Frequently Asked Questions

A Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse with specialized training at the Master’s or Doctorate level, focusing on mental health care. PMHNPs assess both psychosocial and physical health, diagnose mental health conditions, order and interpret lab tests, and prescribe medications. They understand the impact of physical health on mental well-being. While some provide psychotherapy, they often collaborate with therapists or refer patients for further counseling. PMHNPs address both acute and chronic mental health issues with a holistic approach that emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion, striving to deliver cost-effective, compassionate care that prioritizes patient advocacy and optimal health outcomes.

Balanced Mind Mental Health (BMMH) is a 100% virtual practice, also known as telepsychiatry or telemental health. BMMH delivers all services online using a secure, HIPAA-compliant audiovisual platform, enabling real-time interaction between providers and patients. Services is provided in the state of Florida and Maryland.

Psychiatric care is available for women and girls aged 12 to 50, with a focus on the unique mental health needs of adolescent girls and women. While boys are not specifically marketed to, care may be provided for boys ages 12 to 17 on a case-by-case basis. Men are seen by referral only from a primary care physician or another medical doctor.

Absolutely not. All individuals are welcome, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. The use of biblical principles in this practice is centered on universal values such as faith, hope, love, and compassion. Your personal beliefs will always be respected, and the approach is aim to provide support and motivation to all clients.

Functional Psychiatry examines biological and lifestyle factors influencing mental health, using specialized lab testing, nutritional support, and metabolic assessments to enhance well-being. While it incorporates some principles of Functional Medicine, it is distinct in its focus. Functional Medicine addresses the root causes of chronic diseases through a systems-based approach, whereas Functional Psychiatry personalizes strategies within psychiatric care.

Women’s Mental Health – focuses on the overall psychological well-being of women. This includes addressing issues like depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and other mental health conditions that can affect women at various stages of their lives.

Women’s Reproductive Mental Health – specifically addresses mental health issues related to the reproductive life stages and hormonal changes women experience. This includes conditions like perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and mental health challenges during perimenopause and menopause. It encompasses the psychological impact of reproductive events such as menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Treatment is provided for hormonal mood disorders affecting mental health, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum anxiety and depression, and perimenopausal mood disturbances.

However, hormonal therapy is not offered, and supplements or nutraceuticals are not prescribed to treat hormonal imbalances. Patients seeking hormonal treatment for medical management should consult their OB-GYN or endocrinologist.

Nutraceuticals and supplements may be incorporated as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan to support mood, anxiety, and overall well-being but are not a replacement for medical hormone therapy.

Yes, mental health care is available for women experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA), and other postpartum mood disturbances. Since care is provided exclusively via telehealth, services are primarily focused on postpartum mental health rather than during pregnancy. Women experiencing mood or anxiety symptoms during pregnancy are encouraged to consult their OB-GYN or a perinatal mental health specialist.

DEA and telehealth regulations for controlled substances are closely monitored and adhere to strict guidelines. In this practice, benzodiazepines are not prescribed for panic attacks or anxiety disorders, nor are hypnotics for sleep disorders. Stimulants are prescribed for treating ADHD in both children and adults. Non-stimulant options, like the antidepressants Wellbutrin, Strattera or Qelbree may also be used to manage ADHD symptoms. Clients prescribed stimulants are scheduled for monthly appointments.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is offered only as part of medication management and is not available as a standalone service. This approach provides short-term, goal-oriented support to help address specific challenges alongside psychiatric care.

Lab testing plays a crucial role in comprehensive psychiatric care by identifying underlying physiological factors that may contribute to mental health symptoms. Thyroid imbalances, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations, inflammatory markers, and metabolic factors can influence many conditions that affect mood, cognition, and overall well-being.

Standard Lab Testing (Traditional Labs)

• Thyroid Panel: Assesses thyroid function, impacting mood, energy, and metabolism.
• Vitamin & Nutrient Testing: Identifies deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals for brain function.
• Metabolic & Inflammatory Markers: Measures inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) & Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): Screens for infections, anemia, and organ function.
• Pregnancy Test (hCG): Used as needed for psychiatric medication safety.

