Question 1

What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

Accepted Answer

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to evaluate, diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental illnesses.

Question 2

What is the difference between Therapy and Psychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Therapy, which is often referred to as psychotherapy, is a treatment method utilized for mental and mood disorders. Psychotherapists (those utilizing psychotherapy techniques) include psychologists, therapists, social workers, and counselors. These specialists do not have the ability to prescribe medication.

Psychiatry is another method of treating mental and mood disorders. This medical
specialization allows providers such as medical doctors or nurse practitioners to provide an in-depth understanding of a client’s issue and prescribe medication as appropriate.

Question 3

What can I expect on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

During your first appointment, we will carry out an evaluation by obtaining additional information from you as we discuss about your concerns. Based on the evaluation we will formulate an appropriate plan of care that works best for you.

Question 4

Does the practice complete disability paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Some providers will recommend short term disability after the client has been evaluated over the course of a few sessions. We do not work on cases involving short term or long term disability and we will not see clients who only seek completion of their disability paperwork.

Question 5

I am involved in a legal court case, do you provide evaluations for court cases?"

Accepted Answer

Our providers are not trained to provide Forensic Psychiatric services. We also do not provide assessments for legal matters such as DUI's, Child protective services (CPS), or immigration cases.

Question 6

How often are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are scheduled on a case to case basis depending on medication adjustments and a client's stability. Federal law requires that all clients on controlled medications are evaluated and prescribed the medications only at monthly intervals.

Question 7

Will I get a prescription?

Accepted Answer

We conduct assessments to determine the best treatment plan and can prescribe medications for situations requiring medication intervention however, they are not necessary in every case.

Question 8

I am on a controlled medication, can I still be prescribed all my medications?"

Accepted Answer

The Ryan Haight Act requires practitioners issuing a prescription for a controlled medication to conduct an in-person medical evaluation or conduct a video/audio communication in a DEA-registered facility at a minimum of once every 24 months. Due to the Ryan Haight Act, if we do not see you every year in person then there may be restrictions on what type of medications we can prescribe.  This affects controlled medications such as Benzodiazapines (Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, Valium,etc.) and Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, etc.).

Question 9

Do you provide bariatric surgery psychiatric evaluations?

Accepted Answer

While clients can significantly benefit from bariatric procedures, we do not provide bariatric assessments at this time.

Question 10

What age groups do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We currently provide treatment to adults ages 18-60. For clients less than 18 years we ask that you seek services from a child psychiatrist and over 60 years a geriatric psychiatrist.

Frequently Asked Questions