Q. Will the cost of my treatment be covered by my insurance plan?
We take a variety of insurances in MA and NH, as well as private pay via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account (HSA), and check. Your balance is due at your scheduled appointment. If the balance is not paid in full, the appointment will be rescheduled. For more information, please call the office at (603) 600-8513.
Q. How often do I have to follow up with my provider?
Most follow-ups occur between 1 week and 2 months. 3 month appointments are rarely scheduled for patients and are usually only for established patients that have been stable on medication for a prolonged period of time. The frequency of appointments varies depending on the complexity of the patient’s individual case. Prescriptions are filled up until the next scheduled appointment. The patient is to contact the office if a refill is needed sooner.
Q. What are the fees?
Please be aware of your insurance coverage prior to scheduling an appointment.
Please also read the intake paperwork as this explains the fees in detail and what is asked of you as a patient. Once signed, you as the patient are responsible. Center for Wellness & Wellbeing does not provide free services. Telehealth appointments are still medical appointments and will be treated as such (including paying balances upon services rendered).
Q. Are there office policies I should be aware about prior to my first appointment?
A $50 fee is charged for completion of each form. An appointment will be scheduled in order to complete these forms.
Gabapentin and Modafinil are not prescribed at this practice. These medications are outside the scope of practice of a PMHNP.
Stimulants are only started if there is a recent neuropsychological evaluation (within the last 5 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of an attention deficit disorder. This practice prescribes a maximum of 30mg a day of any stimulant.
Benzodiazepines max dose is 1mg/day. Valium is not prescribed.
If a patient has 2 no-shows within a 12-month period, the patient will be discharged from the practice. A formal letter of termination will be sent.
Please be aware that there are charges for late cancels and no-shows to appointments. 100% of the appointment will be charged to account. To avoid a fee, please allow 24 hours for all cancellations and reschedules.
Please read the “office policies” document in your intake packet for further details regarding office policies.
Q. How long will my treatment last?
Initial psychiatric evaluation appointments are one hour long. Most follow-up sessions are thirty minutes, but may be scheduled for longer to best serve the needs of the individual patient.
Q. What will happen during my first appointment?
A review of your psychiatric history, presenting symptoms, and lifestyle will be discussed during the initial psychiatric evaluation. The provider will gather the required documentation to adequately assess, diagnose, and treat the patient. The patient will be given treatment recommendations and a diagnosis. Side effects, efficacy, and duration of treatment will be discussed. The provider may also evaluate holistic/alternative treatments if requested. The provider will develop a treatment plan to best suit the patient’s needs.
Q. Will my treatment be kept confidential?
Patient information is kept confidential following HIPPA guidelines. A signed release of information is required from the patient in order for information to be shared. As mandated reporters, if you are in danger of harming yourself or others, we are obligated by law to notify the authorities and respected parties. Please note that we STRONGLY prefer to work with those who have a Primary Care Provider (PCP) and a regular therapist. If you currently do not have one, we urge you to please do so as it may have implications to treatment options.
Q. What if I have an emergency or an urgent situation comes up?
If you find yourself in an emergency, please immediately call 911 and go to your nearest emergency department during off hours. If you have an urgent situation and/or concern, please call the office or use the patient portal during office hours, and the provider will be contacted at their earliest convenience. There is NO on call providers or appointments after hours.
Q. What is a PMHNP and what can they do for me?
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a certified advanced practice nurse professional that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental illness and psychological problems. We do not provide primary therapy services. In this setting, our primary role would be to recommend and manage medications when appropriate and review risks, benefits, and alternatives to medications. We have established office policies when it comes to use of benzodiazepines and stimulants.
Q. Are there any office limitations?
We primarily provide medication management and occasionally supportive therapy. Often times, patients would also work with a therapist for therapy sessions. We have a relationship with several area therapists and can provide referrals. Please review our resources for more information.
Q. What conditions are not treated in this practice?
Some conditions are best treated in a different specialty setting to achieve optimal results. These include, but may not be limited to, addiction, severe eating disorders, dementia, court-ordered treatment, disability evaluations, disorders requiring medications during pregnancy or breast-feeding, Methadone/Suboxone SUD management, return to work evaluations, and service animal evaluations.
