Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our practice, treatment, and what to expect on your mental health journey.
GETTING STARTED
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medication, and provide psychotherapy.
An Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), sometimes called a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), is licensed to independently assess, diagnose, treat mental health conditions, and can prescribe psychiatric medications.
A therapist or counselor may hold a master’s degree and provides counseling and psychotherapy but does not prescribe medication.
Many patients work with both a medical provider and a therapist — the psychiatrist manages their medication, and the therapist provides regular talk therapy sessions.
You might benefit from seeing a psychiatrist if you’re experiencing symptoms that significantly affect your daily life, such as persistent sadness or hopelessness, intense anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, dramatic mood swings, or thoughts of harming yourself or others.
You might also seek psychiatric care if you’ve already been seeing a therapist who recommends a medication evaluation, or if a primary care doctor has referred you for specialized mental health assessment.
You don’t need to be in crisis to seek help — early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Our practice serves children and adults from ages 5 and older.
APPOINTMENTS
Your first visit is called a psychiatric/psychological evaluation or intake assessment. It typically lasts 90 minutes. During this session, your psychiatrist or therapist will ask about your current symptoms, your personal and family mental health history, any past treatments or medications, your medical history, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and substance use.
This is also your opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss your goals. At the end of the session, your psychiatrist or therapist will share their initial impressions and work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Follow-up appointments are 45 minutes.
The frequency of follow-up visits depends on your treatment needs. Early in treatment, you may be seen every 2–4 weeks. Once stable, appointments may be spaced out.
Yes, we offer secure video telehealth appointments for most services, including medication management and psychotherapy. Telehealth sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant video platform, ZOOM, and you’ll receive a link before your appointment.
Some initial evaluations and certain controlled-substance prescriptions may require an in-person visit under applicable laws. Our staff can clarify what applies to your situation when you schedule.
To make the most of your appointment, patients register for a patient portal through our HIPAA compliant electronic health record, Valant. Once registered you will need to complete all the necessary consent and questionnaires. Finishing your paperwork in advance allows your psychiatrist/therapist to spend more time focused on you.
For non-urgent matters such as prescription questions or scheduling, please contact our office during business hours and leave a message for your provider. We aim to respond within one business day.
For urgent clinical concerns outside of business hours, our practice maintains an after-hours on-call line for established patients. You will receive this number at your first appointment.
For emergencies, including active suicidal ideation or risk of harm, always call 911 or 988 rather than waiting for a callback.
TREATMENT
We provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
Depression and persistent depressive disorder · Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder) · Bipolar disorder · Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) · Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) · Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) · Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders · Eating disorders · Insomnia and sleep disorders · Personality disorders
If you’re unsure whether what you are looking to get help for falls within our scope, please call our office — we’re happy to help you determine whether we’re the right fit.
Treatment duration varies greatly depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals. Some people engage in short-term treatment (a few months) to address a specific episode or concern. Others benefit from ongoing, long-term care to manage a chronic condition.
We will regularly review your progress with you and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The goal is always to help you reach the best possible functioning with the least intervention necessary.
If you’re not seeing improvement, it’s important to tell your psychiatrist honestly. Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and adjustments are a normal part of the process. Your doctor may consider changing the medication dose, switching to a different medication, adding a second medication, or trying a different therapy approach.
There are also specialized options for treatment-resistant conditions, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We will always discuss the full range of options with you before making changes.
MEDICATION
No. Medication is not right for everyone, and your psychiatrist will never pressure you to take something you’re not comfortable with.
After your evaluation, your doctor will discuss all available treatment options, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. If medication is recommended, your psychiatrist will explain the rationale, expected benefits, potential side effects, and alternatives. The decision is always made collaboratively.
Prescription refills are managed during your follow-up appointments. We encourage you to schedule your next appointment before you run out of medication to avoid any gap in treatment.
For non-controlled substances, our office may be able to process refill requests between appointments in some cases. Please contact us at least 5–7 business days before you run out.
Controlled substances (such as stimulants for ADHD or benzodiazepines) may require an in-person appointment and, per federal regulations, may require a new prescription each month.
Contact our office if side effects are severe, persistent, or affecting your ability to function. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe rash, or suicidal thoughts that are new or worsening.
Never stop a medication abruptly because of side effects without speaking to your prescriber.
INSURANCE & BILLING
We do not participate with insurance, but we can provide you with a superbill (detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, depending on your out-of-network benefits.
Our self-pay rates are available upon request by calling our office. The initial evaluation is priced differently from follow-up appointments.
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept major credit cards, debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and checks.
To learn more about Pegasus Psychiatry or to schedule an appointment, please call 973-925-6200 or enter your contact information through the link below.