Frequently asked questions

Scope of practice and credentials

• I am an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) board certified in adult psychiatry (PMHNP-BC) and licensed in the state of Washington. I have been licensed and practicing psychiatry since 2007.

• I provide services for persons 18 and older.

• My specialty is psychopharmacology (psych meds).  I provide brief supportive, interpersonal and skills based therapies in this context, but do not provide talk therapy only.

Prescribing philosophies and aptitudes

•  My prescribing philosophy is "less is more". I Believe in prescribing as simply as possible to address clearly identified target symptoms and meet client goals

• I am licensed to prescribed controlled medications including stimulants, buprenorphine and benzodiazepines guided by current evidence based best practices 

• I only prescribe stimulants with appropriate assessment and diagnosis of condition for which stimulants are recommended 

• I am sparing in prescribing sedative/hypnotic medications and in most cases only prescribe for occasional as needed use

• I am highly skilled in assisting persons who have been over-prescribed sedative/hypnotics in the past to comfortably and safely reduce or eliminate use

• I provide medication assisted treatment for substance use disorder including buprenorphine

Insurance plans and private pay rates

• Current contracted insurance plans:

  • Aetna

  • Lifewise

  • Premera

  • Regence (includes blue card and out of state blue cross/blue shield plans)

  • Kaiser

  • Plans open to non-network providers

• I am not contracted with Medicaid (Apple Health) or Medicare including Medicare Advantage plans. 

• Private pay rates are $275 for intakes and $130 for follow up appointments up to 20 minutes (typical medication management visit). Frequency of follow up appointments depends on client preference, condition and if we are in the process of starting, stopping or adjusting medications.  I do take affordability into consideration when planning appointments with clients. I do not use a sliding scale.

Other items to note...

• My service area is Washington state with priority given to residents of Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties.  Clients must have the ability and willingness to travel to Bellingham for appointments as needed.  

• My default is telehealth. I do see clients in office if they prefer, as I am able.  Most in office visits take place from Spring to Autumn as access to my  office includes a steep slope that is hazardous in certain weather conditions. 

• Prospective clients should be comfortable with telehealth.

• I rely heavily on technology to run my small practice. Potential clients need an email address and access to the internet via a computer, tablet and/or smart phone and be able to navigate emails and video visits  (or have someone who can assist). 

• Most between-appointment communication is by text or secure messaging.  I am rarely able to answer my phone but in most cases respond to client messages within hours Monday through Thursdays and within 48 hours Friday through Sunday.

• I may decline to take on a client or may discontinue treatment if I feel I cannot safely, appropriately, and/or effectively treat them. Example reasons include but are not limited to:  pattern of missed appointments, lack of agreement on a treatment plan, or need for a higher level of care.

Services not offered

• I only conduct evaluations for the purpose of potential treatment. (e.g. I do not provide assessments for legal issues, disability applications, etc.).

• I only see persons 18 and older.  If you are seeking care for a child or teen and having trouble locating a provider, I suggest contacting the state child/teen mental health referral line at 833-303-5437.