FAQ
Common Psychiatry FAQ About Therapy and Counseling Services Answered.
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Got Mental Health Questions? Find the Answers You’re Looking For.
Navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Our psychiatry FAQ section is designed to answer your most important mental health questions, from understanding treatment options to preparing for your first telehealth appointment. Whether you have common psychiatry questions or want to know how telehealth can make accessing care easier, Elevating Minds Psychiatry provides clear, compassionate guidance. Our goal is to help you feel confident taking the first step toward better mental wellness, with support that’s just a click or call away.
Common Questions
All You Need to Know About Our Counseling Services
Our ADHD Treatment
What makes your ADHD treatment different?
Most people with ADHD get stuck in short, rushed appointments that don’t leave time to really talk through what’s going on. Here, we slow things down. I take the time to actually listen, explain your options, and help you feel confident about your plan. My goal is to make ADHD care feel supportive, not stressful.
How do you help with ADHD medication management?
I know how frustrating it can be when meds don’t feel right—or when shortages make it tough to get what you need. I check in often, adjust as needed, and work with pharmacies to make sure you’re not left hanging. Think of me as your partner in figuring this out together.
What technology features help ADHD patients stay organized?
I’ve built my practice to make life easier for people with ADHD. You’ll get secure texting with me, automated reminders for appointments, and simple ways to check in. No more forgetting your follow-ups or feeling lost between visits—you’ll always know the next step.
Can I start ADHD care if I haven’t been officially diagnosed yet?
Yes, definitely! If you suspect you might have ADHD, I can walk you through a full evaluation. We’ll take a close look at your symptoms, your history, and how it’s affecting your life. If ADHD is the right diagnosis, I’ll explain what that means and get you started on a treatment plan that actually makes sense for you.
Do you offer ADHD support beyond medication?
For sure. Medication is one tool, but I also talk with you about sleep, nutrition, stress, and anything else that could be making symptoms worse. ADHD affects your whole life, so treatment should too. We’ll focus on building habits and strategies that help you succeed every day.
Prescription Medicines
If I don't want to take prescription medicines, can I still work with you?
I am conservative in my use of prescriptions but (depending on your symptoms) may have difficulty achieving the results you need without them. If you would like to discuss the specifics of your situation, please schedule a free introductory call.
If I'm already on prescription medications, will you continue them?
It depends. If you feel good and are functioning well at work/school and in your important relationships, then we’ll continue what you’re already doing. Most people find me because something isn’t working well. In that case we’ll get into the details and then agree on a plan designed to help you feel better as quickly as possible.
I'm on a LOT of medicine. Can you handle that?
Absolutely.
When someone is on more than 1-2 medications related to mental health, I always work with them to determine if all those medicines are necessary. If not, we begin a process called ‘deprescribing’ by strategically reducing doses of certain medicines in hopes that they can be discontinued.
Do you prescribe stimulants for ADHD?
Yes, when appropriate.
Do you prescribe benzidazepines?
Rarely. Benzos like lorazepam and clonazepam are highly effective. They are also very risky. My responsibility as your clinician is to help you find effective and safe treatment options. If you currently take a benzo, please inquire further during your free introductory phone call.
Do you prescribe opioid pain medications?
No. However, your pain condition will help guide our choices for non-opioid medicines that target mental health symptoms and sometimes also help significantly with pain. Some of my clients do find meaningful relief from pain as their mental health improves. If your mental health symptoms stabilize by physical pain remains problematic, you may need to see a pain management specialist.
Finances & Policies
Do you take my insurance?
I have opted out of working with all insurance as part of my strategy for helping clients feel better quickly. Office visits are direct pay and I accept major credit/debit cards, HSA/FSA, and CareCredit.
This doesn’t mean that insurance won’t cover part of the cost of my services. Many insurance plans cover prescription medications, laboratory tests, and certain genetic panels when prescribed by out-of-network clinicians. On request, I will provide you with a superbill (specialized receipt) that you can submit to insurance to claim out-of-network benefits your plan offers toward office visits.
If I could use insurance, wouldn’t it be cheaper?
Absolutely.
In the moment, an appointment using insurance may cost less. But if you don’t get the timely, focused attention you need it will cost you in other ways: it will take much longer to heal. In addition to disrupting sleep and causing distress, symptoms can create difficulty in succeeding at work/school and steal energy needed for important relationships. Losses related to relationships and work/school performance can be hard to recoup, impacting your future for months or years. My approach is designed to get you feeling better as quickly as possible so that long-term consequences of poor health are minimized.
Does this mean I can’t use my insurance at all?
In most cases you will be able to use your insurance for medicines your plan has decided to cover. Insurance may also cover commonly ordered laboratory tests like those for drug levels or screenings for diseases. Many insurance plans cover at least a portion of genetic testing. And, if you request one, a superbill will be provided after each appointment. If your policy offers out-of-network (OON) benefits for psychiatric treatment, I can show you a streamlined way to submit your superbill to receive some money back.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
No. Prices are the same for everyone.
When is payment due?
Payment is made when you schedule your appointment or via pre-paid bundles of appointments. Some clients prefer to pay in advance so that they can focus solely on treatment the day of, or to simplify finances when being seen frequently (short term). If you are interested in prepaid appointments, please inquire.
What if I can't afford your fees?
If you want to work with me but need a payment plan, CareCredit offers a deferred interest plan that may help. Learn more about CareCredit here
To search for a prescriber or therapist who takes your insurance, I recommend www.psychologytoday.com.
You can verify your “out of network” benefits here
Many of you have this benefit and aren’t aware so please verify here
What is a superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to process a reimbursement claim, including diagnosis codes, procedure codes, provider credentials, and service details.
How do I submit my superbill for reimbursement?
Scheduling and Appointments
Are you taking new clients?
Yes!
My first commitment is to existing clients, and I consider their needs before accepting someone new. When I temporarily close to new clients this site will be updated to reflect that.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
New client appointments and follow-up visits are usually available within 14 calendar days.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
We currently only offer Telehealth appointments, no in person appointments. Patients must be located in either california or hawai’i. You do not need to be located at your home address.
Can I see you by telehealth while I travel away from home?
Clients must be physically located in california or hawai’i during telehealth appointments because that is where I am licensed. This is the result of legislation that hasn’t kept up with our mobile, digital age. I hope it will soon.
How often will I need to be seen?
Frequency will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms. For new patients struggling to manage responsibilities or lacking enjoyment in life, a good estimate is 4 appointments in the first 90 days. If visits are further apart than that improvement will still happen, but at a slower rate.
Send us a message
Connect with Us!
Help is a phone call away.
You don’t have to face mental health concerns on your own. Whether you’re seeking answers to common psychiatry questions or ready to schedule your first telehealth appointment, our team is here to guide you. We’ll connect you with a licensed provider who can address your unique needs—through telehealth sessions you can attend from the comfort of home. Find the support you deserve today, and let us help you navigate your journey toward improved mental wellness.