Functional & Metabolic Psychiatry Lab Testing

• Adrenal & Stress Hormone Testing: Measures cortisol patterns and adrenal function to evaluate stress response.
• Full Thyroid Panel: Provides a comprehensive look at thyroid hormones beyond basic lab testing.
• Gut Health & Microbiome Testing: Identifies gut imbalances and digestive issues linked to mood disorders.
• Sex Hormone Testing: Evaluates levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA that may impact mental health.
• Inflammation & Metabolic Testing: Measures systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic function.
• Genetic & Pharmacogenetic Testing: Assesses genetic factors influencing medication response and neurotransmitter metabolism.
• Food Sensitivity & Allergy Testing: Identifies food intolerances contributing to inflammation and cognitive symptoms.

Specialty lab tests, including advanced hormonal and metabolic panels, are not typically covered by insurance. Coverage varies by insurance provider, so patients are encouraged to verify benefits independently to understand potential out-of-pocket costs. If a specialty lab is recommended, we will review options together, and you will receive information about pricing before proceeding.

If lab results reveal an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, vitamin deficiency, or metabolic imbalance, we will discuss the findings with you and refer you to an appropriate specialist, such as an OB/GYN, endocrinologist, or primary care physician, for further evaluation and treatment.

**While I do not manage medical conditions outside of psychiatric care, these results may be considered when tailoring your mental health treatment plan.**

Fullscript is an online dispensary offering high-quality, professional-grade supplements, nutraceuticals, and herbal products. It allows for personalized supplement recommendations that align with your treatment plan. Fullscript provides access to evidence-based products that support mental health, sleep, stress management, and overall well-being.

Supplements and nutraceuticals may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to support mood, anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function. However, they are not a replacement for prescription medications or medical hormone therapy. Recommendations are based on scientific evidence and tailored to individual needs.

Most supplements and nutraceuticals are considered out-of-pocket expenses and are not covered by insurance. However, Fullscript offers discounts to make high-quality supplements more accessible.

New Clients- Click “Schedule Today” to start. Select “New Patient” and complete and submit the intake pre-screening form. Once your insurance benefits are verified, you will receive an email from Charm Health to activate your patient portal. You can schedule your new appointment directly in the patient portal, or if you need assistance, you can contact the office for support.

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at the end of your initial or follow-up session. However, if you need to reschedule, cancel, or change your appointment, you have a few options:

1. Charm Health Patient Portal
2. Click on “Schedule Today” and select “Existing Patient” to book your appointment.

Balanced Mind Mental Health aims to provide exceptional mental health care that is both accessible and affordable. Several major commercial insurance plans and Medicaid are accepted. Partnerships with third-party insurers and billers such as Headway and Grow Therapy are also established. If your insurance isn’t listed, please fill out the insurance eligibility verification form. Most insured clients pay less than $50 per visit. For those without insurance, the self-pay rates are $275 for a 60-minute initial evaluation and $135 for follow-up appointments.

Balanced Mind Mental Health’s cancellation and no-show policy ensures fair access to services. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 48 hours (2 business days) in advance to avoid a fee.

New clients will be charged $100 for cancellations within 48 hours (2 business days) or no-shows. Established clients, including self-pay, will incur a $75 fee for the same. These fees are not covered by insurance.

Exceptions may be considered in medical emergencies but are not guaranteed. After three no-shows or late cancellations, further appointments cannot be scheduled, and you may be discharged from services.

For detailed information, please refer to the Office Policies and Financial Agreement forms.

Payment is due at the time of your visit. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and debit cards. You will be responsible for any unmet deductible, co-insurance, co-payment, and charges not covered by your insurance. If you don’t have insurance or if your coverage excludes pre-existing conditions, full payment is required at the time of your visit. All non-covered services must also be paid in full at the time of service.

Your insurance may not cover the full session cost, leaving you responsible for fees like copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. Confirm your coverage with your insurance provider to avoid surprises. A credit card is also required to cover potential no-show fees for missed appointments not canceled or rescheduled 48 hours in advance, and if paperwork is needed.

For established patients, prescription refills are typically addressed during appointments. If you need a refill, please complete our online prescription refill request form. If a refill is needed, please complete the online prescription refill request form. Note that refills are not processed during evenings, weekends, or holidays. A $25.00 fee applies to all refills. If an appointment was missed or canceled, the request may be denied until a new one is scheduled. Allow up to 72 hours (3 business days) for processing, with notifications provided for any delays. Planning ahead for refill needs ensures continuous medication therapy.

 

Balanced Mind Mental Health does not offer crisis or emergency services. If you are in a crisis, call 988. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Check Mind Tools for more information on local hospitals and crisis intervention centers.