1. What is integrative psychiatry?

Integrative psychiatry means focusing on the whole person when selecting treatments or approaches to care. This includes medication, nutrition, exercise, therapy, and other alternative or complementary treatments. I like to think of integrative psychiatry as a smorgasbord - it provides a bit everything. It is important to note that a genuine integrative psychiatry practice always uses evidence-based methods.

2. What is functional psychiatry?

Another term? This one is straightforward - functional means treating the "root cause" of a condition through testing, mapping, and exploration.

If we can determine a specific cause to a condition, sometimes treating the root cause yields excellent results. Functional psychiatry is often a part of an integrative approach to care.

Key distinction: functional psychiatry means treating the cause, not the symptom. Traditional medicine typically treats symptoms, often ignoring the causes.

3. Why don't you accept insurance?

I get this one a lot. I understand why! 

• The model that works for most psychiatry practices is not something in which I believe. I think it is unfair to see a patient for just a few minutes, scribble a few notes, and send off with a prescription. The traditional model is dictated by insurance companies and leaves a void of connection and often void of quality care. I believe every patient deserves someone who builds a relationship and is a partner in their care - not a mysterious white coat they see a time or two every year.

• The fees enable me to give you the most personal care available.

• Coastal Minds Counseling is a private, self-pay practice, so insurance is not accepted directly. I will provide the necessary documentation required for the client to submit a claim to their insurance company.

Full psychiatric services - medication/psychotherapy

75-minute intake visit - $275

50- minute follow-up visit - $180

20- minute follow-up visit - $150

5. Cancellations

Patients are required to give at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Also, Monday appointments must be canceled by the Thursday prior. You will be charged for late cancellations and missed appointments.

Please note, that our office does NOT make reminder calls. It is the patient’s responsibility to keep up with their appointments.

5. Are there any conditions you don't treat?

Short answer: no! My primary goal is to work as a team with you. I care less about what a previous provider may have labeled you and more about how we'll work together.

One of my biggest issues with the mental health field is the desire to diagnose, label, and otherwise categorize every symptom or condition. When we work together, my goal isn't to diagnose you or give you a label. My goal is to help you achieve, excel, and grow. We'll work to reduce your symptoms, increase your output, or whatever your goals may be. Once we've established a sound working relationship, I'm happy to share with you some of the overarching diagnostic concepts.

However, you must commit and come ready to do the work!

How does that sound?

6. I’d like to schedule. What can I expect?

To schedule an appointment, all pre-session information, as well as payment information needs to be filled out. This can take between 15-25 minutes. Please give yourself time to fill this out as it will be the basis for beginning our work together. When you’re ready to fill out the pre-session paperwork, make sure you have the names and doses of any current and past medication, names of any past therapists/psychiatrists, a valid debit or credit card (health savings account or other medical debit cards are acceptable*), and any other relevant medical history available.

*To schedule an appointment, there needs to be a valid credit or debit card on file (health savings account or other medical debit cards are acceptable). A preauthorization charge of $100 is required to schedule an appointment. This will be applied to your balance. Payment is due at the time of service by cash, check, Visa/Master Card. HSA/FSA cards are accepted. A 3% surcharge will be added to credit card payments.