In most cases , the answer is yes. However, there are a few exceptions- such as if you have a condition that requires treatment with a controlled substance(s). Controlled substances are highly regulated and require that the physician meet the patients in person in order to prescribe these medications. This is governed by a federal law, Ryan Haight Act.

No, we do not accept any insurance. We are a “fee for services practice.” If you have out-of network benefits, the insurance will pay you some or most of my fees depending on your benefits. We will provide you an invoice/superbill that you will submit to your insurance for reimbursement. However, You are responsible for payment of services at the time of booking the appointment.

Insurances have been dictating how to practice medicine, for their financial gains. They make the decisions such as how long I can see you, what medications I can prescribe or if I chose not to prescribe medications. Not taking insurance, helps me focus on your care without being dictated and distracted by insurance companies demands and requests. In addition, it give you freedom to chose who you want your care from rather than providers dictated by your insurance.

No, it varies on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes, I may prescribe medications for a short time while working with you in therapy. At other times, medications maybe warranted such as in chronic illnesses, where there is a pattern of worsening when medications are stopped despite supportive and other therapy. However, I will always strive to keep you on the lowest effective dose of medications.

No, I would encourage you to continue working with your therapist if you already have one. I would encourage you to sign a release of information so that we can communicate with each other to provide better care for you.

If you do not have a therapist but would like to work with somebody else for therapy later, the same standard will apply.

As we are a primarily telepsychiatry practice, we do not have the ability to provide emergency care. If you feel you need emergent psychiatric care and/or are experiencing thoughts of harming self or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Once the emergent condition is taken care of appropriately, you can schedule an appointment with SynergyMDPsychiatry for ongoing care.

Due to a federal law Ryan Haight Act, SynergyMDPsychiatry cannot prescribe controlled substances such as Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax); Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin), Sleep aids (Ambien)

Many people are relieved to learn that no experience or technical expertise is necessary to attend sessions via videoconference. All you need is a good internet connection, a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone or a tablet or smartphone, to access our services.

We offer a secure, private, easy-to-use videoconferencing solution that is integrated into our patient health portal and electronic medical record (CharmEHR), so everything is secure and private. The program works over the internet, so it is compatible with any kind of device anywhere with internet access, even at work or behind a firewall.

CharmEHR will send you an email with a meeting invitation into your own private online “room.” You simply click on the link within the email, and the program launches itself. The very first time, you may be asked to download “Zoom “ if you do not already heave it on your device. Please download it and install it. You do not have to create a zoom account. The system only needs to understand that you have zoom installed. It works seamlessly without any technical knowledge needed. This solution is not only easy, it is fully HIPAA-compliant.

A note: CharmEHR will suggest that you need to join your meeting 30 minutes before it is scheduled, to allow the app to install and any initial troubleshooting to be completed. That is NOT strictly necessary. However, it IS necessary to do a test call prior to our first visit to ensure everything works correctly. That will ensure we do not spend your valuable visit time on technical issues. You can do a test call at the following link at time that is convenient for your (full instructions below). http://zoom.us/test . We recommend you join your actual visit 5-10 minutes in advance, to give your system time to connect.

We are happy to assist with technical questions on the built-in platform to ensure that your first session is easy and hassle-free. However, if you have questions related to installation or setup of your webcam, you will need to utilize the technical support available from your webcam or computer manufacturer. If we are unable to connect due to technical problems, your appointment will be conducted via telephone at our usual hourly rate.

You can join a test Zoom meeting to to familiarize yourself with the Zoom and test your microphone/speakers before joining a Zoom meeting. You can also test your video or audio while in a Zoom meeting. Note: If you are using the Zoom app on mobile, you can visit http://zoom.us/test to join a test meeting, then follow the instructions to test your video or audio.

Instructions

1. Visit http://zoom.us/test

2. Click the blue Join button to launch Zoom.

3. When prompted by your browser, click Open Zoom Meetings. If you don’t have Zoom installed on your computer, follow the prompts to download and install Zoom.

4. The test meeting will display a pop-up window to test your speakers. If you don’t hear the ringtone, use the drop-down menu or click No to switch speakers until you hear the ringtone. Click Yes to continue to the microphone test.

5. If you don’t hear an audio reply, use the drop-down menu or click No to switch

microphones until you hear the replay. Click Yes when you hear the replay.

6. Click Join Computer Audio.

7. Click Join with Computer Audio to join the test meeting with the selected microphone and speakers. You will join the test meeting as an attendee. Learn more about Attendee Controls in a Meeting.

CharmEHR Zoom Videoconference Program Tips

1. Prior to our session, you will be sent an email containing a link. This link will take you directly to the session. This message will come from: no-reply@charmtracker.com so if you don’t receive it shortly, please check your Spam folder. You may also want to add this domain to your Whitelist, so that no messages end up in Spam.

2. Since Zoom (Charm’s secure video platform) installs itself to your computer automatically, all you need to do is click your meeting link a few minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to allow time for the installation to complete. You do NOT need to sign up for your own Zoom account.

3. When our session launches, the program will create a pop-up to ask you if you’d like to use Join by Computer or Join by Phone. Computer is usually the default. Simply click Join Audio (after checking that Computer is highlighted) to use the microphone built into your webcam, which is usually the easiest way.

4. If your webcam is new to you, or if you just want to test this out before your appointment, you can click the meeting link anytime you like prior to your meeting to see how the program works on your system and confirm that your webcam is correctly installed.

5. If you prefer to attend your session via smartphone, Zoom supports either iOS or Android devices. Simply search for the “Zoom Cloud Meetings” app in your App Store. 3. Please keep in mind that videoconferencing uses a lot of data, so we highly recommend you connect to a wireless internet connection (WiFi) rather than using your cellular data allowance for sessions.