ordered treatment or evaluations. We do not do short term or long-term disability. We do not perform evaluations for autism or learning disabilities.

We see patients from age 13 to 64. Children and the elderly are special populations which we believe require more specialized care.

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I take a holistic approach to evaluating, diagnosing, and managing mental health conditions. I integrate therapy during follow-up visits and address any psychological or interpersonal factors based on your unique needs. We strongly recommend therapy for all our patients, as it often enhances treatment outcomes. Therapy helps you acquire tools and techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, contributing to your overall well-being.

All appointments in California, Maryland and Virginia are 100% online video appointments. We offer both online and limited in person appointments for residents of Arizona. In person appointments for Arizona residents are available at our Tempe office.

Mental health professionals each play an important role, but their training, scope of practice, and services differ.Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are licensed to evaluate mental health conditions, diagnose psychiatric disorders, and prescribe medications when appropriate. They provide medication management and monitor treatment response. PMHNPs are trained as advanced practice registered nurses and, in many states, are able to practice independently without physician oversight. However, some states require PMHNPs to have a collaborative relationship with a physician depending on state regulations.Psychologists specialize in psychological testing, assessment, and psychotherapy. They often provide evidence-based therapies to help individuals understand patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, but they generally do not prescribe medication.Licensed therapists and counselors focus primarily on psychotherapy, helping individuals develop coping skills, process emotions, improve relationships, and work through life challenges. Ongoing therapy can be an important part of mental health treatment, especially for individuals working through trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or major life transitions.PMHNPs may incorporate supportive therapy and therapeutic techniques into medication management visits. However, this is not intended to replace the role of a dedicated therapist for ongoing psychotherapy. Many patients benefit from a collaborative approach that includes medication management with a psychiatric provider along with regular therapy with a licensed mental health therapist.The best treatment approach depends on each person’s individual needs, goals, and preferences.

If symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, or overwhelming stress are interfering with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional support. A psychiatric provider can evaluate your symptoms, discuss your concerns, and help determine whether treatment, medication, therapy referrals, or a combination of approaches may be appropriate for your individual needs. Seeking help early can often make symptoms easier to manage before they become more severe.Learn More About Our Services

Your first appointment is designed to help your provider understand you as a whole person, not just your current symptoms. During the evaluation, we'll discuss your current concerns, psychiatric history, medical history, family history, medications, lifestyle, and treatment goals. I'll ask detailed questions about your symptoms, when they began, how they've changed over time, and how they're affecting your daily life.Because psychiatric diagnoses are based primarily on the information gathered during the evaluation, obtaining a thorough and accurate history is essential. Asking detailed questions helps me identify patterns, understand the factors contributing to your symptoms, and develop the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.Mental health diagnoses are not always static. As we get to know each other and additional information becomes available over time, a diagnosis may be refined or even change. Many people have accumulated multiple diagnoses over the years, some of which may no longer accurately reflect their current symptoms or may have been made before the full clinical picture was understood. Periodically re-evaluating diagnoses helps ensure that treatment recommendations remain appropriate and are tailored to your individual needs.By the end of the visit, we'll discuss my diagnostic impressions, treatment recommendations, and whether medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches may be beneficial. You'll also have plenty of time to ask questions and actively participate in developing a treatment plan that aligns with your needs, goals, and preferences.Appointment Information for New Patients

Every individual is different, and treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. For some people, therapy, stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, and healthy coping strategies may be effective. Others may benefit from medication or a combination of medication and therapy. During your evaluation, your provider will discuss all appropriate treatment options and work with you to develop a personalized care plan.Learn more about Our Services

For many patients, telepsychiatry offers a convenient and effective way to receive psychiatric care from the comfort of home. Virtual appointments allow providers to conduct evaluations, monitor progress, discuss medications, and provide ongoing treatment while reducing travel time and increasing accessibility. Whether telehealth is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, and your provider can help determine the best option for your care.Learn more about Telemedicine and New Patient Information

Follow-up appointments vary based on your individual treatment plan. Patients who are starting a new medication or adjusting dosages may be seen more frequently, while those whose symptoms are stable may schedule appointments less often. Your provider will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your progress, treatment goals, and ongoing needs.Learn more about Medication Management

If you feel your medication isn't providing the desired results or you're experiencing unwanted side effects, it's important not to stop taking it without speaking to your provider. Many medications require careful adjustments, dosage changes, or time to become fully effective. Your provider will review your symptoms, discuss your concerns, and determine whether changes to your treatment plan may be appropriate.Learn more about Medication Management

Yes. Many patients benefit from working with both a therapist and a psychiatric provider. While therapists focus on counseling and developing coping strategies, psychiatric providers evaluate mental health conditions, prescribe medications when appropriate, and monitor how treatment is working. Coordinated care between providers can often provide a more comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.Learn more About Us and Our Services

The timeline depends on the type of medication being prescribed and your individual response. Some medications begin helping within a few days, while others may take several weeks before their full benefits are noticeable. Your provider will explain what to expect, monitor your progress, and make adjustments if necessary. It's important to take medications as directed and attend recommended follow-up appointments.Learn more about Medication Management

Yes. Seeking a second opinion is a normal part of healthcare and can help you better understand your diagnosis or treatment options. Whether you've recently received a diagnosis, have questions about your current medications, or would like another professional perspective, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can help you make informed decisions about your care.Learn more about becoming a New Patient or to Contact Us