Question 1

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Before your first appointment, I’ll send you a questionnaire to gather some background information about you, your history, and what brings you in. You can be as detailed as you’d like. Your responses help me get a better sense of your story and allow me to tailor my questions when we meet. During our appointment, I’ll ask you a lot of questions—not just about your current symptoms, but about your history and the different factors that may be contributing to what you’re experiencing now. My goal is to develop a working diagnosis and a thoughtful understanding of the bigger picture. I’m generally pretty open and direct about sharing my initial impressions with you. Toward the end of the appointment, we’ll talk through treatment options and develop a plan together based on your goals, preferences, and priorities—including medications you may want to avoid because of potential side effects or other concerns. You don’t need to come in knowing exactly what you need or already have a diagnosis. Part of my job is to help you make sense of what’s going on and figure out where to go from there.

Question 2

Do you offer in-person appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For patients located in Georgia, I offer a limited number of in-person appointments at my office: 1801 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30309. I’m typically in the office about once per month. Because in-person availability is limited, most appointments are conducted via telehealth.

Question 3

Do you offer telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer secure telehealth appointments via Zoom, allowing you to receive care from the privacy and convenience of your own home.

Question 4

Where must I be located to receive care?

Accepted Answer

Due to medical licensing regulations, you must be physically located in Georgia or Washington State at the time of your appointment (whether attending virtually via telehealth or in person).

Question 5

Do you see new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I specifically reserve appointment times each week for new patients, including availability within the same or following week whenever possible.

Question 6

Which appointment should I schedule?

Accepted Answer

New patients should schedule an Initial Consultation (70 minutes). Established patients can choose between a Focus Session (25 minutes) and a Full Session (45 minutes) depending on how much time they need. If you’re unsure which appointment is right for you, I’m happy to help you decide.

Question 7

Do you provide both medication management and psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on your needs, appointments may focus on medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. I also work with patients who already have a therapist and are looking for a psychiatrist to manage their medications.

Question 8

Do you prescribe controlled medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when clinically appropriate. I do not have a predetermined list of medications that I will or will not prescribe. Instead, I take an individualized approach based on your history, symptoms, previous treatment, goals, and the potential risks and benefits of each medication. All prescribing is consistent with applicable laws and professional standards.

Question 9

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Initial Consultation (70 minutes): $440. Focus Session (25 minutes): $200. Full Session (45 minutes): $290.

Question 10

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Empower Integrative Psychiatry is an out-of-network provider and does not bill insurance directly. Patients pay at the time of service and receive a monthly itemized statement (superbill) with all diagnostic and CPT codes (Initial Consultation: 99215; Full Session: 99214+90836; Focus Session: 99214+90833) to submit to their insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

Question 11

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No, a referral is generally not required. However, some insurance plans require a referral for out-of-network specialty care, so I recommend checking with your insurance company if you plan to use out-of-network benefits.

Question 12

How do I know if you’re the right psychiatrist for me?

Accepted Answer

Finding the right psychiatrist is important. I offer a free 10-minute phone consultation so we can briefly connect, discuss what you’re looking for, and see if my approach and practice are a good fit for you.

Question 13

Do you work with patients who are already seeing a therapist?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You do not need to see me for psychotherapy in order to receive medication management. I’m happy to collaborate with your existing therapist when appropriate.

Question 14

Can you help me decide whether medication is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You don’t need to come in already knowing that you want medication. Part of my role is to help you understand your options—including the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives—so that you can make an informed decision.

Question 15

Can you help simplify my medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medication simplification and thoughtful deprescribing are particular areas of interest for me. When appropriate, we can look at your current regimen and consider whether medications can be safely reduced or discontinued while maintaining your stability.

Question 16

What if I’m interested in therapy but don’t know what kind?

Accepted Answer

That’s something we can discuss. Different therapy approaches work better for different people, and I can help you identify modalities that may fit your personality, needs, and goals.

Question 17

What ages do you treat?

Accepted Answer

I provide psychiatric care for adolescents and adults ages 16 and older.

Question 18

What if I need urgent or emergency help?

Accepted Answer

This practice is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you may be at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call/text 988.