- Do you accept insurance? Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
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.
- What are your fees?
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 psychiatric providers in the Austin area.
- What age ranges do you treat?
Austin Mind & Wellness generally treats adult patients 22+ years and older. At this time, we do not treat children and adolescents.
- What makes Austin Mind & Wellness different?
We genuinely care and will take the time to get to know you. We are not owned buy a private equity firm or a large healthcare conglomerate. We are thorough and provide a comprehensive and thoughtful approach for mental health treatment. The practice 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. Our providers excel in helping each patient unravel and define their unique framework for happiness and wellness.
Our providers are familiar with several contemporary treatment styles (e.g. use of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, etc.) and we try to integrate that with a pragmatic and candid approach that many patients value. We also effectively partner with other therapists/specialists when needed.
We also encourage healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition, and exercise to all patients to improve overall wellness. Traditional areas of expertise include treatment of mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, and ADHD. We provide medication recommendations when indicated, and guiding patients to overcome or re-frame their unique life challenges.
- Do you prescribe controlled substances, such as stimulants or benzodiazepines?
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.
Our providers will NOT automatically refill stimulants and benzodiazepines on any initial evaluation and please be cautious if that is an expectation. We are generally conservative when it comes to dispensing these classes of medications.
- Do you prescribe Suboxone or Subutex for treatment of Opioid Dependence? Does your practice offer Ketamine treatment?
At this time, Austin Mind and Wellness does not provide Suboxone/Subutex or IV/intranasal ketamine services. We may suggest other clinics for these services if indicated.
- How Long Do Sessions Last?
Initial evaluations may last up to 90 minutes. Our providers 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.
- Can I just see you for medications or therapy? Or just for wellness related services?
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 by our providers, then we will integrate therapy approaches to tailor your needs. Please note, we will also work collaboratively with you if you already have an established therapist as well.
- Can I just call you to get refills from a previous doctor's old prescription?
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. Our providers will provide their recommendations after your initial evaluation and make a determination for the need of medicine.
- Will my information be kept confidential?
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.