Question 1

Will I get Adderall after my ADHD evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Maybe and maybe not. Not all individuals who receive an evaluation for ADHD meet the criteria for ADHD. We will discuss your results with you and the proper medication management for your symptoms, which may include Adderall, Ritalin, or another stimulant, or it may include a nonstimulant such as Wellbutrin, Strattera, or Clonidine. Other times we may simply refer you to some therapy or lifestyle coaching for more mild symptoms. We do not make any guarantee of medication or treatment when you come in to see us.

Question 2

Do you prescribe benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Very, very rarely, and only on a time-limited basis. Current research shows that long-term benzodiazepine use can actually worsen anxiety and contribute to cognitive decline – neither of which we want for you! We happily accept patients already taking benzodiazepines with the understanding that we will help you safely and comfortably taper off them.

Question 3

Do you fill out paperwork for FMLA and/or permanent or short-term disability?

Accepted Answer

If you are a client who has been seen regularly for at least six months, we can discuss FMLA or short-term disability paperwork if your situation requires it. We do not fill out paperwork for permanent disability. Please note we do have a fee for paperwork needing to be filled out outside of an appointment.

Question 4

How do I get refills?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us directly for refill requests. Do not request refills through your pharmacy or ask your pharmacy to contact us for refills. Some pharmacies (looking at you, CVS and Walgreens) fax automatic refill requests even though they still have multiple refills left still to fill, so it can be tough for us to know what pharmacy-generated refill requests are legitimate and which are not.

Medications will be refilled during office hours Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

Question 5

How often do I need to be seen to get refills?

Accepted Answer

We require all patients be seen at least once every three months, usually more often in the beginning or if we have medication changes. This allows us to assess your response to your medications and make adjustments as necessary.

Question 6

Can we make medication adjustments outside of a scheduled appointment?

Accepted Answer

No, we require an appointment to discuss any changes that may need to be made to medications. We reserve some room in our schedule every week for more urgent issues such as this. Just call us and we’ll get you scheduled.

Question 7

My pharmacy doesn’t have my stimulant medication in-stock. Why should I do?

Accepted Answer

The stimulant shortage is very challenging right now! We have some work-arounds that we ask our patients to help us with so we can get you your medication as quickly and easily as possible so no one has to tear their hair out.
  
First, ask your pharmacy if they have a similar dose in-stock. For example, if you’re prescribed Adderall XR 20mg, ask if they have 15mg or 25mg in-stock.

If this doesn’t work, call other pharmacies nearby and see if they have a supply of your stimulant.

Once you find a similar dose or a pharmacy with your medication in-stock, call us and let Amber know where or what dose she needs to send your medication. Many medications can be transferred from one pharmacy to another – controlled substances like stimulants unfortunately aren’t in this category and require the provider to re-send each time.

The third option is to be a “squeaky wheel” with your pharmacy and call them on a daily basis to see if they have received a supply of your medication that they can fill for you.

Please note that sometimes we will need to have a quick appointment with you if we need to call in a different dose or find a workaround solution so we can get you your medication.

Question 8

Why do I have to give a urine sample as part of my treatment?

Accepted Answer

Some controlled substances (such as Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, Ativan, etc) have the risk for abuse or dependence. We take our patients’ safety very seriously and so monitoring results like this helps us ensure medications are being taken appropriately. We require a urine sample at the first visit if being prescribed a controlled substance, and then periodically thereafter.

Question 9

I use cannabis, can I still get a controlled substance prescription?

Accepted Answer

Cannabis is NOT a deal-breaker to receive medications like Adderall or Ritalin, however cannabis can worsen symptoms of ADHD, such as inattentiveness or lack of focus. We may have a discussion with you to see if cannabis is worsening your symptoms, but you do not need to be abstinent from cannabis to be prescribed medications.

Question 10

How often do I have to come into the office?

Accepted Answer

Patients should come in the office for their first visit if they are specifically wanting an ADHD evaluation (if not seeking an evaluation for ADHD, a Zoom appointment our first visit is fine - however, we generally get a much better assessment in-person).

Anyone taking a controlled substance must be seen in-person 1-2 times a year. This allows us to check your blood pressure and obtain a required urine sample.

We offer both in-person and Zoom visits for follow-up appointments. Some people prefer the convenience of Zoom, especially if they feel stable; others like in-person visits because they tend to be more personable. Either is fine with us.

Question 11

You don’t accept my insurance – or I don’t have insurance. Can I still see you?

Accepted Answer

You bet! We have self-pay rates of $250 for initial psychiatric evaluation appointments and $135 for follow-up appointments. We can provide a superbill to you so you can request reimbursement from your insurance company.

Question 12

Is it okay if I tell you that you’re very pretty and smart and the best provider ever?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is acceptable to us. It’s okay though if you think we are not so pretty and not so smart, just as long as you don’t say that to our face. But we definitely are the best provider ever.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS