F.A.Q.

Functional psychiatry is not covered by insurance.  However, we provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Many patients receive 40-60% reimbursement, depending on their plan.

We chose a cash-based model because it allows us to:

- Spend adequate time with each patient (90-120 minute initial evaluations, 30-60 minute follow-ups)

- Avoid insurance restrictions on treatment approaches

- Focus entirely on what's best for you, not what insurance will cover

- Eliminate the administrative burden that often leads to physician burnout and shorter appointments

You can also use HSA or FSA funds to pay for our services.

Our initial comprehensive evaluation is $800 for a 90-120 minute appointment.

Follow-up appointments range from $250 (30 minutes) to $450 (60 minutes) depending on complexity and duration.

We also offer package options that provide significant savings:

- Foundation Package (3 months): $3,000 (saves $500)

- Optimization Package (6 months): $6,000 (saves $1,200)

Laboratory testing costs vary based on which tests are needed for your specific situation, typically ranging from $400-$1,200. Some labs can be ordered through insurance, or you can pay out-of-pocket.

While our approach requires upfront investment, many patients find it more cost-effective long-term because we're addressing root causes rather than indefinitely managing symptoms.

We tailor testing to each patient's needs, but commonly use:

- Organic Acids Test (OAT): Provides insights into metabolic function, neurotransmitter metabolism, nutrient deficiencies, gut health, and mitochondrial function

- Comprehensive Nutrient Panels: Vitamin D, B vitamins (including methylation markers), magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients critical for brain health

- Genetic Testing: Pharmacogenomic testing to optimize medication selection and dosing, plus methylation genetics (MTHFR, COMT, etc.)

- Hormone Panels: Thyroid comprehensive panels, cortisol testing, sex hormones (especially for mood issues related to perimenopause, menopause, or hormonal imbalances)

- Gut Health Assessment: When indicated, testing for intestinal permeability, microbiome composition, and digestive function

- Inflammatory Markers: High-sensitivity CRP, homocysteine, and other markers of systemic inflammation

Not every patient needs all these tests—we'll discuss which are most appropriate for your situation.

Absolutely not. We never abruptly discontinue medications, and many patients continue some or all of their medications while adding functional medicine approaches.

Our goal is optimization, not elimination. Some patients find that as we address underlying imbalances—like nutrient deficiencies, gut inflammation, or hormonal issues—they naturally need lower doses or fewer medications. Others do best on a combination of medications and functional interventions. Every person is different, and we'll work together to find what's optimal for you.

This varies significantly based on your specific situation, how long you've been struggling, and what underlying factors we identify.

Some improvements can happen quickly:

- Basic nutrient repletion: 2-4 weeks

- Gut health improvements: 4-8 weeks

- Hormonal optimization: 6-12 weeks

However, comprehensive transformation typically takes 3-6 months as we:

- Complete and interpret laboratory testing

- Implement personalized protocols

- Adjust interventions based on your response

- Address multiple underlying factors systematically

This is why we recommend our 3-month or 6-month packages—they provide the time needed for meaningful, lasting change rather than quick fixes.

Yes. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I can prescribe all psychiatric medications when appropriate. The difference is that medication is one tool in a comprehensive toolbox rather than the only intervention.

We use medications thoughtfully and strategically:

- Optimize dosing based on genetic testing when possible

- Monitor for side effects and adjust quickly

- Work toward the minimum effective dose

- Combine medications with functional interventions for better outcomes

- Help patients taper off medications when they're ready and it's clinically appropriate

Some patients need medications long-term, and that's perfectly okay. Others can reduce or eliminate them as we address underlying causes. There's no one-size-fits-all approach.