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Frequently Asked Questions

GEneral

Ararat Psychiatry is a mental health clinic dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care led by experienced professionals who prioritize your well-being. We offer flexible appointment options and secure virtual visits, making high-quality psychiatric services accessible from anywhere in Florida. Our clinic accepts insurance to reduce financial barriers and delivers personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Through a holistic approach, responsible prescribing, and evidence-based practices, we strive to support your overall wellness. We are committed to long-term continuity of care, ensuring you feel guided and supported throughout every step of your mental health journey.

We provide care for a wide range of concerns, including mood changes, anxiety, stress, attention difficulties, sleep disturbances, life transitions, and challenges with emotional regulation. Our providers take the time to understand your experiences, evaluate your needs, and create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals. Whether you are seeking help for a specific challenge or hoping to strengthen your emotional health, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Yes. All providers are fully licensed mental health professionals trained in psychiatry, medication management, and psychotherapy. Each provider practices only in states where they are licensed.

Our providers are licensed to offer psychiatric care to individuals located anywhere within Florida during their appointment. Whether you live in a major city or a more remote area, our virtual services allow you to access high-quality care from the comfort of your home. If you have questions about eligibility or residency requirements, feel free to contact us for clarification.

Our providers are licensed to practice in the State of Florida. This means we can only offer care to patients who are physically located in Florida at the time of their appointment. If you live out of state but are in Florida during your visit, we may still be able to see you. Please contact us if you have questions about your specific situation.

We primarily work with children (over 12 years), adolescents and adults. Contact us to confirm eligibility for specific services.

We take patient privacy very seriously. Our commitment to protecting your information applies throughout your entire care journey and continues even after you leave our practice.

Telehealth & Appointments

Appointments are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. After booking, you’ll receive a private link. At your session time, simply click the link to connect with your provider.

Yes. Numerous studies show telepsychiatry is equally effective for diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of mental health conditions.

No special equipment is required. You only need:

  • A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera
  • Internet connection
  • A quiet and private space

Headphones are recommended for added privacy.

Appointments can be made via:

  • Our website
  • Phone call
  • The patient portal (for established patients)

Availability may vary, but we typically offer appointments within a few days. For urgent non-emergencies, we do our best to accommodate sooner openings.

Appointment availability depends on each provider. Please check our scheduling calendar or contact us. Weekend appointments are limited and available only upon patient request.

You’ll receive:

  1. A confirmation email
  2. Intake forms and questionnaires
  3. Instructions for your virtual visit

These must be completed before the appointment to avoid rescheduling.

Appointments & Treatment Process

We require all patients to complete:

  • Insurance verification
  • Consent forms
  • Required questionnaires

These must be completed before your appointment is approved.

Your first appointment is a detailed psychiatric evaluation lasting about 45-60 minutes. During this time, your provider will:

  • Discuss your concerns and symptoms
  • Review your mental and medical history
  • Assess current challenges
  • Identify treatment goals
  • Develop an individualized care plan

Yes. Appointment reminders are sent automatically by email or text prior to your visit.

Not always. Some cases require additional follow-up visits, assessments, or medical records before making a formal diagnosis.

Possibly. Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate. If your provider determines it is safe and beneficial, you may begin treatment at the first session.

Yes. We provide supportive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and guidance for emotional regulation. For long-term weekly therapy, we may also refer you to clinicians specializing in specific modalities if needed.

Your journey is uniquely yours. Depending on your needs, you may work with your psychiatrist for a few months or several months. Finding the right approach can take time, but the results are always worth it. Together, you and your psychiatrist will set clear goals, so you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.

It is a secure online platform where you can access your appointments, documents, messages, and billing information.

You will receive an email invitation with a secure link. Click it to create your login and access the SimplePractice patient portal.

You can:

  • Complete forms
  • Update personal information
  • View upcoming appointments
  • Book, cancel, and reschedule appointments
  • Send secure messages
  • Upload documents

Yes. The portal works on any smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Log into the portal and click Join Video Session at the time of your appointment.

