FAQS

I am located in Davidson and only provide online services across all of North Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Studies show that online treatment works just as well as in-person treatment, except it’s more flexible and convenient.  It works best when you have a safe and quiet setting and can give the session your full attention. To protect your confidentiality, try to use a private room with a closed door. Headphones can be useful to maximize privacy too.

Authentic Self Psychiatry aims to be paperless. We communicate with a secure online portal, sign forms online, and can share screens to share information and resources during visits.

All sessions take place online using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, so you can access the support you need from the comfort of your own space.

I am not in-network with any insurance providers. However, I can easily support you as an "out-of-network" provider. Many insurance companies reimburse for out-of-network services. I can provide you with a SuperBill, which is a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. You'll pay the fee up front for our session, and your insurance might reimburse you for a portion of the fee you paid based on your plan.

If you're unsure about your out-of-network benefits, call your insurance provider. Ask about reimbursement for behavioral health, the coverage percentage, and if there's a deductible. Mention that our sessions are via telehealth/online.  They may ask you for billing codes which are listed below in the “What are your fees?” section of the FAQs.

Please note that I can't guarantee reimbursement, so it's important to check with your insurance provider before your first visit. They can guide you on coverage and options before we begin our sessions.

Mental health care is an important investment in your quality of life.  I take your investment seriously and do a lot of behind the scenes work outside of our sessions including research, attending advanced trainings, and preparing for our time together. I reserve your appointment time just for you. By carefully limiting the number of clients I choose to work with, it allows me to serve you best. 

My fees vary based on your current needs.  Listed below is the amount you will pay up front for the type of session as well as the codes that will be listed on the Superbill that I can provide you if you wish to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company to see if your plan offers out of network benefits.

• Initial Assessment and Consultation (up to 90 minutes):  $750 (Superbill codes: 99204 + 90838)

• Follow-up with medication management and standard-length psychotherapy (up to 55 minutes): $450 (Superbill codes: 99214 + 90836 or 99214 + 90838)

• Follow-up with medication management and brief psychotherapy (up to 30 minutes): $350 (Superbill codes: 99214 + 90833)

• Follow-up with medication management only (up to 15 minutes): $275 (Superbill codes: 99214)

• Paperwork and other requests outside of appointments: $100 per half-hour at provider discretion

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychiatric services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychiatric services.

You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.

In our initial appointment, we'll take the time to really explore your story. We'll talk about your current experiences, things you've tried in the past, and what’s helped or hasn’t worked. Together, we’ll also look at any possible biological or medical factors that might play a role and discuss how past experiences could be connected to what you’re feeling now. 

From there, we’ll explore a variety of options, including medication, therapies, lifestyle approaches, and even targeted lab testing or supplements. It’s not about choosing just one solution—it’s about how all these pieces can work together to help you feel more balanced and in control. I do recommend my patients work with a therapist alongside taking medication if they’re not already. I provide therapy services for those who want a comprehensive experience, but am happy to refer you to someone I trust if you’d prefer.

Our treatment plan will be flexible and built around your goals. We'll start with one step and adjust as we go, tracking how different approaches are helping with key areas like mood, sleep, anxiety, concentration, appetite, energy, or motivation. Follow-ups at least every 1–3 months for medication management, or every 1-2 weeks for therapy, give us a chance to fine-tune the plan. We’ll discuss the timing of your next visit at the end of each appointment, and your input is welcome in that discussion.  If there comes a time when you feel ready to try life without medication or therapy, we’ll create a plan to taper off gradually and comfortably. 

Patients may contact the clinic through online patient portal messaging outside of appointments for non-emergency needs such as scheduling, pharmacy requests, and simple questions or updates.  I aim to respond to messages within 72 business hours, if not sooner.  If your non-emergency need is more complex than what can be addressed through messaging, I may advise you to schedule a visit.

Authentic Self Psychiatry does not provide emergency or on-call services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, call 911 and/or proceed to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.

Please provide 48 hours notice if you must cancel an appointment. A charge of the full session fee is applied when appointments are missed or canceled with less than 48 hours notice.

Authentic Self Psychiatry does not prescribe any controlled substances, including but not limited to stimulants (such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse),  benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium or Klonopin), and hypnotic sleep medications (such as Ambien and Lunesta).

There are circumstances where we will coordinate care with your primary care or specialty provider who manages those medications.