2. How do I know when it is time to get help?
3. How long do I have to wait to get an appointment?
4. How much does psychiatric treatment cost?
5. Do you see children and adolescents in your practice?
6. How frequently will I need to be seen?
7. Will information and treatment be kept confidential?
8. If I am already in psychotherapy, will you work with my therapist?
1. What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed advanced education (a minimum of a masters degree) in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions in her/his specialty area, such as psychiatry.
Nurse Practitioners provide some of the same care provided by physicians and must be in collaborative practice with a physician in their specialty area (psychiatrist), in order to practice.
The core philosophy of the field is individualized care. Involving the client in their health care and encouraging them to participate in decisions are central to the care provided by NPs.
Nurse Practitioners are licensed by the state to prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, make a diagnosis, perform psychiatric evaluations, order diagnostic tests, as well as multiple other responsibilities.
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2. How do I know when it is time to get help?
When the way you feel is significantly affecting your quality of life, or interfering in your sense of self-worth, relationships, and/or work performance.
When you are isolating, having mood swings, struggling with addictions, and feeling overwhelmed by it all.
When “things” are not getting better on their own or with psychotherapy.
And . . . if you ever wish that your life would just be over.
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3. How long do I have to wait for an appointment?
Depending on the flexibility of your schedule, you can usually get an appointment within one week of your call.
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4. How much does psychiatric treatment cost?
My rates are comparable to those of other practitioners in the area who provide both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy services. Please contact me to discuss the fees for treatment.
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5. Do you treat children and adolescents?
At this time I only treat adults 21 and over.
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6. How frequently will I be seen?
This varies and depends on the nature and severity of the problem and whether or not you are requesting psychotherapy along with medication management. Appointment intervals can be one week to three months, depending on your situation.
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7. Will information and treatment be kept confidential?
Your right to confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me. Without your explicit permission, I will never disclose any information about you, or even the fact that you are a patient in my practice. Of course, in instances where there is an imminent danger to either yourself or someone else, necessary steps will be taken to diminish these risks within appropriate legal and ethical guidelines.
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8. If I am currently in psychotherapy, will you work with my therapist?
Yes, if you are currently in psychotherapy, I will work collaboratively with your psychotherapist, at your request.
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