Yes. It is HIPAA-compliant and uses encrypted communication to protect your information.

You can reset your password anytime using the “Forgot Password?” link on the login page.

No. You can use a web browser or download the SimplePractice app if preferred.

Contact our office, and we’ll help resend your portal link or troubleshoot access issues.

Services

We provide:

  • Psychiatric evaluations
  • Medication management
  • Follow-Up Visits
  • Psychotherapy
  • Telehealth Appointments
  • Support for emotional wellness

Yes. We prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications, adjusting treatment as needed to ensure effectiveness and safety.

That’s completely okay. Our psychiatrist will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that truly aligns with your needs. If medication isn’t the best option, we can guide you toward alternative approaches, including psychotherapy and other supportive treatments

We provide supportive therapeutic interventions as part of medication management appointments. If you need ongoing or specialized psychotherapy, we can refer you to trusted therapists outside our clinic.

Psychotherapy is a structured, collaborative process that helps you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building healthier ways to cope with challenges.

Psychotherapy can address stress, anxiety, sadness, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and many other emotional or behavioral difficulties.

During sessions, you talk about your experiences in a supportive environment. Your provider helps you explore patterns, gain insight, and develop skills to improve your emotional well-being.

Length varies by individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term, goal-focused therapy, while others choose longer-term support.

Most patients attend weekly or biweekly sessions. Your provider will help determine the best schedule for your treatment plan.

Yes. Sessions are confidential and protected under HIPAA.

Yes. We provide secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions for convenience and accessibility.

Absolutely. Many patients benefit from a combined approach. Our psychotherapy and psychiatry providers work together to support a coordinated treatment plan

No. We are not an emergency clinic. If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, please call 911, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit your nearest emergency room.

Yes. If your needs go beyond our scope of care, we can refer you to, primary care providers, or other specialists to ensure comprehensive support.

Yes, ESA requests are reviewed case-by-case and require a full evaluation, appropriate diagnosis, and ongoing clinical care.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Documentation requires a clinical evaluation, appropriate justification, and in some cases multiple visits.

Insurance, Payment & Billing

Yes. We work with multiple insurance plans. Contact us to confirm coverage.

  • Initial evaluation: $250
  • Follow-up appointments: $175
  • Psychotherapy Sessions: $175
  • Forms, Letters, Prior Authorizations: $75 per page

We accept:

  • Credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express)
  • Debit cards
  • Zelle

Yes. Our secure payment system allows cards to be saved for future appointments.

Please update your information in before your next appointment to avoid delays or cancellations.

Headway is a platform that helps manage insurance benefits, billing, and payments for your psychiatric visits. They work directly with your insurance to verify coverage and process claims.

We partner with Headway to make insurance steps easier. They handle eligibility checks, copays, prior authorizations, and claim submissions so you receive clear, accurate billing.

Yes. After scheduling, you will receive a link to complete your Headway profile, sign consent forms, and enter your insurance information.

Headway verifies your insurance once you complete your profile. You will receive an email confirming your eligibility, copay, or coinsurance amount.

Payments are collected automatically by Headway on the day of your appointment based on your insurance plan and required copay or coinsurance.

Update your new insurance information directly in your Headway account as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in care.

For billing or insurance-related questions, contact Headway directly through your account or via their support team, as they handle all payment processing and insurance claims.

Your appointment cannot be confirmed until all required Headway forms, insurance steps, and consents are completed.

Yes. If you prefer not to use insurance, you can pay out-of-pocket according to our self-pay rates.

Yes. Headway is HIPAA-compliant and uses secure systems to protect your personal and insurance information.

Policies

  • Cancellations within less than 24 hours: $75 fee
  • No-shows: $200 fee
    Repeated missed appointments may result in discharge from the practice.

Last-minute cancellations affect our ability to offer appointments to others who need care. This policy ensures fairness to all patients.

We understand that delays can happen, and we do our best to accommodate them. Please note that your session will still end at the originally scheduled time.

