Frequently Asked Questions

Austin Mind & Wellness only participates in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO and most Aetna plans. We are out of network for all other commercial insurances. For out-of-network insurances, “superbills” can be requested, which you can then submit to your insurance company. Of note, Austin Mind & Wellness does NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

If you are interested in setting up an initial appointment, please call 512-689-0386 for an initial screening discussion. Austin Mind & Wellness out-of-network/fee-for-service fees are in line with other psychiatrists in the Austin area.

Austin Mind & Wellness generally treats adult patients 22+ years and older. At this time, we do not treat children and adolescents.

Austin Mind & Wellness promotes a comprehensive and thoughtful approach for mental health treatment and wellness related services. Dr. Mathews is a trusted board certified adult psychiatrist who firmly believes that treating patients requires a multi-pronged approach and that no single "pill" or style of therapy addresses the complexities and nuances of a given individual. Dr. Mathews excels in helping each patient unravel and define their unique framework for happiness and wellness. In this process, he will strive to also boost his patient's overall confidence to achieve their respective goals.

Dr. Mathews fundamentally believes that everyone can enhance their mental health and he is confident that he can teach you the tools and and/or provide resources to make that happen. Dr. Mathews differs from his counterparts in the breadth and depth of his expertise. It is rare for a board certified psychiatrist to have his background and credentials. His training and experience is based on treating the most complex patients and his success in other corporate related experiences will assure you that he can relate to the daily demands that you may face. As such, Dr. Mathews is confident that he can provide you meaningful solutions for your unique challenges.

Dr. Mathews is familiar with several contemporary treatment styles (e.g. use of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy, or goal oriented therapy), however his delivery provides a pragmatic and candid approach that many patients value.

Dr. Mathews will encourage healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition, and exercise to all patients to improve overall wellness. Traditional areas of expertise include mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), providing medication recommendations when indicated, and guiding patients to overcome or re-frame their unique life challenges.

Risks/benefit/alternatives for all potential medications are discussed with patients. For those patients that may require stimulants or benzodiazepines, this will be reviewed during their initial evaluation.

Dr. Mathews will NOT automatically refill stimulants and benzodiazepines on any initial evaluation and please be cautious if that is an expectation. Dr. Mathews is generally conservative when it comes to dispensing these classes of medications.

At this time, Austin Mind and Wellness does not provide Suboxone/Subutex or IV/intranasal ketamine services.

Initial evaluations may last up to 90 minutes. Dr. Mathews will take a detailed history that includes reviewing your past social and psychiatric history in addition to being familiar with your general medical history. Follow-up appointments can vary, but generally last 30-45 minutes. Frequency of visits will vary and often depend a particular patient’s situation and overall level of acuity. Frequencies range from weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly for established patients. Recommendation for frequency of visits will be discussed after one’s initial evaluation.

Not all patients will require medications, so we will always respect your preference on this. If medications are not used, then areas of of focus and goals will be mutually determined. Ideally, if medications are being provided Dr. Mathews will integrate therapy approaches to tailor your needs. Please note, Dr. Mathews will also work collaboratively with you if you already have an established therapist as well.

The short answer is no for new patients. All new patients will need an initial evaluation before any prescriptions will be prescribed or re-filled. This is considered best practice in the field of medicine. Dr. Mathews will provide his recommendations after your initial evaluation and make a determination for the need of medicine.

Austin Mind & Wellness will not reveal any information or discussions regarding your sessions unless you have signed an Authorization to Disclose Information form. In some cases, it may be recommend to share information with other medical providers, however these cases will be discussed with you and your consent will be needed.

In the unfortunate case that you are in danger of harming yourself or another, we will be obligated by law to notify local authorities.