Appointments
Appointment Sessions
Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation: The initial session, 50 minutes in length, during which a history of present problems and past history is obtained.
Medical Management Sessions are 15 - 20 minutes in length. These sessions with the doctor are for the purpose of evaluating whether the medication prescribed is working in the way that it was expected. These meetings result in either continuing the medication, switching it to another medication, adding something else to the medication, or stopping the medication altogether. This type of meeting does not involve psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy sessions: Psychotherapy is an important component of treatment for all diagnoses. Medication alone can only do part of the job in treating serious illness or addiction. Generally, psychotherapy consists of 45-50 minute sessions addressing past, present or future issues affecting your life. Cognitive behavioral or dialectical behavioral techniques may be included as well as relaxation, behavioral concepts and supportive psychotherapy. Therapy sessions can include involvement of spouses, parents, children or other significant people in your life. In some cases, psychotherapy can be done in briefer sessions of 20-30 minutes.
Managing Your Appointments
Regular follow up for medication treatment is imperative and continues for the entire time during which you are in treatment. Repeatedly missing appointments results in poor outcomes and may result in your being asked to seek treatment from another provider. If you must change your appointment, it is better to move your appointment forward in the calendar so as not to run out of medication. Do not assume that prescriptions will be called in to carry you through to a later appointment. If time permits, phone-in prescriptions will be charged at $25.00.
Canceling or Rescheduling Your Appointment
It is very important that you keep your sessions, and to call or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance if you must cancel. All appointments which are missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be billed for the entire cost of the appointment, not just the co-pay or discounted rate which is normally charged to your insurer. Please request a current list of fees if you have questions about these amounts.
New Patient Forms
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