Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Your Questions, Addressed with Consciousness & Care

Yes, our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are fully qualified to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.

Every journey is unique. We'll work together to determine what's best for your individual needs and goals.

Absolutely. Your privacy is paramount to us. We adhere strictly to HIPAA regulations and only share information in specific circumstances required by law.

As an outpatient telepsychiatry clinic, we can't provide emergency services. If you're in crisis, please visit our Resources page for immediate help options or go to your nearest emergency room.

We understand the importance of continuity of care. If your provider is unavailable, we may offer you the option to see another of our qualified PMHNPs or reschedule to a time that works for you and your regular provider.

Genesight is a genetic test that can help us understand how your body may respond to different medications.

• Book an appointment with one of our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
• Have at least one psychotropic medication in your history – insurance requires it.
• Check your copay here: https://genesight.com/cost
• Your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will order your Genesight test for you.
• The Genesight Test Kit will be sent directly to your home address on file with us. The test is a simple cheek swab. Fill out the paperwork and then pop the kit back in the mail. All postage is paid for by Genesight.
• Wait 7-10 days, then we’ll send you your results!
• Discuss your results with your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and enjoy the rewards!

Your well-being is our priority. If you're experiencing side effects, please reach out to our nursing staff and we will get in touch with your PMHNP. We're here to listen and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

We hear you. Many people feel anxious about blood draws, and that's completely valid. We can prescribe a numbing cream to make the process more comfortable. Remember, it's okay to tell the lab technician if you're nervous - they're used to helping people through this and can often offer tips to make it easier.

Usually, we receive results within a few days to two weeks. We know waiting can feel like an eternity sometimes, but we promise to reach out as soon as we have your results. In the meantime, try to be gentle with yourself - you've taken an important step in your health journey just by getting the labs done.

Lab coverage can vary depending on your insurance plan. We work with Headway.co as our insurance processor to help navigate these waters. They'll collect your insurance information and provide details about your coverage, including any copays or deductibles that might apply to lab work.

Your health is our priority, and we understand that financial concerns can be a barrier to care. If you have questions about the cost of your lab work, please let us know. We may be able to prioritize the most essential tests or explore other options. Remember, we're partners in your care journey, and that includes navigating financial aspects too.

Once we receive your results, we'll schedule a follow-up appointment to go over them together. This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand what the results mean for your care. We believe in transparent, collaborative care - you're an active participant in your health journey, not just a passive recipient of information.

 Remember, lab work is just one tool in our care toolkit. It helps us provide more personalized, effective care, but it doesn't define you or your journey. We're here to support you every step of the way, from the moment you consider getting labs done to understanding the results and planning next steps. Your comfort, understanding, and well-being are always our top priorities.

Many healthcare providers and insurance companies require WPATH letters to ensure you're well-informed and prepared for gender-affirming treatments.

It typically involves a mental health assessment, discussion of your gender journey, and evaluation of your readiness for the desired treatment.

The timeline can vary, but we strive to complete the process efficiently while ensuring thorough care.

While possible, we usually require multiple sessions to provide comprehensive care and support.

Find a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable. Ensure your device is charged and your internet connection is stable. Have any relevant medical records or a list of current medications handy. Most importantly, come ready to share openly – we're here to listen and support you.

Also, here is our Guide to Preparing for Your Telehealth Appointments.

Trauma-informed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this knowledge into all aspects of treatment. At Forest Path, we apply this approach to create a safe, empowering environment for healing. We understand that past experiences can shape current reactions, and we tailor our care to respect and respond to each individual's unique needs.

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. At Forest Path, we recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC communities due to systemic inequities and historical traumas. We're committed to providing culturally sensitive care and advocating for improved mental health access and support for these communities.

LGBTQAI2+ encompasses a diverse spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations. As mental health providers, we understand the unique challenges faced by this community, especially in light of ongoing discrimination and legislative attacks. We're dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

At Forest Path, we believe in treating the whole person, not just a set of symptoms. Our approach combines evidence-based practices with a deep respect for each individual's unique experiences and needs. We integrate humor, authenticity, and creativity into our care, recognizing that healing often happens in unexpected ways.

Our holistic approach considers all aspects of your well-being - mental, emotional, physical, and social. We may explore various factors including nutrition, sleep patterns, physical activity, relationships, and life stressors. This comprehensive view allows us to create a more effective, personalized treatment plan.

We believe you're the expert on your own experiences. While we offer professional guidance, we always respect your right to make informed decisions about your care. We'll provide you with clear information about treatment options, potential benefits and risks, and work collaboratively with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals and values.

