Looking for a Provider?

Did you know that, before scheduling with a new provider, you can interview them or the front office to make sure you are finding a good fit?  And we (as providers) don’t mind at all!

What to ask the front office when scheduling an appointment:

1. Briefly explain the ‘referral question,’ or reason that you are seeking services.  Remember- our front office staff are not providers, so you want to make sure that you share enough to be linked to the appropriate provider or service, but not so much that you feel an ‘emotional hangover’ after the conversation!  

   1. Then ask if they have a provider at that practice that might suit your clinical needs.

2. Ask about scheduling and availability.  Are you looking for only evening/weekends, or do you have flexibility to come during the day?

3. Do you take my insurance?  What is my co-pay, deductible, financial responsibility?

4. Do you take my credit card or HSA, or do you only accept cash/check?

2. Where is the provider located?  Some practices, like BZA, have multiple offices and not all providers work out of all of them!

3. What records do you need prior to my appointment?  IEPs, medical tests, previous neuropsych/psych assessments, etc.

Questions to ask a potential therapist:

1. Are you licensed to treat mental health concerns?

2. What is your training and experience?  How long have you worked in the field?

3. What kinds of treatment do you provide?  (examples:  CBT, EMDR)

4. How do you assess progress to my goals?

5. What types of individuals do you particularly enjoy working with?

6. What are your strengths as a therapist?

7. How should I prepare for sessions?

8. How frequently do you generally see individuals?

9. How do you prefer to communicate (examples:  email, phone)

Questions to ask psychiatrists/prescribing physicians (once you are linked with a provider):

1. What type of medication is this?  How does it affect my brain?  How will it help my disorder/problems/symptoms?

2. What are the positive and negative side effects?  How long might side effects last for?  At what point do I need to call in about side effects?

3. What health monitoring checks need to be done, and why?  (e.g., blood draws)

4. How will I know if the medication is working?  When should I expect to notice a change?

5. When should I take this medication (time of the day)?  Do I need to take this medication with food or on an empty stomach?

6. If I want to stop taking this medication, how do I do that?

7. Are there any foods or drinks that I cannot have while on this medication?

8. Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication?  What if I want to drink alcohol?