WHAT IS A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER?

 

A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse with post-graduate academic and clinical experience, that enables him or her to perform physical and psychological assessments, make diagnoses, conduct therapy, and prescribe medications for individuals with a psychiatric disorder.

 

A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is not a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a trained physician who has completed medical school and a residency in psychiatry. If you prefer to work with a psychiatrist, or if a referral to a psychiatrist is appropriate for a complex problem, I will provide you with referral information and assist you with the referral process.

 

WHAT DO I DO IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?

 

One of the major limitations of private practice is that we cannot offer 24/7 coverage in-person, by phone, or by email. If you anticipate requiring frequent phone calls, daily monitoring, or a higher level of care, I am happy to refer you to practices and/or colleagues that can better serve you. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, including threats of violence to yourself or others, overdose, and/or other medical or psychiatric emergencies, you must call 911 or proceed immediately to your nearest emergency room if it is safe to do so.

 

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

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Appointment times are reserved for you in advance. Regular follow-up visits, particularly for medication monitoring, are necessary to provide safe medical care. A minimum of 2 business days (48 hours) notice for cancellations are required. For example, Monday appointments need to be canceled by 6 pm the preceding Thursday.  Appointments that are missed without 48 business hours notice will be charged at the late cancellation fee of $85, which you will need to pay prior to booking any follow-up appointment.