Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to some of the most commonly asked questions are posted here. If you have other questions or need help with anything else, don't hesitate to reach out by giving us a call or using our contact form.
1
What is a PMHNP?
A Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a licensed healthcare provider who specializes in mental health care. They are trained to diagnose psychiatric and mental health disorders, and are authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications.
PMHNPs typically have a graduate-level education in nursing, with specialized training in psychiatric and mental health care. They work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals, to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health needs.
PMHNPs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, and community mental health centers. They can diagnose and treat a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric and mental health disorders.
2
What kinds of treatment do you offer?
Our practice is currently limited to medication management, which is provided (if appropriate) after an in-depth psychiatric evaluation during your first appointment. We treat anxiety disorders (to include generalized anxiety, OCD, and panic, among others), mood disorders (to include depression and bipolar disorders), and ADHD. We do not offer therapy services at this time.
3
Do you offer telehealth?
We are primarily a telehealth practice, and the vast majority of appointments are conducted via Zoom. However, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has some rules in place around the prescribing of controlled medications (i.e. stimulants for ADHD, and some of the less-frequently prescribed as-needed anxiety and sleep medications), and the need to be seen in-person. These rules were waived during the recent public health emergency (PHE), and have also been extended through December 31st 2024.
That said, we are starting to get patients in for in-person visits in our NW DC, Largo, MD, and College Park, MD locations so that we can be compliant once the time comes, however the newly published extension does give us a bit more time to get everyone in. This section will be updated once we know the new rules (i.e. required frequency of in-person visits) beyond December 2024.
4
What if you don't take my insurance?
Our practice is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, and Optum/United Healthcare plans. If you do not have any of these plans, our office can still see you as a self-pay patient, and you may qualify for some reimbursement from your insurer if you have out-of-network benefits. You can read more about our self-pay rates and using OON benefits here.
5
I live in Florida. Are there any special considerations for me since your practice is located elsewhere?
We have a special telehealth-only license for Florida, which only allows us to see our Florida-based patients via telehealth, and never in-person in Florida. Because of this limitation, we are unable to see patients who are prescribed, or anticipate being prescribed, controlled medications. The most commonly prescribed controlled medications are stimulants for ADHD (i.e. Adderall or Ritalin), benzodiazepines for anxiety or sleep (i.e. Xanax or Klonopin), and sedatives for sleep (i.e. Ambien or Lunesta). More information about telehealth licensure in Florida can be found on the Florida Department of Health website.