Q: Why should I choose to see a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner rather than another sort of mental health professional?
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners may evaluate, diagnose, and treat illnesses. They promote their clients’ involvement in the improvement of their own health and wellness. Advanced Practice Nurses in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing are trained and certified to provide mental health services. With their broad knowledge, training, and experience, PRNs may function as educators, clinical managers, and psychotherapists.
Q: Do you participate in managed care programs (HMOs, PPOs)?
A: Yes, we are currently accepting insurances. We accept the following Insurance plans:
- Aetna
- BlueCross and BlueShield
- Cigna
- Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Medicaid (Horizon NJ Health)
- Optum
- Oxford
- Out of Network
Q: Do you always prescribe medication?
A: No. After an assessment and consultation, we will discuss different therapy approaches and determine which ones work best for you, including medical and non-medication interventions. Therapy is essential in addressing behavioral health issues, while medication may not be. Among the factors that will be considered are personal and family health history and your experiences and symptoms when deciding on the best treatment course.
Q: What should I bring to a consultation?
A: Any past evaluation or testing would be helpful, but not essential. Generally, recent lab work and prescriptions can provide valuable information. For adolescents, copies of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), recent report cards, and any school notes are also useful.
Q: What should I bring to a consultation?
A: Bringing any past evaluation or testing results would be helpful but are not necessary. We also suggest you bring recent lab work results and prescriptions. For adolescents, we recommend you bring copies of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Your recent report cards and any school notes may also be useful.
Q: How do I know if a specific provider is the right one for me?
This decision is very singular for each individual. However, we suggest you consider if the provider is doing their best to provide you the support you deserve in understanding and addressing your issues.
Here are guide questions you may ask yourself:
- Do I feel the provider is listening to me?
- Do I feel the provider is compassionate?
- Does the provider give me a chance to ask questions?
- Do I feel comfortable with the provider?
- Does the provider explain to me in a simple, understandable manner what he/she thinks is wrong?
- Does the provider explain the rationale, why a certain treatment is chosen?
- Does the provider take the time to explain the benefits and risks of medications?
- Does the provider return my calls in a prompt manner?