Initial Evaluation
Your first visit will take around 50-75 minutes. We will discuss your past history including symptoms, treatment, and medication. We will establish goals and create a treatment plan that works for you. After scheduling your first appointment, we will email your new patient forms. It is important that you complete these forms more than 48 hours prior to your first appointment to allow your provider time to review.
Follow up visits will be shorter in duration, usually lasting around 20-25 minutes.
Medication
Often times, psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological basis. Medications can be an important component in treatment of managing symptoms along with therapy and alternative approaches. Please note that we have a conservative approach when working with controlled medication, such as benzodiazepines and stimulants. While we do believe these have an important part in treatment for some individuals, we also aim to use evidence based research in the care we provide. An example is that research has indicated decreased cognitive abilities with long term benzodiazepine use. We therefore will help each person try alternative measures to treat symptoms as your long term health matters just as much as present symptoms.
Medication changes will be made during appointments, however exceptions will be made if you having a side effect from a recently prescribed medication.
Controlled Medication
The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) is part of the Medical Board of California and has a database for providers to access to see what controlled medications an individual has been prescribed over the past year. This was put into place to help limit the chances of abuse or misuse of certain medications, as well as help providers prescribe medication more safely and effectively. These medications include benzodiazepines, opiates, and stimulants. As of October 2, 2018, it was required, by law, for every provider to consult with this database within 24 hours prior to prescribing a controlled substance. We support this act as we prioritize safe and ethical practice above all else.
Reference: Health and Safety Code Section 11165.1
In compliance with the Ryan Haight Act, Inspire Psychiatric patients that are prescribed a controlled substance, or in the event one is prescribed, will be required to be seen in person a minimum of one time annually.
Email & Phone Communication
Email or messaging through the patient portal is the best way to contact us and we try our best to respond within 24 hours. The email we have is secure and HIPAA compliant. We save appointment times to discuss your treatment and concerns. By providing your number, you agree to be contacted by Inspire. You agree to receive SMS messages to follow up on your inquiry. We also do not take calls after hours or on weekends, however you may feel free to leave a voice message and we will call you back.
We are unable to handle any emergent concerns through any form of communication. Therefore if you feel unsafe, please call 911, go to your nearest Emergency Room or call a crisis line. This information can be found on the Resource Page.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
A psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse that has has completed graduate school, earning either a masters or doctorate. During graduate school and clinical rotations, they learn advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, pharmacology and treatment within their specialty. After graduation, they are able to sit for state board certification.