Frequently asked questions
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice nurse with a masters degree and special training in testing, diagnosing and prescribing medications. Nurse practitioners are licensed by individual states and have national board certification in their area of specialty.
What kinds of insurance do you accept?
I accept many insurance plans as well as private pay. Some of the plans we accept include Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, United Health Care, Optum, Oscar, UMR, Harvard Pilgrim.
We will check your benefits for you and make sure your visit is covered before we meet - which means no surprise bills!
You can check your coverage by clicking this link https://secure.helloalma.com/check-my-insurance-coverage/
What can I expect during my first visit?
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I offer a free initial phone consultation so you can ask any questions before making an appointment. After our consultation the next step is to schedule an initial appointment.
During our appointment we will discuss your history, current state of health, diagnosis, if appropriate we may start medication or manage your current medication, discuss next steps and treatment goals.
Services include continual assessment of medication effectiveness, symptom management and appropriate adjustments as needed.
Your well being is important to us and we treat our patients as collaborative partners.
Our goal is always to get you feeling better!
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, everything you tell us is confidential! I will not share information without written consent from you unless we are concerned about your safety, the safety of someone else or we are legally obligated.
What kinds of problems do you treat?
I treat all mental health issues, but have a special interest in women's mental health.
Difficulty with life transitions such as going to college, marriage, pregnancy, motherhood & menopause.
Negative life experiences in relationships, career stress, infertility, perinatal loss, poverty, discrimination, violence, unemployment & isolation.
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Some of the other conditions treated
Depression
Anxiety
Panic
Insomnia
OCD
Social Anxiety
ADHD/ADD
PMDD
Postpartum depression
Bipolar Disorder
Mood Disorders
PTSD
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Schizophrenia
Mood disorders
Personality Disorders
Dissociative Disorder
Abuse
Medication management
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What if you don't accept my Insurance?
If I do not accept your insurance I can provide paperwork as an out of network provider so that you can be reimbursed by your plan if you have out of network benefits. Please contact your insurance to find out more.
Do you prescribe controlled substances?
Controlled substances are considered in some circumstances. Keep in mind there are many other medications available to treat symptoms of adhd, panic and anxiety without the use of stimulants or benzodiazepines.
Cancellation policy
I require 24 hours if you are unable to make your appointment. This is so I can offer the appointment to another patient. Emergencies happen, but please respect our time as we respect yours. You will be responsible for the entire cost if we receive a late cancellation or you do not show up to your appointment.
Patient/Provider relationship expectation
The expectation is that after an initial evaluation, you will return within 1-2 weeks if starting new medication or adjusting current medication. Follow-up appointments for refills and medication management appointments vary by treatment until you are stable.
I do not provide crisis services.
For immediate help
Call 911
Suicide Prevention Hotline
Talk: 1-800-273-8255
Suicide line: 1-800-784-2433