  • Initial Evaluations: 10-minute grace period
  • Follow-Up Appointments: 7-minute grace period

If you expect to be late, please let us know as soon as possible. Significant lateness may require a shortened session, rescheduling, or may be marked as a no-show to avoid impacting other scheduled patients.

Yes. All visits must be scheduled ahead of time. This helps us prepare for your appointment, minimize wait times, and ensure you receive the attention you deserve. If you need to make changes, please contact us as soon as possible.

Required forms must be completed prior to your session. Incomplete forms may result in cancelation or rescheduling to ensure adequate time for care.

Prescriptions & Pharmacy

All prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. You may update your preferred pharmacy at any time.

Prescriptions are typically transmitted immediately at the end of your visit. In some cases, additional verification may be required, which may cause a short delay.

Early refills are only approved under appropriate clinical circumstances. Lost, stolen, or misused medication may not be replaced.

Yes. Our providers can prescribe controlled medications in accordance with all federal and state regulations. Eligibility depends on your clinical evaluation, treatment needs, and adherence to required follow-up appointments.

If your pharmacy is unable to fill your prescription, contact us with the name of an alternative pharmacy and we will resend it.

Refill requests should be submitted at least 3-5 business days before you run out of medication. Requests received close to the weekend may be processed the next business day.

Yes. Medications require a follow-up appointment before refills can be approved.

Lost, stolen, or misplaced medications especially controlled substances may not be eligible for early replacement. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

You may use any pharmacy in your state. Let us know if you prefer mail-order or local pickup.

Yes. You can update your pharmacy at any time by calling, messaging, or notifying us during your appointment.

Common reasons include:

  • You are due for a follow-up visit
  • The medication requires monitoring
  • Early refill requests
  • Safety or regulatory restrictions

If your refill is declined, we will inform you of the next steps.

Yes. You may use any pharmacy discount program of your choice. Prices vary by pharmacy.

Yes. If your insurance requires a prior authorization, we will submit the necessary documentation. Processing time depends on your insurance provide

Accessibility & Additional Information

Yes. We provide care in both English and Spanish.

Yes. Telehealth services provide flexible access for individuals with mobility limitations or other accessibility needs.

Yes, with your permission. You may invite a family member or caregiver to join part of the session if helpful.

Yes, these are handled on a case-by-case basis and require appropriate clinical evaluation and documentation over time

Emergency & Crisis Information

No. We are not an emergency clinic. Our practice provides scheduled outpatient psychiatric care and is not equipped to manage urgent or life-threatening situations.

No. We offer care during scheduled appointments only. For non-emergency issues outside office hours, you may send a portal message, and we will respond the next business day

If you are experiencing a crisis, severe symptoms, or an emergency:

  • Call 911
  • Visit your nearest ER
  • Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Yes, these are handled on a case-by-case basis and require appropriate clinical evaluation and documentation over time

PMHNP Preceptorship

Our preceptorship program provides supervised clinical training for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students. Students gain hands-on experience in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, treatment planning, psychotherapy, psychoeducation and patient care.

PMHNP students currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program who require clinical hours and can provide all necessary school documentation.

Students participate in real-time consultation, observe evaluations, complete documentation, practice case conceptualization, and receive direct supervision and feedback from experienced psychiatric providers.

Duration depends on your school requirements. Most placements follow semester-based schedules or a set number of required clinical hours.

You can apply by submitting your request through our website or by emailing us your résumé, school requirements, and preferred start date. We will review your information and contact you to schedule an interview.

Yes. We work with many nursing schools nationwide and can review and sign affiliation agreements as needed.

Absolutely. Students receive regular supervision, case reviews, and ongoing guidance to support their learning and professional growth.

Yes. Students who successfully complete their hours and demonstrate professionalism may request a letter of recommendation.

Yes. Hours completed at Ararat Psychiatry fulfill the clinical hour requirements set by accredited PMHNP programs, as long as they align with your school’s guidelines.

We accept a limited number of students per semester to ensure personalized supervision and high-quality learning experiences.