We provide medical services, payment for which many patients use their commercially available health insurance.
We are participating providers with most CDPHP commercial plans.
We can also provide services on a private pay basis, or assist you in utilizing any out of network benefits, if this option is available with insurance plans we are not participating with. For more information about payment, including out of network situations, please review this general information (download here). Patients may request a written description of any fees at any time.
Treatment
There are two general types of treatment our clinicians provide which can reduce distress. These include psychotherapy, also known as counseling, or “talk therapy." The other is medication treatment, which can be very helpful when appropriately recommended.
Pharmacological Management
Pharmacological therapy involves the prescribing of medicines to treat identified symptoms. Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medications, if it is agreed that medication use will likely be beneficial. Ongoing meetings are scheduled to evaluate the effects of prescribed medications. Medication review sessions are approximately 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, medication review can be carried out during longer meetings, based upon a number of factors.
Other prescribing clinicians, such as Primary Care Clinicians, may at times similarly treat patients with medications, and these professionals refer to treatment specialists such as ourselves as they determine necessary or helpful.
The Diagnostic Interview
The first consultation in psychiatric treatment is the diagnostic psychiatric interview. This is the initial meeting between the patient and the clinician, which usually is approximately 45 minutes in length. During this interview the practitioner will attempt to gain as much of an understanding as possible of the patient's current problems, the context in which these problems occur, as well as any relevant information. At the end of this initial assessment, the patient and clinician will together arrive at a treatment plan designed to minimize distress and to promote a return to an optimal level of health. If it would be helpful, family members or friends may be invited to join in providing important input.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a well-recognized method of treatment for psychiatric problems. The techniques employed in psychotherapy can vary. Psychotherapy alone does not involve the use of medications. Most therapy sessions are 45-50 minutes, although briefer or longer sessions are also used when needed or desired.
Integrated Treatment and Split Treatment
Often treatment is most effective when psychotherapy and medications are used. “Integrated treatment” refers to the treatment when one clinician prescribes medicines and also provides supportive talk therapy. Another common practice is to see a prescribing clinician for medications and then also see a second clinician for therapy. This is known as “split treatment." Our clinicians are comfortable working in either mode. Our clinicians may recommend or offer to provide talk therapy, primarily medication treatment, or some combination of both, based on an agreed upon treatment plan.