FAQs

You can schedule your first appointment by clicking here / calling us / emailing us. We will respond within 1-2 business days.
 

 The complimentary 15-minute consultation is a chance for us to learn about your needs, answer your questions, and determine if Impact Mental Wellness is the right fit for you. This is not a clinical session, but rather a conversation to help you feel comfortable before committing to care.
 

Your initial psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive 60-90 minute session. We will discuss your mental health history, medical background, family history, current symptoms, lifestyle, stressors, goals, and what matters most to you. Standardized screening tools may be used. By the end, we will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan.
 

Complete all intake forms sent to you before your appointment. Have a list of current medications (including doses) available. Prepare a brief summary of your mental health history and what brings you to care. Find a private, quiet space with reliable internet for your telehealth session. Have your insurance card ready (if using insurance).
 

In some cases, yes. If medication is clinically appropriate and you are comfortable, your provider may prescribe medication during your initial evaluation. However, starting medication is always a collaborative decision, and you will never be pressured to take medication if you prefer other approaches.

All appointments are conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant video. Before your appointment, you will receive a link to join your session. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, microphone, and internet connection, and a private space.
 

 Yes. Research consistently shows that telepsychiatry is equally effective as in-person psychiatric care for the conditions we treat, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Telehealth also removes common barriers to care such as transportation, childcare, time off work, geographic distance, and stigma.
 

Yes, you must be physically located in the state of Maryland at the time of your appointment, per Maryland teletherapy regulations. 

If your connection drops, try reconnecting using the same link. If the issue persists, your provider will call you at the phone number on file. We will never cut your session short due to a brief technical disruption.

Insurance acceptance is expanding. Please contact us directly to verify your coverage before scheduling. We currently welcome self-pay clients and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
 

Contact your insurance company and ask: Do I have outpatient mental health benefits? What is my copay or coinsurance for an outpatient psychiatric visit with a nurse practitioner? Do I have a deductible that must be met before coverage begins? Do I need a referral or prior authorization for psychiatric services? We are happy to help you verify your benefits before your first appointment.
 

You may choose to see us as a self-pay client and we will provide a superbill after each visit. A superbill is a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many PPO plans reimburse 50-80% of the allowed amount.

 

Yes. Our self-pay rates are listed on our Fees and Services page. We also offer a sliding scale for individuals experiencing financial hardship.  
 

Payment is due at the time of service. For insured clients, your copay or coinsurance is collected at the time of your appointment. For self-pay clients, the full fee is collected before or at the time of the session.
 

Under the federal No Surprises Act, all self-pay and uninsured clients are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before their appointment. You will receive this automatically when you schedule. If your final bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you have the right to dispute the charge.

We require at least 24 hour notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) are subject to a $100 fee. No-shows are subject to a $100 fee. These fees are not covered by insurance. 

If you are running late, please join your session as soon as possible. Your appointment will end at the originally scheduled time. If you are more than 15 minutes late without notifying us, the appointment may be marked as a no-show. 

Medication refills are addressed during your regularly scheduled appointments. If you need a refill between visits, please contact us through the patient portal. Please plan ahead and request refills at least 7 business days before you run out of medication. 

Yes, for established clients (minimum 3-6 months in care). Document preparation is subject to a $75-150 fee per document. Please allow 5-10 business days for completion.

Absolutely. Your privacy is our highest priority. All records are maintained in a secure, HIPAA-compliant electronic health record system. Your information is never shared without your written consent, except in situations required by law (such as imminent danger to yourself or others, or suspected child/elder abuse).
 

Yes. All sessions are conducted through HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video technology.