Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We are in-network with most major insurance companies, with the exception of Tenncare, Medicare, and Medicaid. If you are unsure what type of plan you have or what services are covered, you can contact your insurance company to inquire about the details of your plan.
We have a billing team that assists with insurance verification, and our nurse is available by phone to communicate your quoted cost of appointments.
Absolutely! Please contact us to learn more about our self-pay rates and out-of-network policies.
Our staff noticed that mental health care often neglects spiritual health. As Christians, we understand that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation of hope, healing, and change. Although religion is not a part of every client's mental health journey, we enjoy supporting those who express a desire to learn, grow, or wrestle with their beliefs.
This is the fun part!
Your initial appointment, called an intake evaluation, is an opportunity for you to tell your story and communicate your treatment goals. It is important for our providers to understand your social, medical, family, and psychiatric history to fully assess, accurately diagnose, and effectively treat your symptoms. We want both you and your provider to have a comprehensive understanding of the disorders in question as well as treatment options for these.
The intake evaluation usually lasts 45-60 minutes, and you will be followed closely with subsequent appointments ranging from 2-4 weeks while starting/changing medications or doses. Follow-up appointments last 30 minutes, with the goal of reaching a maintenance frequency of every 12 weeks (3 months).
You are not required to start or change medications at your first appointment. This is the time for you to establish a therapeutic relationship with your provider and become familiar with treatment options.
If you have never taken a medication, we will do our best to answer any questions you have, explain risks vs. benefits, and communicate realistic expectations of medication management.
If you're currently taking medication and want to explore other options, your provider can discuss a plan of action to best meet your needs. However, our providers are not obligated to continue or initiate a regimen that they feel is unsafe, lacking in evidence, or against treatment guidelines recommended by the FDA, DEA, and/or our supervising psychiatrist.
Don't be shy!
The initial appointment will take place in the office, which is our provider's preference and office policy. After this, we generally offer virtual follow-up appointments at the discretion of your provider. Please note: certain symptoms, medications, and co-morbid medical conditions will require you to be seen in-person on a regular basis. At a minimum, your provider will require you to be seen in the office at least once annually per policy and DEA regulations.
For established patients, our staff are available by phone and email Monday-Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm. For non-urgent clinical questions, a member of our team will return your message within 1-2 business days. For medication refills, we require notice of 3-5 business days to avoid lapses in your regimen.
We are not an emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please dial 911, 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.
If you're in Tennessee, include us in your plans!
We are able to conduct virtual appointments anywhere within state lines. All you need is a device with a front-facing camera (smart phone/tablet/computer), working microphone and audio, a stable internet connection, and a private location where you can speak openly to your provider.
Please note: we are unable to keep an appointment if you are driving a vehicle or outside the state of Tennessee. If you are doing so during the time of your follow-up, you will be asked to reschedule.
If you are under the age of 16, we require your parent/legal guardian to be present at the time of your appointments. For those ages 16 and older, we prefer the input of your family or caregivers, but do not require it if it is against the client's wishes.
Please note: we will require all clients ages 16 years and older to sign a release of information for any parents/guardians to be included in their care.
Great question - these roles are confused quite frequently. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD), meaning he/she has graduated from medical school and completed residency and fellowship. A nurse practitioner graduated from nursing school, likely has clinical experience as a registered nurse, and completed graduate school (either a master's or doctorate-level program) specialized in psychiatric-mental health.
While both providers can assess, diagnose, and prescribe medication, many states (including Tennessee) require nurse practitioners to be supervised by a psychiatrist due to the differences in education and training. Our practice is run by nurses, but office policies and clinical decisions are overseen by our supervising psychiatrist.
Feel free to contact us during office hours and we will do our best to address your concerns!