FAQ

Our office is open Monday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm and Fridays 9 am - 12 pm. Our patient support manager, Pia, can assist you during these hours with your questions. Our office is closed daily for lunch from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm.

We accept most commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, BlueCross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Maryland Medicaid. Affordable self-pay rates are also available, ranging from $175 to $325 per session.

We offer virtual mental health services for women and youth ages 10-60. Men are seen by professional referral only. Serving patients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we provide mental health assessments, medication management, and short-term solution-focused therapy. Some integrative and functional psychiatry services are offered but not covered by insurance. Our provider does not provide care for patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Due to high demand for appointments, it’s essential for new patients to attend their initial consultation to establish care. Onboarding paperwork must be completed by 5 PM on the (weekday) before the scheduled appointment. As we do not charge a cancellation fee for new patients, those who miss their appointment without notice will not be eligible to return for services.

We only accept credit card payments for services. While storing a credit card on file is not required, all copays and outstanding balances must be paid before your appointment begins. Payments can be made securely through your patient portal.

Go to the Book Now Page to get started. Complete the prescreen. Once your benefits have been verified, we will activate your patient portal. Our office will call you to assist you with scheduling your New Patient appointment, or you can schedule in the patient portal.

All patient resources are accessible in your secure Charm patient portal.

All existing patients can schedule their appointments in their Charm Patient Portal. If you don't have access, contact the office Monday-Friday at 240-630-5767. Due to high call volume, allow one business day for a response.

You can reach our office Monday–Friday at 240-630-5767. For peak call times and after-hours, our answering service is available to take messages. Due to high call volume, please allow one business day for a response. You can also contact us by sending a message through your Charm Patient Portal.

To avoid a $35 cancellation fee, please call the office at least two business days in advance. If it's greater than this timeframe, you can cancel and reschedule your appointment through the Charm Patient Portal. Due to increased appointment demand, no shows without proof of medical or legal emergency will be charged a $100 fee.

Always check with your pharmacy first to see if you have any refills available. If you need a medication refill and were advised to follow up, please schedule an appointment, as providers cannot prescribe medications without assessing the patient. If a 14-day emergency bridge refill (for non-controlled medications) is appropriate, a $25 convenience fee will apply. Allow 24-48 hours for a response.

During your visit, your provider will recommend a follow-up timeframe based on your clinical needs. You can also find your follow-up schedule in your Clinical Visit Summary within your Charm Patient Portal. Follow-ups typically range from monthly to every 3–6 months, depending on your condition. If you're unsure, simply schedule a follow-up appointment, choosing between a 15-minute or 30-minute session.

Two hours before your session, you’ll receive a link to settle any copays or outstanding balances. If you have a card on file, it will be charged automatically before your session begins. You can also view and pay outstanding balances in your Charm Patient Portal. Just like in-person visits, copays are collected before your session. Contact the office if you need assistance.

All patient resources are accessible in your secure Charm patient portal. There you can find key information, including our policies, educational materials, and therapy and treatment resources.

At Mendem, we believe in providing comprehensive and personalized mental health care. Lab testing can play a crucial role in your psychiatric treatment for several reasons. Firstly, certain mental health conditions can be influenced or exacerbated by physical health issues, such as thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances. Lab tests help us accurately diagnose these underlying conditions, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment. Additionally, some psychiatric medications can affect your physical health, and regular lab tests allow us to monitor these effects and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. By integrating lab work into your care, we ensure a holistic approach to your mental health, addressing both your psychological and physical well-being.

At Mendem, we partner with LabCorp for all necessary lab testing related to mental health assessments. This collaboration ensures a seamless and efficient process for our clients. Once our mental health professionals determine that lab testing is required, the order is sent electronically to LabCorp. As a client, you'll only need to bring your driver's license and insurance card to the LabCorp location. This streamlined approach minimizes the hassle and allows you to focus on your mental health journey with us at Mendem.

At Mendem, ensuring you are well-prepared for your tests will help facilitate a smooth process. For most blood work, we require patients to fast overnight and only consume water. This fasting period is crucial for accurate test results. When you come for the blood collection, it's advisable to wear loose clothing as this will allow easier access for the procedure. If you have just completed a urine drug screen, staying hydrated by drinking water is sufficient. Your mental health provider will inform you if additional fasting is necessary for specific tests. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your visit is as efficient and comfortable as possible.

At Mendem, we prioritize comprehensive mental health assessments which sometimes include functional lab tests. Please note that all lab tests are referred to a designated lab for collection, and it is the patient's responsibility to contact their insurance provider regarding any costs associated with these tests. Generally, functional lab tests are not covered by insurance. It is important to verify insurance coverage independently to understand potential out-of-pocket expenses. If you have further questions, our administrative team is available to assist you with the process.