How do I have my child or myself see you? Please call me at 207-650-1393. We will have a 15-20 minute conversation about what kinds of concerns you have. If I have the right resources for your needs, we will schedule an initial evaluation. You must complete the Treatment Agreement and background information survey and send it to me by fax, email, or snailmail before our first meeting. I will also ask you to sign Release of Information authorizations for school, current and past mental health providers, and your primary care doctor or pediatrician.
If I think you would be better served elsewhere, I will point you in the right direction to get the resources you need.
How do I make a referral?
Please call me at 207-650-1393. We will discuss the situation of the patient or client whom you wish to refer. If I have the right resources for his/her/their needs, we will make arrangements for the family to call me.
Do you take insurance?
Family Psychiatry of Maine is in-network for Anthem (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) only.
I am out-of-network for all other insurers. That means that I do not have contracts with insurance companies which would permit me to bill them on your behalf. Instead, you will need to check with your carrier to see what they will reimburse you for your visits with me. Most of the time it is between 60% and 80%. Please use the Insurance Coverage Inquiry Form on the Helpful Forms page to help guide your conversation with your carrier. On the one hand this may be more expensive for you, but on the other hand it also affords more privacy and confidentiality for you, and allows us to decide together what shape your treatment will take, rather than having the insurance company dictate that. I will provide you with a receipt for you to forward to your insurance company if you wish to be reimbursed.
What form of payment do you accept?
I require clients to leave a currently valid credit or debit card on file me. I will use this to collect copays, deductibles, or other expenses noted in the Treatment Agreement.
What are the confidentiality rights of teenage patients?
According to Maine law, teens 14 and up have the legal right to seek mental health, substance abuse, and reproductive health care without their parents' knowledge and consent. In practice, I always support effective and healthy communication within families. I will always keep parents fully informed of any safety concerns I have for their child.
Do you report abuse?
I am required by law to report suspected abuse to DHHS. DHHS will investigate and determine if the concern is substantiated.
Will you certify me for medical marijuana?
Absolutely not! I think this is a huge mistake.
How come you don't have your email on your website?
I strongly prefer to communicate by voice because it conveys so much more meaning. I provide an email address for established patients, but only for logistical matters such as billing, scheduling, etc. You should NEVER try to communicate with me about an urgent matter or an emergency by email, because you never know how long it will take for me to check it.
So what should I do if I am having a psychiatric emergency?
If you feel a strong urge to hurt yourself or someone else you should do one of the following:
- Call the crisis hotline 888-568-1112
- Call 911
- Go immediately to your nearest Emergency Room.
Other Emergency resources:
Department of Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Line
Hotline: 1-800-452-1999
TTY: 1-800-963-9490
Web: Maine Child and Family Services
Gay-Lesbian Phoneline of Maine
PO Box 1116
Presque Isle, ME 04769
Hotline: 800-468-2088
Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Hotline: 1-888-568-1112
Web: Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA)
83 Western Ave. Suite 2, Augusta, ME 04330
Hotline: 1-800-871-7741
TTY: 1-888-458-5599
Web: MECASA
Statewide Crisis Number/Hotline Connection
1-888-568-1112
Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline
Hotline: 1-866-83-4HELP
Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended for your information and education. It is NOT to be used as specific medical advice for you. I will be happy to discuss your particular, individual situation with you if you decide to become a patient.