Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
General Practice Questions
What is Embrace BH?What conditions do you treat?
I provide psychiatric medication management and brief psychotherapy for children (ages 5+) and adults experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and related psychiatric concerns.
Do you see children and adults?
Yes! I treat patients ages 5 and up. I'm experienced working with children, teens, and adults across the lifespan.
What's the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?
Both can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree, I provide the same core services as a psychiatrist - medication management and psychotherapy - with a nursing approach that emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, I'm currently accepting new patients. You can schedule your initial evaluation through our online booking system.
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Do you provide therapy or just medication management?
I provide both psychiatric medication management and brief psychotherapy. The combination depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What type of therapy do you offer?
We offer brief, solution-focused psychotherapy integrated with medication management. This isn't long-term intensive therapy, but rather supportive therapy alongside medication treatment.
How do you decide on treatment?
Treatment decisions are collaborative. We will assess your symptoms, medical history, and preferences to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or both.
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What if the medication isn't working?
Medication adjustments are common and expected. We'll monitor your response closely and make changes as needed. Finding the right medication often takes time and patience.
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Are there any conditions you don't treat?
We provide therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medications, including Suboxone for opioid use disorder. For medication management or Suboxone treatment, I can provide referrals to qualified prescribers. We are happy to coordinate care and provide supportive therapy alongside any medication treatment you may be receiving from other providers.
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Emergencies & Crisis
What if I have a mental health emergency?
We do not provide 24-hour crisis services.
For emergencies, call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). The Crisis Text Line (741741) is also available 24/7.
Can I contact you between appointments?
Yes, for any and all non-urgent clinical matters. We typically respond to messages within 24-48 hours during business days. Brief phone appointments are available when a quick check-in is needed. These are meant to supplement, not replace, regular visits and may include a fee.
What constitutes an emergency?
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, thoughts of harming others, or any situation where you're in immediate danger. These situations require immediate emergency care, not a message to your provider.
Appointment Questions
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How do I schedule an appointment?
All appointments are scheduled online through our website.
Same-day scheduling is not available to ensure adequate preparation time.
Are appointments in-person or virtual?
Most appointments are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms. In-person sessions can be arranged if needed and may involve additional charges.
How long are appointments?
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Initial evaluation: 60-80 minutes
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Follow-up medication management: 20 minutes
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Follow-up with therapy: 30-45 minutes
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Extended sessions: Over 45 minutes when clinically appropriate
How often will I need to be seen?
This varies based on your individual needs. Initially, you may be seen every 2-4 weeks. Once stable, many patients are seen monthly or quarterly. Patients on controlled substances must be seen at least every 3 months.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please provide at least 24 hours notice. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours notice or missed entirely incur a $75 fee.
Medication Questions
Insurance Questions
Can you prescribe medication during telehealth appointments?
Yes, we can prescribe most psychiatric medications during telehealth appointments, including controlled substances (with some restrictions). Current federal regulations allow this through December 2025.
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What about controlled substances like Adderall or Xanax?
We can prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, but you must be located in Arizona during our sessions. You’ll need to be physically located in Arizona at the time of your appointment, and certain rules and safeguards apply. Your provider will talk with you about whether these medications are appropriate for your care and review the requirements with you before prescribing.
How do you send prescriptions?
Prescriptions are sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy. Please provide your pharmacy information during your first appointment.
What if I run out of medication?
We know life gets busy, but it’s important to stay on top of your prescriptions so your care isn’t interrupted. The best first step is to request a refill directly from your pharmacy. If they need authorization from our office, they’ll reach out to us. Please keep in mind that emergency refills aren’t always possible, so planning ahead is the best way to make sure you always have what you need.
Does Embrace BH accept insurance?
As an out-of-network provider, we don't bill insurance companies directly. However, many insurance plans include out-of-network benefits that can reimburse you for a significant portion of your session costs.
To make this process easier for my patients, we've partnered with Thrizer, a service that automates insurance claims and reimbursement. Instead of paying the full session fee and waiting months for reimbursement checks, Thrizer allows eligible patients to pay only their estimated copay amount after meeting their deductible.
How it helps:
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Pay just your copay instead of the full session fee
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No waiting for reimbursement checks
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Automatic claims processing
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Most patients save approximately 70% on their out-of-pocket costs
Getting Started: If you're interested in using Thrizer for your appointments, please email us after you've scheduled your first visit and we'll help you get set up with their service.
Learn more: Visit Thrizer's website or contact our office with questions about whether this option might work for your insurance plan.
Please note: Thrizer services are optional and not all insurance plans qualify for out-of-network benefits. Thrizer can help you determine if this is a good fit for your situation.
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Why don't you take insurance?
We chose not to work with insurance companies so we can focus entirely on your care rather than navigating bureaucratic hurdles. As a concierge psychiatry practice, this means you get much better access to me as your provider - faster response times, more flexible scheduling, and personalized attention without insurance company interference.
Benefits of our self-pay model:
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Better provider availability - easier to reach me when you need support
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Transparent pricing - you know exactly what you'll pay upfront
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Complete privacy - no insurance company tracking your sessions
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Flexible treatment - tailored to what you need, not what insurance approves
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No surprise bills or confusing paperwork months later
Many clients find our rates competitive with high-deductible plans, and the concierge-level access makes it worth the investment in your mental health.
If you're interested in using your out-of-network insurance benefits, please see the question above about Thrizer.
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Telehealth & Technology
What do I need for a telehealth appointment?
You'll need a device with camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer), reliable internet connection, and a private space for your appointment.
We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms like Doxy.me.
What if I have technical difficulties?
Basic technical troubleshooting is expected. If significant technical issues prevent the session, we may need to reschedule. This does not constitute no-show nor will a no-show fee be issues. Accommodations will be made to ensure the appointment is rescheduled promptly.
Can I be anywhere for my telehealth appointment?
No, you must be physically located in Arizona during our sessions, especially when controlled substances are being prescribed. You'll need to confirm your location at the start of each session.
Is telehealth as effective as in-person care?
Yes! Research shows telehealth can be just as effective as in-person care for most mental health conditions. Many patients find it more convenient and comfortable.
Can I request in-person appointments?
Yes, in-person appointments can be arranged on a case-by-case basis if you prefer face-to-face sessions. Please discuss this preference when scheduling your initial appointment.
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Privacy & Confidentiality
How is my privacy protected during telehealth?
All telehealth platforms are HIPAA-compliant and encrypted. Please ensure you're in a private space during sessions. I may ask if anyone else is present during our session.
Will you talk to my family members?
We can only share information with people you specifically authorize in writing. For patients under 18, parents/guardians typically have access to treatment information unless restricted by court order. In cases where there is a concern for safety, we may reach out to others as needed and as required by law.
Do you use AI or computers for my care?
We use HIPAA-compliant AI tools for administrative tasks like session note formatting, but never for clinical decision-making.
All treatment decisions are made by your licensed provider.
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