Question 1

What happens during my first psychiatric evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment is a detailed consultation where we take time to understand your mental health history, current symptoms, and goals. You can expect: 
1. A full discussion of your medical, emotional, and lifestyle background 
2. Screening for anxiety, depression, or other mood conditions 
3. Review of any current medications or supplements 
4. A collaborative plan outlining next steps, which may include therapy, lab work, or medication management

Question 2

How does medication management work?

Accepted Answer

Medication management ensures you receive the right prescription, dose, and follow-up care. I will:

1. Carefully evaluate your symptoms and medical history before prescribing
2. Monitor your progress and adjust medications as needed
3. Educate you about potential side effects and what to expect
4. Incorporate lab testing or GeneSight results to guide personalized choices when needed.

Question 3

What mental health conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

1. Anxiety and panic disorders
2. Depression and mood changes
3. ADHD and attention difficulties
4. PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
5. Bipolar disorder
6. OCD, stress, and burnout
7. Sleep and hormonal-related mood changes

Question 4

Do you provide therapy or only medication?

Accepted Answer

I provide both. My integrated care model includes Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you manage negative thought patterns, build coping strategies, and find balance. Therapy and medication can be used together or individually, depending on your needs. However there will be times when I encourage you to also work with a mental health counselor or psychologist in addition to the work we do together.

Question 5

What is GeneSight Testing and how can it help me?

Accepted Answer

GeneSight is an advanced genetic test that analyzes how your DNA may affect your body’s response to specific psychiatric medications. This information helps your provider: 
1. Select medications more precisely
2. Reduce trial-and-error adjustments
3. Improve symptom control and minimize side effects

Question 6

Are telehealth appointments available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth visits for patients throughout New Mexico. You can attend appointments from home using your phone, tablet, or computer, making care accessible and convenient.

Question 7

Do you accept Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am in network with most major insurance plans including: Cigna, Quest Behavioral, Carelon Behavior Health, Aetna. Pending (Coming Soon): Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, United Health Care (Optum), Oxford (Optum), Medicaid.

Every plan is different. Some may have a co-pay or require you to meet a deductible first. I accept primary insurance only and don’t take secondary insurance.

Not going through Insurance? No problem. Private pay works too.

Question 8

What are your private pay rates by appointment type?

Accepted Answer

The rates below are our private pay rates. If you are using insurance, your cost may differ. Please confirm directly with your insurance company.

60 min - Initial Psychiatric Mental Health Evaluation $300 
30 min - Follow-up - - $175

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Missed initial appointments without notice will incur a $150 fee, and missed follow-up visits will incur a $75 fee.

Question 9

Do you prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Because of the nature of our appointments being telehealth I am unfortunately not able to prescribe controlled substances, such as ADHD (Adderall, etc.) medications or Benzodiazepines (lorazepam etc.).

Question 10

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that life happens and schedules can change. To ensure we can offer timely care to all patients, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as missed (no-show) appointments, will incur a $75 cancellation fee. This fee helps offset the time reserved specifically for you, which could have been offered to another patient in need of care.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting this policy, as it allows us to provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

If you need to make a change to your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible

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