Frequently Asked Questions

  • I provide outpatient psychiatric care for children, teens and adults, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing follow-up visits.

  • While our visits are meant to be therapeutic and may sometimes feel like therapy, my practice primarily focuses on psychiatric evaluation and medication management. When appropriate, I may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

  • Yes. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am licensed to evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medications when appropriate. Treatment decisions are always made collaboratively.

  • The initial psychiatric evaluation typically involves a detailed discussion of your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, and treatment goals. We will review potential treatment options and determine the next steps together.

    We may or may not begin a medication or make a change to your current treatment plan. Often times, we will continue the evaluation into a second session before making any treatment decisions.

  • Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for patients located in Massachusetts, in accordance with state licensing requirements.

  • Yes. Regardless of current state mandates or insurance requirements, the initial two appointments must be held face to face. After that, we will decide together whether we continue to meet in person versus introducing the option of telehealth appointments.

    The frequency of in-person visits will depend upon level of acuity and other factors including recurring IT issues making it difficult to connect virtually. However, even the most stable patient must be seen in person a minimum of every 6 months.

  • Initial psychiatric evaluations are typically longer to allow time for a comprehensive assessment. Follow-up visits are shorter and focus on symptom monitoring and treatment adjustments, but occasionally may be booked for longer sessions if clinically appropriate.

  • Yes. I very much enjoy working with children and their families.

    Please note that these appointments may be scheduled during the school day and I will provide documentation for excused absences upon request.

  • My practice focuses on adults within a defined age range (<65). Mental health care for older adults can involve additional medical and cognitive considerations, and I believe patients are best served by clinicians who specialize in geriatric mental health when those needs arise.

  • No. My practice focuses on individual psychiatric care. In order to maintain clear boundaries and protect confidentiality, I generally do not provide treatment for couples or for multiple members of the same family. When family members are seeking care, I typically recommend that each person work with their own clinician.

  • Yes. I work with college-aged patients and young adults, including those who are away at school.

    Because I am licensed in Massachusetts, I can only provide care when a patient is physically located in MA at the time of the visit, even for telehealth appointments. This means I’m able to see college students when they are home in Massachusetts (for example during breaks), but not while they are residing out of state for school unless I am also licensed in that state.

    For students who are clinically stable and do not need frequent follow-up, it is sometimes possible to coordinate care during visits home (e.g., every 1–2 months), while they maintain a local provider or campus-based support for urgent or interim needs.

    If a student requires more frequent monitoring or is experiencing higher-acuity symptoms, it is typically best for them to establish care with a clinician licensed in their school state. I am always happy to collaborate with out-of-state providers to support continuity of care.Item description

  • While substance use can sometimes be part of a person’s mental health story, my practice is focused on treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life stress. When substance use is the primary concern, the most effective care usually involves specialized addiction treatment programs and providers with additional training and resources in that area. I’m always happy to help point people toward appropriate resources.

  • Eating disorders are complex conditions that are usually best treated by clinicians and teams who specialize in this area, often including therapists, dietitians, and medical providers working together. My practice focuses on other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life stress. When eating disorders are the primary issue, I encourage working with a provider who specializes in eating disorder care so you can receive the most comprehensive support.

  • Yes—when appropriate, I do prescribe stimulant medications for ADHD. Treatment decisions are individualized and based on a thorough evaluation, your history, and clinical need. We’ll also discuss risks, benefits, and monitoring to ensure safe and effective care.

  • I prescribe benzodiazepines only when clinically appropriate and typically for short-term or limited use. I prioritize safer, long-term treatment options whenever possible, and we’ll always discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives together.

  • I often recommend vitamins and supplements as part of treatment when appropriate. I’ll provide guidance based on your individual needs, and you can find more detailed information and recommendations in the Resources section.

  • I do not provide medical cannabis certification.

  • I require at least 48 business hours’ notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee.

  • The best way to reach me is through Spruce messaging for non-urgent concerns. Messages are typically returned within 72 business hours.

  • If you need an urgent refill, please send a message through Spruce with your request. I’ll do my best to respond as quickly as possible during business hours.

    For safety, please request refills at least a few days in advance, as urgent requests cannot always be guaranteed.