How do I get started as a patient?

Please complete a Contact Form by clicking  the “Contact” button below. I will return your contact at my earliest convenience, at which time we will speak in more detail about your expectations and goals. If we mutually agree that my practice is a good fit, an initial evaluation appointment will be scheduled.

How do I pay for my treatment?

Payment by credit card is preferred but cash is accepted. Personal checks are not accepted.

Is your practice a good fit for everyone?

Not necessarily…but it is a great fit for some! This practice is a very important, but small portion of my overall work. Some individuals may require more intensive services or wider availability than I am able to provide. Prospective patients will be advised if this practice might not be a good fit.

Do you accept insurance?

No. I have created this practice to provide a more comprehensive, nuanced, whole-person approach to mental health care. In my opinion, insurance companies do not adequately allow for the time, detail, and flexibility that it takes to provide this level of care. My model is about offering more than the “15 minute med check” allowed by third-party payors.

Do you accept Medicare?

Unfortunately, the extensive reporting and charting requirements imposed by Medicare, along with limited coverage for some services, preclude me from accepting Medicare in this practice. If you are a Medicare beneficiary and wish to schedule an appointment with me, please contact Carolina Outreach at (919) 251-9001 for more information about my availability.

Can I submit a bill to my insurance company on my own?

If you have private insurance, you may request a superbill (itemized health care receipt) to submit.  Many plans will reimburse a percentage of the visit fee, medications, and lab tests.  However, I cannot guarantee insurance reimbursement, and some insurance companies may require additional documentation, contracting, or business information that I am unable to provide.  Administrative fees for doing insurance paperwork and responding to insurance inquiries sometimes exceed the reimbursement patients receive from their insurance.  If insurance reimbursement is a priority, I would recommend pursuing an in-network practice instead of working with me.

Why would I want to pay for my treatment privately?

Flexibility: Insurance companies require psychiatrists to document a formal psychiatric diagnosis, and often a certain level of illness severity, before reimbursing a visit.  However, in many cases, my work with patients is not centered on a specific mental illness. Many individuals seek out my help to deepen their resilience, build new skills, or process a difficult experience or situation. Private pay allows us to focus on YOUR personal goals, not on what insurance companies require.

Detail/Time: Good work takes time.  I will be spending time preparing for our visits, and the amount of time we spend in visits will be tailored to your needs. This is a total paradigm shift over the standard “15-minute med check” authorized by insurance companies.  Taking the extra time leads to better care and better outcomes.

Convenience: Many insurance companies require you to select a provider who has been approved by them, known as “in-network.”  If you pay privately, you regain the freedom to choose whomever you feel would be the best fit to meet your needs.

Privacy: Last, by choosing to pay privately for services, you can rest assured that your private health information will not be shared with insurance companies. Some people also choose private pay when they are worried about having a pre-existing condition on their health record.

How much do services cost?

You can find this information in the Rates and Insurance section.

Do you prescribe controlled substances?

The short answer is… sometimes. I will prescribe stimulant medications when a clear indication exists for their use; establishing a clear indication may require referral for more extensive examination/testing. As a general practice, I do not prescribe benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Valium) for long-term use; on rare occasions these medications may be useful for very short periods. I do not prescribe Suboxone or other opioid medications. If you are taking a controlled substance or have any additional questions about my controlled substances policies and procedures, please contact me.