We recognize that mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum - it's deeply influenced by social, economic, and political factors. We're committed to understanding and addressing these broader contexts in our care. This might involve discussing the impact of systemic oppression, providing resources for community support, or advocating for broader social change.

Cultural competence is central to our practice. We strive to understand and respect each patient's cultural background, beliefs, and values. This includes being aware of how culture might influence perceptions of mental health, treatment preferences, and the therapeutic relationship. We're committed to ongoing learning and self-reflection to provide the most respectful and effective care possible.

Building resilience is a key part of our work. We help patients identify and nurture their inherent strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and cultivate a growth mindset. This might involve practices like mindfulness, cognitive reframing, or exploring creative outlets. Our goal is to empower you not just to manage symptoms, but to thrive in the face of life's challenges.

We view medication as one tool among many in supporting mental health. If medication is part of your treatment plan, we take a thoughtful, personalized approach. This includes starting at low doses, carefully monitoring for side effects, and being open to your feedback. We also explore non-medication options and complementary approaches to support your overall well-being.

While we can't provide crisis support between sessions, we do offer resources to help you maintain your progress. This might include recommending apps, books, or online resources, suggesting journaling prompts, or providing worksheets for skill practice. We also encourage building a support network and connecting with community resources.

While diagnoses can be helpful tools for understanding and treating mental health conditions, we don't view them as fixed labels. We see each person as a unique individual, not a collection of symptoms. Our focus is on understanding your specific experiences and needs, and working together to improve your quality of life, regardless of diagnostic categories.

We believe that healing doesn't always have to be serious. We often use metaphors, storytelling, or even appropriate humor to make difficult concepts more accessible or to lighten the mood when appropriate. We also encourage creative expression as a tool for self-discovery and healing, whether that's through art, writing, music, or other forms of creativity.

While we appreciate the comfort of pajama bottoms as much as anyone, we recommend dressing in a way that helps you feel mentally prepared for your session. But don't worry – we promise not to judge if we spot your favorite fuzzy slippers!

Not at all! We're more interested in what's going on in your mind than in your living space. Besides, we believe a little clutter is just a sign of a creative mind. Just find a spot where you feel comfortable and can speak privately.

Absolutely! We're big fans of furry (or scaly, or feathery) therapy assistants. If your pet helps you feel more comfortable during our sessions, we welcome their 'expert' input. Just be prepared for the occasional scene-stealing moment!

Goodness, no! If we all had our lives completely figured out, we'd be out of a job. We're here to help you navigate life's twists and turns. Come as you are – confusion, questions, and all.

While we can't provide virtual couches (yet!), we're happy to chat about your childhood if it's relevant to your current concerns. But our sessions are collaborative – we'll focus on what feels most important and helpful to you.

Absolutely! In fact, we'd be a bit surprised if you weren't at least a little nervous. Starting something new, especially when it involves opening up about personal matters, can be anxiety-inducing. But remember, even superheroes need support sometimes. We're here to help you discover and nurture your inner strength.

Our goal is to help you feel more like yourself, not less. If medication is part of your treatment plan, we'll work together to find the right balance. Think of it more like fine-tuning an instrument than creating a whole new melody.

Not at all! While we're equipped to handle complex trauma, we're equally here for the everyday struggles that make us human. Whether you're dealing with major life changes or just feeling a bit 'off', your experiences are valid and worthy of care.

Bananas? No way! Maybe a little fruity, in the best possible way. Dreams are like the mind's own surrealist art show. We're here to appreciate, not judge.

If we did, we promise we'd share! While we can't offer magic, we do have something better: evidence-based practices mixed with genuine care. It's not as flashy, but it's real, and it works.

Unlike gremlins, feelings don't multiply when exposed to light. In fact, talking about them often helps them feel less overwhelming. But we do recommend avoiding midnight snacks, just to be safe.

Absolutely! Ugly crying, pretty crying, silent crying, laughing-so-hard-you-cry crying – all forms of emotional expression are welcome here. We've got virtual tissues at the ready.

Remember, while we enjoy bringing a bit of lightness to our practice, we always take your mental health seriously. These questions are meant to ease some common anxieties about seeking help, but we're fully equipped and eager to address your concerns, whatever form they take.

Epiphanies are like shooting stars - beautiful when they happen, but not an everyday occurrence. We're here for the small victories too, like remembering to water your plants or finally folding that laundry.

Never! Comfy clothes are a human right as far as we're concerned. We're more interested in how you feel in your clothes than what you're wearing. Snuggie enthusiasts, you're safe here.

Remember, while we enjoy bringing humor into our practice, we always take your mental health seriously. These questions are meant to ease some common anxieties about seeking help, but we're fully equipped and eager to address your concerns, whatever form they take.