Clear and direct communication is important for effective psychiatric and psychological services. Please speak with your provider about any questions you may have about your treatments and/or about any of our services provided to you. The following policies are summaries of the complete policies. Complete policies are provided with the new patient packet.
Confidentiality
Information regarding services provided is controlled by the patient. There are several exceptions to this rule:
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If you express intent to harm yourself or someone else
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If there is reason to believe a patient, child, or dependent adult is being abused or neglected
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If you are court-ordered to receive treatment
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If your records are subpoenaed by court
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If records are requested by insurance companies
This policy is explained in further detail in the new patient packet and the privacy notice.
Appointment Lengths
Your first appointment is scheduled for 1 hour. Follow-up appointments for medication management are scheduled for 20 minutes. Basic therapy appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes. If you have anything you need to discuss with your provider and you feel it may take longer than your scheduled appointment time, please call the office at least 24 hours prior to your appointment so arrangements can be made for you.
Medication Requests
Your provider will discuss a follow up schedule with you at your appointment. Refill requests will not be sent without a follow up appointment scheduled. Your provider will not refill ANY controlled substances if you run out due to a missed appointment. It is important that your provider evaluate your progress before refilling your medication.
Benzodiazepine Policy
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that treat anxiety. Some medications in this class include, but are not limited to Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Valium (diazepam).
While these medications are effective in treating acute psychosis and panic attacks, they are only meant for short-term use (2-4 weeks). Research has shown that these medication can do more harm than good. They are highly addictive, and the risk of becoming addicted to these medications can happen with one-time use. These medications also interact with many other medications. Due to these reasons and strict federal and state regulations, WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE BENZODIAZEPINES. There are many alternatives to benzodiazepines. For new patients who are already taking benzodiazepines, an individualized weaning plan will be started, and another medication will be prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms.
Therapy
Reflections Mental Health, LLC primarily provides medication management and does not currently provide intense therapy services. However, some elements of therapy are incorporated into your medication management appointments. Reflections Mental Health, LLC maintains a relationship with several therapists with a variety of specialty areas, and you may be referred to a therapist. If you are referred to a therapist, your provider at Reflections Mental Health, LLC will work in collaboration with your therapist to meet your mental health needs.
Missed Appointments
Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. Please contact our office at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment if you are unable to keep your appointment. Appointments canceled less than 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment are considered missed appointments. A missed appointment fee of $100.00 will be charged to your account for missed appointments or late cancellations. For Saturday appointments or appointments after 6pm, the missed appointment/late cancellation fee is $150.00.
Controlled Substances and Drug Screen Policy
Because certain prescribed medications and illicit drugs can alter your mood and mental health, each new patient will be asked to provide a urine sample for a drug screen.
Due to strict federal and state laws, any patient prescribed a controlled substance will be required to provide a urine sample for a drug screen at the initial appointment and every 3 months. NO PRESCRIPTION WILL BE GIVEN FOR A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT A DRUG SCREEN. If you feel you need a change in medication or dose adjustment of a controlled substance, an appointment will be required. Controlled substances will not be changed or adjusted over the phone.
Dismissal from Reflections Mental Health, LLC
We reserve the right to dismiss any patient from the practice for any of the following reasons:
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You have missed 2 appointments
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Any abusive or threatening behavior or harassment of any kind to the staff
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Failure to take medication as prescribed or follow recommended treatment plan
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Forged or falsified prescriptions
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Testing positive for illicit substances or negative for substances prescribed to you.
Each individual's situation is different, and dismissal from the practice is reserved as a last resort. Whether or not to dismiss a patient is at the provider's discretion.