
Frequently Asked
Questions
Questions before scheduling?
New prospective patients begin with a brief complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss concerns, review services, and help determine whether the practice is an appropriate fit.
How do I get started?
New prospective patients begin with a brief complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. This conversation provides an opportunity to discuss concerns, review services, ask questions, and help determine whether the practice is an appropriate fit before scheduling a full psychiatric evaluation.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
In most cases, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment. Patients may contact the office directly. If you were referred by a physician, therapist, or another healthcare professional, we are happy to collaborate with your care team when appropriate.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
Your first visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation focused on understanding your symptoms, medical history, current conners, and treatment goals. The appointment may include diagnostic assessment, discussion of treatment options, medication review when appropriate, and development of an individualized treatment plan.
How long are appointments?
Appointment length varies depending on the type of visit and clinical needs. Initial evaluations are typically longer than follow-up visits. Please visit the Appointment Types page for current appointment lengths and visit options.
What types of mental health conditions do you treat?
We provide psychiatric care for adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, ADHD, autism and neurodivergence, intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia and cognitive disorders, and other complex psychiatric conditions. Our practice focuses on thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care for adults across all stages of life.
Do you treat dementia-related behaviors such as agitation, aggression, or paranoia?
Yes. We provide psychiatric care for individuals with dementia experiencing behavioral symptoms such s agitation, aggression, paranoia, confusion, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Our goal is to reduce distress, improve stability, and support both patients and caregivers.
Do you treat adults with autism, neurodivergence, or intellectual disabilities?
Yes. We provide psychiatric are for adults with autism, neurodivergence, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Treatment may include management of co-occurring psychiatric conditions, behavioral support strategies, and collaboration with caregivers when appropriate.
Why see a psychiatric nurse practitioner instead of a psychiatrist?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice clinicians licensed to diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide psychiatric treatment. At Champions Mental Health & Wellness, care emphasizes careful evaluation, collaboration, and individualized treatment planning focused on long-term stability and quality of life.
Do you offer therapy or only medication management?
Our practice specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication. management. Appointments may also include supportive counseling, psychoeducation, and brief therapeutic intervention. When ongoing psycotherapy is recommended, we may collaborate with or refer to trusted therapists.
Will my primary care clinician remain involved in my care?
Yes. When appropriate and with your permission, we may collaborate with your primary care clinician or other members of your healthcare team. Some patients continue ongoing psychiatric follow-up, while others transition medication management back to their primary care clinician once symptoms are stable.
Do you work with caregivers and family members?
Yes. With patient consent, caregivers and family members may be involved in care discussions and treatment planning. We also provide education and guidance to help families better understand symptoms, treatment options, and care needs.
Do you accept referrals from physicians, therapists, or care facilities?
Yes. We welcome referrals from physicians, therapists, hospitals, assisted living communities, memory care facilities, and other healthcare professionals.
Do you collaborate with referring clinicians?
Yes. When appropriate and with patient consent, we communicate with referring clinicians to support coordinated care and continuity of treatment.
Can patients return to their primary care clinician for medication management?
In some cases, once a patient's condition is stable and treatment is well established, ongoing medication management may transition back to the primary care clinician. This decision is made collaboratively based on the patient's needs and preferences.
Do you provide psychiatric consultation for complex cases?
Yes. We provide consultation and evaluation for complex psychiatric presentations requiring diagnostic clarification or treatment recommendations.
Do you accept insurance?
Champions Mental Health & Wellness accepts Medicare and select commercial insurance plans. Insurance participation may vary depending on the specific plan. Medicaid is not accepted at this time. If you have questions about coverage, please contact the office before scheduling.
What if my insurance is not in network?
Patients may still receive care as self-pay patients if their insurance plan is out of network or if they prefer not to use insurance. Please visit the Appointment Types & Pricing page for current self-pay fees.
What will my visit cost if I use insurance?
Out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance plan and may include copayments, coinsurance, or deductible amounts. Because benefits vary widely between plans, we recommend contacting your insurance provider or the office with questions regarding coverage or expected costs.
When is payment due?
For insurance visits, any copayment, coinsurance, or deductible may be due at the time of service. For self-pay visits, payment is due at the time of the appointment.
Where are services provided?
Appointments may be available in several settings, including: in-office visits, telehealth (video appointments), and in-home visits when clinically appropriate. Availability depends on clinical needs and scheduling.
Who qualifies for in-home psychiatric visits?
In-home visits may be appropriate for individuals whose symptoms, mobility limitations, or cognitive impairment make office visits difficult or impractical. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do you treat children or adolescents?
No. Our practice serves adults age 18 and older.
Are services available in Spanish?
Yes. Services are available in both English and Spanish.
Do you prescribe controlled medications?
Controlled medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate and consistent with safe prescribing practices, medical history, diagnostic evaluation, and state and federal regulations. Treatment recommendations are individualized and based on thoughtful clinical assessment.
How do I request a prescription refill?
Please contact the office or submit refill requests through the appropriate patient communication channel. Whenever possible, requests should be made several business days before medication runs out to help avoid interruptions in treatment.
How do I access my medical records?
Please contact the office to request your records. Requests are processed in accordance with applicable privacy regulations and may require reasonable processing time.
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Champions Mental Health & Wellness is an outpatient practice and is not equipped to provide emergency or crisis services.
How do you protect my privacy?
We follow strict confidentiality procedures and comply fully with HIPAA regulations to protect personal health information.
What is your cancellation policy?
We request at least 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Missed appointments or late cancellations may be subject to a fee.