FAQ

Psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders.

Provider responsibilities to patien

• Provide respectful, nonjudgmental care

  • Treat patients with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and privacy.

  • Honor the patient’s values, preferences, and unique needs.

• Maintain confidentiality and privacy

  • Protect medical records and communications in accordance with HIPAA and applicable laws.

  • Discuss limits of confidentiality (e.g., risk of harm to self/others, court orders) clearly and promptly.

• Conduct thorough assessment and diagnosis

  • Obtain a comprehensive psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial history.

  • Use appropriate screening tools and clinical judgment to formulate diagnoses.

• Offer clear, evidence-based treatment options

  • Explain recommended treatments, alternatives, expected benefits, likely risks, and possible side effects.

  • Discuss the rationale for medication, psychotherapy, or combined approaches.

• Create an individualized treatment plan

  • Collaborate with the patient to set achievable goals and timelines.

  • Include monitoring plans, follow-up frequency, and criteria for modifying treatment.

• Provide safe and effective medication management

  • Prescribe medications responsibly, considering medical history, interactions, and pregnancy/breastfeeding when relevant.

  • Monitor efficacy and adverse effects; adjust doses or switch medications as clinically indicated.

  • Review controlled-substance prescribing practices and use appropriate monitoring (e.g., pill counts, prescription monitoring programs) when needed.

• Ensure informed consent

  • Obtain and document informed consent for assessments, treatments, and procedures.

  • Provide information in plain language and allow time for questions and decision-making.

• Communicate clearly and promptly

  • Explain diagnoses, treatment steps, and test results in understandable terms.

  • Respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner and provide clear instructions for urgent issues.

• Coordinate care with other providers

  • Communicate and collaborate with primary care, therapists, specialists, and community supports when authorized by the patient.

  • Provide referrals and assist with transitions of care.

• Monitor safety and crises

  • Screen for suicidality, homicidality, substance misuse, and other safety risks.

  • Develop and share a safety plan when appropriate; provide emergency instructions and access to crisis resources.

• Respect patient autonomy and shared decision-making

  • Encourage patient participation in decisions about their care.

  • Honor advance directives and legal decision-making roles.

• Maintain professional boundaries and competence

  • Avoid dual relationships that could impair objectivity or harm the patient.

  • Pursue ongoing education and training to maintain clinical competence and apply current standards of care.

Patient Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information about your medical history, current medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplements), mental health symptoms, substance use, and any changes in your condition.

• Attend scheduled appointments on time. If you must cancel or reschedule, notify the clinic as soon as possible following our cancellation policy. Three missed appointments without appropriate notification, may results in a discharge from the practice.

• Arrive prepared to discuss symptoms, progress, side effects, and any concerns.

• Participate actively and honestly in assessments, treatment planning, and follow-up care. Ask questions if you do not understand the diagnosis, treatment options, risks, or expected outcomes.

• Follow agreed-upon treatment plans, including medication regimens, behavioral strategies, therapy referrals, and recommended laboratory tests or monitoring. Inform your provider promptly if you cannot follow the plan or experience side effects.

• Communicate changes in your health status, including new medical conditions, hospitalizations, pregnancy or intent to become pregnant, or changes in substance use.

• Use medications as prescribed. Do not share, sell, or alter prescriptions. Request refills in a timely manner according to clinic procedures; emergency or early refill requests may be denied and will be evaluated case-by-case.

• Keep scheduled laboratory or monitoring appointments required for safe medication management (e.g., blood tests, vital signs, rating scales).

• Follow clinic policies regarding controlled substances, if applicable. Be aware that controlled medications may require more frequent visits, urine drug screening, pill counts, or consultation with specialists.

• Respect clinic staff, other patients, and the practice environment. Abusive, threatening, or violent behavior will not be tolerated and may result in termination of care.

• Maintain confidentiality of other patients and staff. You may be asked to consent to information sharing where necessary for coordinated care.

• Provide accurate insurance and billing information and be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, and any charges not covered by insurance. Notify the clinic of changes in insurance or contact information.

• If you receive care from other providers, authorize appropriate information sharing so your psychiatric care can be coordinated safely and effectively.

• In emergencies or situations requiring immediate attention (risk of harm to self or others, severe worsening of symptoms), seek immediate help by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency department.