Frequently Asked
Questions
Questions? I've Got Answers
Clear answers to common questions about our services, approach to care, and what to expect as a patient at Mendem.
Scheduling depends on the type of service you are seeking:
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Traditional Psychiatry (Insurance-Based):
If you plan to use insurance for standard psychiatric services (evaluations and medication management), you may select “Book Now” to schedule directly. You may also choose to schedule a discovery call if you would like more information before booking. -
Functional Psychiatry & Integrative Services (Self-Pay):
Patients interested in functional psychiatry, advanced testing, or integrative care are strongly encouraged to schedule a discovery call prior to booking. These services are self-pay and not covered by insurance, and the discovery call helps determine whether the service is a good fit.
Please note that discovery calls are for general informational purposes only. They are not medical appointments and do not include diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.
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A Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is an advanced practice registered nurse with specialized training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions across the lifespan.
As a PMHNP-BC, I provide comprehensive psychiatric care—including evaluations, medication management, and integrative treatment approaches—for children, adolescents, and adults.
While my training covers care across the lifespan, I do not specialize in geriatric psychiatry. Patients with complex psychiatric needs related to advanced age, dementia, or late-life psychiatric disorders may be best served by a provider with specialized geriatric training.
I provide psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults, up to age 60. Services are available to male and female patients, including individuals who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, when clinically appropriate.
At this time, I do not provide specialized geriatric psychiatry services, such as the evaluation or treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other advanced age-related neurocognitive disorders.
Telepsychiatry services are available to patients who reside in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Our practice is committed to providing respectful, inclusive care and does not discriminate based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, or cultural background. All individuals are welcome to seek care in a safe and supportive clinical environment.
Yes, we are in-network with several major insurance plans for standard psychiatric care. However, functional psychiatry services, specialized testing, and integrative treatment programs are not covered by insurance.
Copays, deductibles, and any outstanding balances are due at the start of each session. Patients are responsible for understanding their insurance benefits, including deductible requirements, coinsurance, and non-covered services.
We are happy to review your benefits and discuss self-pay options during a free 15-minute discovery call, or you call our office at 240-630-5767.
We accept the following plans. We do not accept Medicaid.
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Aetna
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Anthem
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BlueCross BlueShield
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Carefirst
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Cigna (Evernorth
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United Healthcare (Optum)
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Self-Pay Rates:
Traditional Psychiatry starts at $225 per session
Functional Psychiatry starts at $345 per session
What is your cancellation and no-show policy?
Due to high demand, all new patients are required to complete onboarding paperwork by 5:00 PM the business day before their scheduled appointment.
Appointments canceled with less than two business days’ notice, or missed without notice, will incur a $100 cancellation fee. Patients who miss appointments without notice may become ineligible for future services.
Are bridge refills available if my appointment is overdue?
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure medications remain safe, effective, and appropriately monitored. Patients are expected to maintain recommended follow-up visits to continue receiving ongoing prescriptions.
If an appointment becomes overdue, a one-time bridge refill may be provided when clinically appropriate to allow time to schedule the necessary follow-up visit. Bridge refills are limited to a maximum 14-day supply and are not guaranteed.
A $25 administrative bridge refill fee applies and must be paid prior to processing. Insurance does not cover administrative refill fees. Additional refills will not be issued until the required follow-up appointment has been completed.
Our practice prioritizes evidence-based, long-term treatment strategies that support sustainable mental health outcomes. For this reason, we generally do not initiate benzodiazepine medications for ongoing treatment.
Patients who are currently taking benzodiazepines and would like support safely reducing or discontinuing these medications may enroll in our structured tapering program, where individualized taper plans are provided under medical supervision.
In certain limited clinical situations, short-term use may be considered when medically appropriate; however, our primary focus is on safer long-term treatment alternatives and medication optimization.
Completion of disability, FMLA, and other administrative paperwork requires additional clinical review and is not covered by insurance.
A $45 administrative processing fee, plus $15 per page reviewed, is required for all disability and FMLA paperwork requests. Fees must be paid prior to processing the request.
Please allow 7–10 business days for completion once all required documents and payment have been received. If an appointment is required to complete the evaluation, standard visit fees will apply in addition to administrative fees.
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of medical and mental health services when those services are provided on a self-pay basis or are not billed to insurance.
If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance for certain services—such as functional psychiatry services, integrative care programs, or other self-pay offerings—you are entitled to receive a written Good Faith Estimate outlining the anticipated charges for scheduled services.
You may request a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling or at any time prior to receiving services. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.
For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit:
https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
To request your Good Faith Estimate, please contact our office prior to your appointment, and we will be happy to provide one.
