Frequently Asked Questions

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 available for women and girls aged 12 to 50, with a focus on the unique mental health needs of adolescent girls and women. While boys are not specifically marketed to, care may be provided for boys ages 12 to 17 on a case-by-case basis. Men are seen by referral only from a primary care physician or another medical doctor.

Absolutely not. All individuals are welcome, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. The use of biblical principles in this practice is centered on universal values such as faith, hope, love, and compassion. Your personal beliefs will always be respected, and the approach is aim to provide support and motivation to all clients.

Metabolic psychiatry is an emerging subspecialty that investigates how metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies impact mental health. This approach focuses on identifying root causes and applies targeted strategies, including nutrition, blood sugar regulation, lifestyle modification, and supplementation, to support mental wellness alongside traditional treatments.

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.

Treatment is provided for hormonal mood disorders affecting mental health, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum anxiety and depression, and perimenopausal mood disturbances.

However, hormonal therapy is not offered, and supplements or nutraceuticals are not prescribed specifically treat hormonal imbalances. Patients seeking hormonal treatment for medical management should consult their OB-GYN or endocrinologist.

Nutraceuticals and supplements may be incorporated into a comprehensive mental health treatment plan to support mood, anxiety, and overall well-being, but are not a substitute for medical 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 other postpartum mood disturbances. 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 during pregnancy are encouraged to consult their OB-GYN or a perinatal mental health specialist.

DEA and telehealth regulations for controlled substances are closely monitored and adhere to strict guidelines. In this practice, benzodiazepines are not prescribed for panic attacks or anxiety disorders, nor are hypnotics for sleep disorders. Stimulants are prescribed for treating ADHD in both children and adults. Non-stimulant options, like the antidepressants Wellbutrin, Strattera or Qelbree may also be used to manage ADHD symptoms. Clients prescribed stimulants are scheduled for monthly appointments.

Yes—therapy is provided as part of medication management, not as a separate stand-alone service. Solution-focused brief therapy, supportive therapy, and elements of motivational interviewing and health coaching are integrated to help set and achieve wellness goals. This focused, goal-driven approach is designed to enhance medication care and support sustainable lifestyle changes. Different forms of therapy are used at various times, depending on individual needs.

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.

Standard Lab Testing (Traditional Labs)

• Thyroid Panel: Evaluate thyroid function, which impacts mood, energy, and metabolism.
• Vitamin & Nutrient Testing: Identifies deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals for brain function.
• Metabolic & Inflammatory Markers: Measures inflammation, blood sugar, cholesterol level, and insulin resistance.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) & Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): Screens for infection, anemia, and organ function.
• Pregnancy Test (hCG): Used for medication safety when clinically appropriate.

Metabolic Psychiatry  & Specialty Lab Testing

• Adrenal & Stress Hormone Testing: Measures cortisol patterns and adrenal function to evaluate stress response.
• Comprehensive Thyroid Panel: Offers an expanded view of thyroid hormones beyond basic labs.
• Gut Health & Microbiome Testing: Identifies microbiome imbalances that may affect mood, cognition, and immune function.
• Sex Hormone Testing: Evaluates levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA levels that may impact mental health.
• Inflammation & Oxidative Stress Panels: Assess systemic inflammation and cellular stress associated with mental health conditions.
• Genetic & Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing: Assesses genetic factors influencing medication response and neurotransmitter metabolism.
• Food Sensitivity Testing: Screens for intolerances that could contribute to inflammation and cognitive symptoms.

Insurance does not typically cover specialty lab tests, including advanced hormonal and metabolic panels. Coverage may vary depending on individual insurance plans, so patients are encouraged to verify benefits directly with their provider. If a specialty test is recommended, available options will be reviewed together, and full pricing details will be provided before proceeding.

If lab results reveal an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, vitamin deficiency, or metabolic imbalance, we will discuss the findings with you and refer you to an appropriate specialist, such as an OB/GYN, endocrinologist, or primary care physician, for further evaluation and treatment.

**While I do not manage medical conditions outside of psychiatric care, these results may help guide and personalize your mental health treatment plan.**  

Fullscript is an online dispensary that offers high-quality, professional-grade supplements, nutraceuticals, and herbal products. It enables personalized supplement recommendations tailored to individual treatment plans. Fullscript provides access to evidence-based products designed to support mental health, sleep, stress management, and overall well-being.

Supplements and nutraceuticals may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to support mood, anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function. However, they are not a substitute for prescription medications or medical hormone therapy. Recommendations are based on scientific evidence and tailored to individual needs.

Most supplements and nutraceuticals are considered out-of-pocket expenses and are not covered by insurance. However, Fullscript offers discounts to make professional-grade supplements more accessible.

New Clients- Click “Schedule Today” to start. Select “New Patient” and complete and submit the intake pre-screening form. Once your insurance benefits are verified, you will receive an email from Charm Health to activate your patient portal. You can schedule your new appointment directly in the patient portal, or if you need assistance, you can contact the office for support.

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at the end of your initial or follow-up session. However, if you need to reschedule, cancel, or change your appointment, you have a few options:

1. Charm Health Patient Portal
2. Click on “Schedule Today” and select “Existing Patient” to book your appointment.

Balanced Mind Mental Health aims to provide exceptional mental health care that is both accessible and affordable. Several major commercial insurance plans and Medicaid are accepted. Partnerships with third-party insurers and billers such as Headway and Grow Therapy are also established. If your insurance isn’t listed, please fill out the insurance eligibility verification form. Most insured clients pay less than $50 per visit. For those without insurance, the self-pay rates are $275 for a 60-minute initial evaluation and $135 for follow-up appointments.

Balanced Mind Mental Health’s cancellation and no-show policy ensures fair access to services. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 48 hours (2 business days) in advance to avoid a fee.

New clients will be charged $100 for cancellations within 48 hours (2 business days) or no-shows. Established clients, including self-pay, will incur a $75 fee for the same. These fees are not covered by insurance.

Exceptions may be considered in medical emergencies but are not guaranteed. After three no-shows or late cancellations, further appointments cannot be scheduled, and you may be discharged from services.

For detailed information, please refer to the Office Policies and Financial Agreement forms.

Payment is due at the time of your visit. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and debit cards. You will be responsible for any unmet deductible, co-insurance, co-payment, and charges not covered by your insurance. If you don’t have insurance or if your coverage excludes pre-existing conditions, full payment is required at the time of your visit. All non-covered services must also be paid in full at the time of service.

Your insurance may not cover the full session cost, leaving you responsible for fees like copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. Confirm your coverage with your insurance provider to avoid surprises. A credit card is also required to cover potential no-show fees for missed appointments not canceled or rescheduled 48 hours in advance, and if paperwork is needed.

For established patients, prescription refills are typically addressed during appointments. If you need a refill, please complete our online prescription refill request form. If a refill is needed, please complete the online prescription refill request form. Note that refills are not processed during evenings, weekends, or holidays. A $25.00 fee applies to all refills. If an appointment was missed or canceled, the request may be denied until a new one is scheduled. Allow up to 72 hours (3 business days) for processing, with notifications provided for any delays. Planning ahead for refill needs ensures continuous medication therapy.

 

Balanced Mind Mental Health does not offer crisis or emergency services. If you are in a crisis, call 988. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Check Mind Tools for more information on local hospitals and crisis intervention centers.