Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about psychiatric care, appointments, and our services.
Appointments & Scheduling
How do I schedule my first appointment?
You can schedule your first appointment by calling our office at (507) 237-6468 or by filling out our online contact form. We'll need some basic information and will send you new patient forms to complete before your visit.
How long are typical appointments?
Initial evaluations typically last 60-90 minutes, while follow-up appointments are usually 30-45 minutes. Medication management appointments are typically 20-30 minutes. The length may vary based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your ID, insurance card, list of current medications, any relevant medical records, and completed new patient forms. It's also helpful to bring a list of your symptoms and any questions you have.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes, we offer both in-person and telehealth appointments. Telehealth appointments are conducted via secure video conferencing and are available for most types of visits. Some initial evaluations may require an in-person visit.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice for appointment cancellations. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a $50 fee. We understand emergencies happen and will work with you in those situations.
Treatment & Services
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and other mood and anxiety disorders. We also provide medication management and psychotherapy.
Do you prescribe medications?
Yes, as psychiatrists, we are medical doctors who can prescribe medications. We work with you to find the most effective medication regimen while monitoring for side effects and adjusting as needed.
Do you offer therapy or just medication?
We offer both medication management and psychotherapy. Some patients benefit from medication alone, others from therapy alone, and many from a combination of both. We'll work with you to determine the best approach.
How long does treatment typically take?
Treatment duration varies significantly based on the condition, severity, and individual response. Some conditions may require short-term treatment (weeks to months), while others may benefit from longer-term care. We regularly evaluate progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Do you treat children and adolescents?
We primarily treat adults (18 and older). For children and adolescents, we can provide referrals to qualified child and adolescent psychiatrists in our network.
Insurance & Billing
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, Medica, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, and Minnesota Medical Assistance. Please contact us to verify your specific coverage.
What are your fees for services?
Our fees vary based on the type and length of appointment. Initial evaluations are typically $300-400, and follow-up appointments range from $150-250. We offer sliding scale fees for patients without insurance who meet income requirements.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for patients who need assistance managing their medical bills. We can set up interest-free payment plans for balances over $200. Please contact our billing department to discuss options.
How do I know what my insurance will cover?
We recommend calling your insurance provider to verify your mental health benefits, copays, deductibles, and any pre-authorization requirements. Our billing team can also help you understand your benefits and estimate costs.
Medications & Prescriptions
How do I get prescription refills?
Please contact our office at least 3-5 business days before you need a refill. We can process refill requests during business hours. For controlled substances, you may need to pick up a paper prescription or schedule an appointment.
Do you prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, we prescribe controlled substances when clinically appropriate. These medications require special monitoring and may have additional restrictions. We follow all state and federal guidelines for prescribing controlled substances.
What if I experience side effects from my medication?
If you experience concerning side effects, please contact our office immediately. For severe or life-threatening side effects, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. We can help adjust your medication or find alternatives.
How often do I need to see you for medication management?
The frequency of medication management appointments varies based on the medication, your condition, and how you're responding to treatment. Initially, appointments may be more frequent (every 2-4 weeks), then less frequent as you stabilize.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, we are bound by strict confidentiality laws including HIPAA. Your information is kept private except in specific circumstances such as imminent danger to yourself or others, or when required by law.
Can you share information with my other doctors?
We can share information with your other healthcare providers, but only with your written consent. This coordination of care can be very helpful for your overall health and treatment.
Do you provide records for legal purposes?
We can provide medical records for legal purposes, but this requires your written authorization and may involve additional fees. We recommend discussing this with your attorney first.
Emergency & Crisis
What should I do if I'm in crisis?
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. For non-emergency urgent concerns, call our office during business hours.
Do you provide emergency services?
We do not provide 24/7 emergency services. For emergencies, please call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. We can help coordinate follow-up care after emergency treatment.
What if I need help outside of business hours?
For urgent concerns outside of business hours, you can call our office and leave a message. For true emergencies, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. We will return non-emergency calls during the next business day.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Office Hours
When we're available
Mon-Fri: 8AM-6PM
Sat: 9AM-1PM
Emergency Notice
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate help:
- • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- • Go to the nearest emergency room
- • Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance