Frequently Asked Questions

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in understanding and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral health concerns. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can look at both the mind and body when it comes to what you’re experiencing.

Psychiatrists are trained to provide comprehensive evaluations, therapy, and when appropriate, prescribe medication as part of treatment.

Becoming a psychiatrist takes years of education and hands-on training, typically around 12 years after high school. This includes college, medical school, and residency, with additional fellowship training for those who want to focus on areas like child or adolescent psychiatry.

It may be a good idea to meet with a psychiatrist if your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are making daily life feel harder than it should, whether that’s at work, school, home, or in your relationships.

You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. A psychiatrist can also help you better understand yourself, build healthier habits, and support your overall well-being, even when you’re functioning well but want to feel more balanced or fulfilled.

A psychiatric evaluation is a thorough, collaborative process where your psychiatrist gets to know you, your history, and what’s happening in your mind and body. The goal is to understand your unique situation and create a personalized plan to support your mental health and well-being.

During the evaluation, your psychiatrist will typically:

• Discuss your symptoms: when they started, how they affect your daily life, and their severity

• Review your medical history, including past illnesses, treatments, and medications

• Explore your mental health history, including previous challenges, family history, and past therapies or treatments

• Ask about lifestyle and habits, such as sleep, diet, routines, stress, and substance use

• Perform a physical check if needed to rule out medical causes

• Discuss treatment options, which may include therapy, medications, lab tests, lifestyle changes, or a combination

• Collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and priorities

Please note: While I aim to complete the evaluation in the first visit, it may take more than one appointment to finish the full assessment and finalize your treatment plan.

The length of treatment with a psychiatrist can vary depending on several factors, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• Type and severity of your condition: Some mental health concerns, like mild anxiety or situational stress, may respond well to short-term treatment. Others, such as depression, trauma, or chronic mental health conditions, often benefit from longer-term care.
  
  

• Your individual progress: Everyone’s journey is unique. Some people notice improvements within a few sessions, while others find ongoing treatment helps them maintain balance and well-being over time.
  
  

• Treatment goals: The length of care is also guided by your personal goals. Short-term objectives, like coping with acute stress, may require only a few visits, while long-term goals, like building resilience or managing a chronic condition, may take more time.
  
  

Meeting with a psychiatrist allows you to create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, helping you achieve the best possible mental health outcomes.

This depends on your individual needs and can vary from every 2 weeks to every 3 months. All patients are required to be seen at least once every six months to maintain an active treatment relationship. When individuals are doing well and do not need frequent visits, we discuss transferring their mental healthcare back to their primary care physician.

No, my practice focuses on providing treatment rather than performing these evaluations. I can, however, assist with short-term disability paperwork or related forms during the course of treatment once a therapeutic relationship has been well established. For evaluations that involve legal or forensic matters, I recommend consulting a forensic psychiatrist.

Psychiatric medications can sometimes cause side effects, but most people tolerate them well. Not everyone experiences side effects, and when they do occur, they often lessen over time or can be managed by adjusting the dose or switching to a different medication.

The specific risks depend on the type of medication and individual factors, which is why your psychiatrist will always discuss potential side effects with you before prescribing anything. Every recommendation carefully balances the potential benefits with any risks, ensuring your treatment plan supports your mental health safely and effectively.

In my practice, I collaborate with patients to select medications that offer the greatest benefit while minimizing risks and side effects. I may prescribe controlled medications, such as stimulants or benzodiazepines, using the lowest effective doses and regularly monitoring their safety and effectiveness. When appropriate, I work with patients to reduce medication doses or frequency and have supported many in tapering off controlled medications safely.

I do not provide these specialized treatments in-office. However, I am knowledgeable about their indications and supporting research, and can help patients who may benefit from these therapies by providing referrals and coordinating care with other providers or treatment centers.

No, I do not have a specialized program for substance use or dual-diagnosis treatment. I do not provide on-site drug or substance testing, medical detox, or buprenorphine/methadone therapy. However, I do address substance use and related concerns as part of general psychiatric care. For targeted addiction treatment, I recommend working with an addictions psychiatrist. If medical detox is required for safety or health reasons, participation in an inpatient or residential program is typically advised.

A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed medical school (4-year program after college/undergraduate degree) and has an MD or DO graduate doctoral degree, and has completed 4 years of psychiatry residency training.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced practice nurses who have completed a master’s or doctoral-level program with specialized training in mental health. 

Psychologists have completed therapy- or research-oriented doctoral degrees (PsyD or PhD). 

Other therapy degrees may include specific certificates or Master's level programs (like LCSW, LPC, clinical social work).

A board-certified psychiatrist has met rigorous educational and professional standards set by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). This certification shows that the psychiatrist has completed advanced training, passed exams, and demonstrated expertise in the field.

To maintain board certification, psychiatrists complete ongoing professional development every few years, including continuing education, self-assessments, and activities focused on patient safety and quality improvement. This ensures they stay up to date with the latest in mental health care.

At this time, I accept:

• United Healthcare

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Aetna

• Medicare

Insurance participation is subject to change, and patients will be notified as soon as possible always with at least 30 days’ notice.

Yes. Self-pay rates are available for patients who do not have insurance or whose insurance is not accepted. I am also happy to answer any questions about fees or discuss payment arrangements.

• Initial Evaluation (60 minutes): $385

• Follow-Up Appointments:

  • 30 minutes – $240

  • 45 minutes – $300

  • 60 minutes – $320

Patients are seen in person at my Flagstaff, Arizona office and virtually. New patients begin with an initial visit in person, and follow-up appointments can be scheduled via telehealth for convenience.

Appointments missed or not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance will be charged a $50 fee. Any subsequent missed appointments or same-day cancellations will be charged the full fee of the appointment (for example, a 30-minute appointment would be $240). Exceptions may be made for unforeseen illness or emergencies.

If you’re experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) is also available 24/7 by phone call or text message.