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

•  I am licensed to prescribed controlled medications including stimulants, buprenorphine and benzodiazepines though I do so sparingly, in keeping with current evidence based practices .

• I only prescribe stimulants with evidence of appropriate diagnosis via cognitive testing as an adult or proof of childhood onset.

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

  • 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) and currently not able to take new Medicare clients.

• 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, but I see clients in office as needed.  This includes mandatory minimum of one in personal visit annually for clients prescribed controlled medications.

• 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 a computer and internet and/or smart phone and be reasonably comfortable using them (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 do not provide pain management.

• I do not assess for ADHD or cognitive function. The appropriate professional for these assessments is a psychologist.

• 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.