Frequently Asked Questions

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at (301) 881-9464 or using our online contact form. Our scheduling coordinator will help match you with the most appropriate provider based on your needs and availability. For existing patients, you can schedule follow-up appointments directly with your provider or by contacting our office.

We are an out-of-network practice, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Many of our patients receive partial or full reimbursement depending on their plan. We can help you understand your out-of-network benefits before your first visit.

Your first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation lasting 60-90 minutes. We'll discuss your current concerns, medical and psychiatric history, family history, and your goals for treatment. For psychiatric appointments, we'll develop a treatment plan that may include medication, therapy referrals, or other interventions. For therapy appointments, we'll begin to build a therapeutic relationship and may start exploring coping strategies. Please complete all intake forms before your appointment.

Treatment is a collaborative process tailored to your unique needs and goals. For medication management, we typically start with monthly appointments, then space them out as you stabilize — patients must be seen at a maximum of every 3 months, otherwise longer appointments will be required. For therapy, most patients attend weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Progress varies by individual, but most people notice improvements within a few weeks to months. Open communication with your provider about what's working and what isn't is essential to successful treatment.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. Our psychiatry appointments focus primarily on medication management, though some psychotherapy may be included. Therapists (psychologists, social workers) provide talk therapy but cannot prescribe medication. Many patients benefit from both services - seeing a psychiatrist for medication management and a therapist for regular psychotherapy.

We take confidentiality very seriously and follow all HIPAA regulations. Information shared in sessions is kept strictly confidential, with few exceptions: if there is risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or if records are subpoenaed by a court. For minors, we balance confidentiality with parents' right to information, discussing this openly at the start of treatment. All electronic records are stored securely, and telehealth sessions use encrypted platforms.

Yes, we offer secure telehealth appointments for both psychiatry and therapy services. Many patients find telehealth convenient and equally effective as in-person visits. You'll need a private space, reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform to ensure confidentiality. Some initial evaluations or specific services may require an in-person visit.

Because your physician may be out of the office and away from her records, prescription refill processing requires a 4-business-day turnaround time. Refill requests on Fridays will not be filled until the following week, so please let us know when you have a week left on your medications. The best way to contact our office is to call directly at (301) 881-9464 or text us at (202) 875-5223.

We require at least 48 business hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 business hours notice, or missed appointments (no-shows), will be charged the full session fee. We understand that emergencies happen and will work with you on a case-by-case basis. Repeated late cancellations may result in discharge from the practice.

Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last appointment at 6:00 p.m.), and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, June 19, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & Black Friday, December 24th, and December 25th.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You can also contact the Crisis Center at (240) 777-4000, located at 1301 Piccard Dr, Rockville, MD 20850. Our practice does not provide emergency or crisis services. During office hours, please call our main line at (301) 881-9464 or text us at (202) 875-5223.

Before scheduling your appointment, please check with your insurance for out-of-network benefits. Your insurance company will provide reimbursement information based on these procedure codes:

• 90792 — Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services
• 90791 — Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation without medical services
• 99214 + 90833 — Follow-up sessions for medication management (up to 20 min)
• 90834 — Psychotherapy session lasting 45 minutes
• 90837 — Psychotherapy session lasting 53+ minutes

When submitting your claim, please ensure you have the following from your superbill:

• Your address, name, and date of birth
• WCWCW address
• Provider credentials, NPI, or State License number
• FEIN/Tax ID: 20-20443326
• WCWCW NPI: 1659555084
• The 5-digit procedure code (e.g., 90792, 90834, 99214)
• The diagnosis code (starts with the letter F, e.g., Fxx.xx)

Yes, our psychiatrists can prescribe controlled substances when clinically appropriate, including stimulants for ADHD and benzodiazepines for anxiety. However, these medications require careful monitoring due to potential for dependence and other risks. We follow best practices including regular follow-ups, medication agreements, and exploring non-controlled alternatives when appropriate. Our goal is always to provide the most effective and safest treatment for your condition.