Frequently Asked Questions

Our first visit will be a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We will meet with you for an extensive interview and psychiatric evaluation in which we will gather some information such as your history, symptoms, and family dynamics. This appointment can range anywhere from 60- 115 minutes. 

I will offer some first impressions of what our work might include, a treatment plan, and considerations regarding psychotherapy, medications, and holistic approaches. You may use this information—along with your own comfort in working with me—to make your decision as to whether you would like to pursue treatment. If you do not feel comfortable working with me, or if I do not feel able to help you for any reason, I will try to assist you with a referral to others who may be able to meet your needs.

At this time, I am credentialed with Aetna, Cigna, and United. I am also considered an “out-of-network provider” for all other PPO plans. While I do not contract with those insurance companies, I assist my patients by providing the paperwork necessary to submit to their insurance carriers for reimbursement (a “superbill”). I am not in-network for Medicare and Medicaid.

Many of our patients have been able to get part or all of the fees paid by insurance as "out of network." Fees are due in full on arrival for the appointment.  At the end of the appointment, you will receive a "superbill" that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I am not able to negotiate or submit claims with insurance companies. Please be aware that your insurance provider may not reimburse you for any, or may only reimburse you for a part of, the charges for my services. Insurance companies generally do not reimburse for administrative services or missed appointments.

We provide various types of appointments for pediatrics and adults at Bright Bay Psychiatry including:

• Initial Psychiatric Evaluations
• Short Follow-up (Medication Management)
• Extended Follow-up (Medication Management, Psychotherapy, and/or extensive reevaluation of diagnosis)
• Comprehensive ADHD Evaluations

Yes, we offer both in-office and telehealth appointments. However, initial evaluations are encouraged to be in person. 

Please keep in mind if you are taking a controlled substance (stimulants, benzodiazepines, etc.) you may be required to be seen in person at the discretion of the provider. 

Short follow-up appointments are generally 30 minutes long. During these visits, we discuss the effectiveness of your current medication and treatment plan. We will address concerns and current symptoms, side effects, and medication adherence.  Based on your feedback, we may adjust the dosage of your medication. This could mean increasing, decreasing, or changing the medication altogether to address your individual needs. 

Extended follow-up appointments are generally 60 minutes long. During these visits, we will discuss medication management, including the effectiveness of your current medication and treatment plan, and adjust medications as needed. We will also implement brief psychotherapy that involves exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with the goal of improving overall well-being and functioning. 

If needed, a longer follow-up visit also allows for a more extensive evaluation of new symptoms that might require a new diagnostic evaluation or reevaluation of the current diagnosis. 

Psychotherapy, often referred to as "talk therapy," is a range of treatments that help individuals manage and overcome mental health issues, emotional difficulties, and behavioral problems. It is short-term in nature and typically focuses on solutions rather than problems. brief psychotherapy that involves exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with the goal of improving overall well-being and functioning. The goal is to provide clients with tools to change basic attitudes and handle a variety of underlying problems.

Examples of psychotherapy goals include:

•  Gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s issues. 
•  Learning to express and manage emotions in a healthy way. 
•  Developing strategies to alter unhelpful behaviors. 
•  Building skills to handle stress, anxiety, and other challenges effectively. 
•  Enhancing communication and relationship skills. 
•  Improve classroom behavioral problems in children. 
•  Reduce externalizing behavioral problems, including conduct disorder, and conflict management.
•  Reduce internalizing behavioral problems, such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem.

This type of evaluation is done after the initial psychiatric evaluation and will be determined necessary by the provider if a more thorough evaluation is needed for the diagnosis of ADHD. This visit will also cover a discussion of medication or treatment options if necessary.  

Due to the thorough interview using the DIVA-5 Assessment tool, please plan for this appointment to take 90-120 minutes. 

Yes, we do prescribe controlled substances. However, if you are not currently on a controlled substance but believe you may benefit from such medication, please note that our plan of care includes a "low and slow" approach. These medications will only be prescribed after a thorough comprehensive screening. I will only prescribe benzodiazepines for short-term use of less than 30 days or at the discretion of the provider. 

If you are currently prescribed controlled substances by another provider and are looking to transfer your psychiatric care. Please note that I will prescribe stimulant medication based on clinical guidelines, professional judgment, and consideration of previous treatment history. If a patient has been prescribed stimulant or benzodiazepine medication by a previous provider, I will review the patient's medical history and treatment response before continuing or adjusting the medication regimen.

Please visit the contact section on our website and fill out a pre-screening questionnaire. We will then contact you to schedule an appointment. 

You may also text us at (813) 582-3809 or email us at admin@brightbaypsychiatry.com

Psychotropic genetic testing, also known as pharmacogenetic testing or pharmacogenomics, involves analyzing an individual's genetic makeup to predict how they might respond to psychiatric medications. The goal is to tailor medication choices and dosages to the individual's unique genetic profile, potentially improving treatment outcomes and minimizing side effects.  

For genetic testing, we use Genesight. The test will be done in the office through a mouth swab. GeneSight will mail you a bill once I mail in the test. The cost is covered by most insurance plans or through their financial assistance plan. The maximum amount you would be charged is $330 if you decided not to use insurance or their financial plan. You are responsible for the cost of the test. I change a $75 fee for test administration, shipping to GeneSight, and for a report review and consultation interpretation. 

My availability fluctuates based on patient needs. I am always willing to work with you to schedule a time that supports your mental health and journey to stability. If you are interested in a weekend or later appointment, just let me know, and we can work out a schedule that will accommodate your needs!