Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a Psychologist?

  • Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy. PMHNP’s are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with psychiatric disorders, as well as provide therapy and prescribe medications. Psychologists typically hold a PhD or PsyD and provide therapy but cannot prescribe medication (in most regions).

2. What can I expect during my initial appointment?

  • The initial appointment is usually a comprehensive assessment. The team will ask about your mental health history, physical health, lifestyle, and symptoms. This helps in developing a diagnosis and treatment plan. Medication may or may not be prescribed at the initial appointment. Initial appointments generally last 30-55 minutes. It is important that you are in a calm, quiet, private environment during the appointment. We generally require patients to have their camera on during the appointment.

3. How are mental health conditions diagnosed?

  • Diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation, which includes interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes physical exams or lab tests to rule out medical causes. Our providers use criteria from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for diagnosis.

4. Will I need medication?

  • It depends on your condition and symptoms. Some mental health conditions can benefit from medication, while others might be treated with therapy alone. The provider will discuss options and the potential benefits and side effects.

5. How long will I need to take medication?

  • This varies based on the condition, severity, and individual response. Some people may need medication short-term (a few months), while others may require long-term management for chronic conditions. Medication plans are regularly reviewed.

6. How often will I need to see you?

  • This depends on the treatment plan. Early in treatment, you may have more frequent visits (weekly or biweekly) to monitor progress. Once stabilized, appointments might be spaced further apart.

7. Can mental health conditions be cured?

  • Some mental health conditions can be managed or even resolved over time, especially with treatment. However, others may be chronic but manageable with ongoing care. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

8. Is therapy confidential?

  • Yes, therapy is confidential, but there are exceptions. Our providers are required to report if they believe you pose a danger to yourself or others or if there’s abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person involved (e.g., child or elder abuse).

9. Can lifestyle changes help my mental health?

  • Yes, lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, sleep, and stress management can have a significant impact on mental health. Our providers may recommend combining medication or therapy with lifestyle adjustments for better outcomes.

10. How do I know if my treatment is working?

  • Improvements in mood, energy levels, and day-to-day functioning can indicate treatment is effective. Regular follow-ups allow your provider to monitor progress and make adjustments if necessary.

11. What should I do if I feel worse after starting treatment?

  • If your symptoms worsen or you experience side effects from medications, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. They can adjust your treatment plan or offer alternatives. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please call 911 immediately.

12. Can I stop my medication when I feel better?

  • You should never stop taking psychiatric medications without consulting your provider. Stopping medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of your condition. Your provider can help you taper off safely if needed.

13. How can I help a family member who needs psychiatric care?

  • Encourage open, non-judgmental conversations about mental health, and offer support in seeking professional help. Our providers can also guide family members on how to best support a loved one with a mental health condition.

14. How do I cope with the stigma around mental health treatment?

  • Stigma can be a barrier, but your provider can help you build coping strategies. Education about mental health, support groups, and advocacy can also reduce stigma and promote understanding.

15. Can I reschedule my appointment?

  • Yes! You may reschedule your appointment with a minimum 24-hour notice. Please email us at: info@cascadiawellnesshub.com with your reschedule request. Please provide 2-3 preferred days/times and our office will reach out to coordinate an alternative time for your appointment.

  • Any appointments cancelled or rescheduled less than 24 hours in advance of start time are non-refundable.

16. Do you accept insurance?

  • We are currently credentialed with Regence BCBS Oregon, Aetna, and Cigna. We are in the credentialing process for Oscar, Oxford Health, and United Health. We are not credentialed with Medicaid or Medicare at this time.

17. What regions do you serve?