Frequently Asked Questions

1. General

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 primarily focused on women ages 12 to 50, with an emphasis on adolescent and women’s mental health. Care is also provided for boys ages 12 to 17. Services are not routinely offered to adult men, as the practice is designed to focus on women’s and adolescent mental health.

No. All clients are welcome regardless of faith, religion, or spiritual background. Biblical principles inform universal values like compassion, hope, and resilience that guide care, but your personal beliefs are always respected and treatment is tailored to your preferences.

2. Services & Specialties

Lifestyle-focused care is integrated into psychiatric treatment to support mood stability, focus, and overall functioning. This may include attention to daily habits such as sleep, nutrition, stress management, and routines that can influence mental health. These strategies are used alongside medication management and are tailored to each individual’s needs, goals, and clinical presentation.

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.

Yes. Treatment is provided for hormonal mood disorders, including PMDD, postpartum anxiety and depression, and perimenopausal mood changes. Hormonal therapy is not offered; patients seeking medical hormone management should consult their OB-GYN or endocrinologist. Supplements may support mental health treatment when appropriate but do not replace 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 related postpartum mood concerns. 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 while pregnant are encouraged to consult their OB-GYN or a perinatal mental health specialist.

Controlled substances are prescribed when clinically appropriate and in accordance with DEA and telehealth regulations. Benzodiazepines are not prescribed for panic attacks or anxiety disorders, and hypnotic medications are not prescribed for sleep disorders. Stimulant medications may be prescribed for ADHD in children and adults following a comprehensive evaluation, along with non-stimulant options such as Wellbutrin, Strattera, or Qelbree. Clients prescribed stimulant medications are required to attend monthly follow-up appointments.

Yes. Therapy is provided as part of medication management and is not offered as a stand-alone service. Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy may be integrated into visits to support goal setting, behavior change, and lifestyle-focused adjustments that enhance overall treatment. This structured, goal-driven approach is designed to complement medication care and support sustainable mental health improvement. Therapeutic strategies are tailored to individual needs and used when clinically appropriate.

3. Lab Testing & Specialty Testing

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 impact mood, cognition, and overall well-being.

When clinically indicated, standard laboratory testing may be ordered to support psychiatric care, including thyroid function testing, vitamin and nutrient levels (such as vitamin D, B12, and folate), complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), and pregnancy testing when required for medication safety. Selective specialty testing, such as pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing or hormone levels, may be considered on a case-by-case basis to help guide treatment decisions within psychiatric scope.

Insurance does not typically cover specialty laboratory testing. Coverage varies by plan, and patients are encouraged to verify benefits directly with their insurance provider. If specialty testing is recommended, available options and pricing will be reviewed before proceeding.

If lab results suggest an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiency, the findings will be reviewed with you and appropriate referrals will be recommended, such as to your primary care physician, OB/GYN, or endocrinologist, for further evaluation and treatment. While medical conditions outside of psychiatric care are not managed within this practice, lab results may help inform and personalize your mental health treatment plan.

4. Supplements & Nutraceuticals

Fullscript is a secure online dispensary that provides access to professional-grade supplements and nutraceuticals. When clinically appropriate, individualized supplement recommendations may be made to support mental health, sleep, stress management, and overall well-being as part of a comprehensive psychiatric treatment plan. Use of supplements is optional and guided by clinical judgment and patient preference.

Supplements and nutraceuticals are not prescribed medications. When clinically appropriate, they may be recommended through Fullscript to support mental health as part of psychiatric care. Use remains entirely optional based on patient preference.

Most supplements and nutraceuticals are not covered by insurance and are considered out-of-pocket expenses. When recommendations are made through Fullscript, discounted pricing may be available to help make professional-grade supplements more accessible.

5. New & Existing Patients

New clients can click “Schedule Today” to request an appointment and complete an initial questionnaire. Before the first visit, you will be asked to complete required consent forms. After insurance verification (if applicable), you will receive an email with instructions to access the patient portal and schedule your appointment.

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at the end of sessions. If you need to schedule, reschedule, or change an appointment, you can do so through your patient portal at your convenience or contact the office for assistance.

Balanced Mind Mental Health accepts several major commercial insurance plans. Insurance eligibility can be verified prior to scheduling. Most insured clients are responsible for their standard copay, which is often under $50 per visit. For clients without insurance, self-pay rates are $275 for a 60-minute initial psychiatric evaluation and $135 for follow-up appointments.

Balanced Mind Mental Health requires 48 hours (2 business days) advance notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid fees.

  • New clients: $100 fee for late cancellations or no-shows
  • Established clients: $75 fee for late cancellations or no-shows (not covered by insurance)
  • Exceptions: May be considered for medical emergencies only
  • Policy enforcement: Three late cancellations or no-shows may result in discharge from services

Full details are outlined in the Office Policies and Financial Agreement.

Payment is due at the time of service. Accepted forms of payment include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and debit cards.
You are responsible for:

  • Unmet deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments
  • Charges not covered by insurance
  • Full payment if uninsured or pre-existing conditions excluded
  • All non-covered services

Your insurance may not cover the full cost of a visit, and you are responsible for copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or non-covered services. A credit card is required to cover potential no-show or late cancellation fees (appointments canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice) and applicable paperwork charges. Patients are encouraged to verify coverage with their insurance provider to avoid unexpected costs.

Prescription refills are typically addressed during scheduled appointments. Between visits, established patients must submit an online prescription refill request form,   and include the pharmacy where the medication is currently available.

Key details:

  • Patients responsible for finding pharmacy stock (due to shortages)
  • $25 processing fee applies
  • No Monday-Thursday after 6:00 PM, weekends, or holidays
  • Allow 72 hours (3 business days) for processing
  • May be denied if appointment missed/canceled

6. Emergencies & Mental Health Crises

Balanced Mind Mental Health does not provide crisis or emergency services. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For medical emergencies or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.You may also visit the Mind Tools section of this website for links to local hospitals and crisis intervention resources.

© 2024 by Balanced Mind Mental Health, LLC