Frequently Asked Questions
About Center State Wellness
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Q: What is Center State Wellness?
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Q: What sets Center State Wellness apart?
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Q: Where is Center State Wellness located?
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Q: Where are practitioners located?
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Q: What is an associate practitioner?
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Q: Are all practitioners licensed to practice?
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Q: What is the difference between a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a psychiatrist?
Services
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Q: What services do you offer?
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Q: What ages do you treat?
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Q: Do you provide emergency support??
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Q: Do you offer psychotherapy or counseling?
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Q: Do you offer telehealth or virtual services?
Become a New Client
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Q: How do I become a new client?
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Q: Can I fill out forms at the office or will you mail them to me?
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Q: What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
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Q: How often will I need appointments?
Refills and Medication Management
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Q: How do I request a prescription refill?
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Q: Can I get a prescription refill without an appointment?
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Q: How do you manage controlled medications?
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Q: Can I contact my mental health practitioner between appointments if I have questions about my medication?
Billing, Insurance, and Payments
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Q: What fees am I responsible for?
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Q: Do you offer a sliding scale fee?
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Q: What should I do if my insurance coverage changes?
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Q: Why do you require a credit card on file?
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Q: Why do I need a valid I.D. on file?
About Center State Wellness
Q: What is Center State Wellness?
A: Center State Wellness is a leading virtual psychiatric mental health clinic dedicated to delivering evidence-based treatments for individuals coping with a range of mental health concerns.
Q: What Sets Center State Wellness Apart?
A:
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Virtual Mental Health Services: We offer virtual mental health services, enhancing access to care and providing flexible scheduling—all from the comfort of your own home.
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Personalized Care: Our practitioners collaborate with you to create personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment.
Q: Where is Center State Wellness located?
A: We are a psychiatric telehealth clinic providing comprehensive mental health services through our virtual platform. For clients prescribed controlled medications, an in-person visit with an associate practitioner is required at the start of treatment and at least once a year. You may view our locations [here].
Q: Where are Practitioners Located?
A: Telehealth offers flexibility for both our clients and practitioners. Our practitioners typically work from home, allowing them to provide care without being limited by geographic location. This means they may be working outside of New Hampshire.
Q: What is an Associate Practitioner?
A: An associate practitioner is a member of our group practice who will meet with you in person if you are prescribed a controlled medication. This in-person appointment is a crucial part of your treatment, during which the associate practitioner will gather vital signs, perform lab tests, and review your chart. Associate practitioners complement your regular practitioner but do not replace them.
Q: Are all Practitioners Licensed to Practice?
A: Yes, all our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are licensed in the state of New Hampshire and are nationally Board Certified. You can view their bios [here].
Q: What is the difference between a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a Psychiatrist?
A: A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with specialized training in mental health. PMHNPs are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, prescribing medications, and providing therapy. They hold a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and focus on providing holistic and patient-centered care.
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in mental health. They complete medical school and a residency in psychiatry, allowing them to offer a broad range of medical and psychiatric services. Both PMHNPs and Psychiatrists are dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal mental health, with PMHNPs bringing a unique nursing perspective to their practice.
Services
Q: What treatments do you offer?
A: We provide evidence-based medical treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. Additionally, we can discuss and identify other beneficial treatment modalities tailored to your needs. Our extensive referral network includes services such as psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, acupuncture, and functional medicine practitioners to support your comprehensive care. [Learn more about integrative treatments here].
Q: What conditions do you treat?
A: We treat a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, including but not limited to:
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Major Depressive Disorder,
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Bipolar Disorder,
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Seasonal Affective Disorder,
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder,
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Panic Disorder,
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Social Anxiety Disorder,
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD),
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
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Acute Stress Disorder,
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Adjustment Disorders,
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
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Eating Disorders,
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Sleep Disorders.
Our approach is personalized to ensure each patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their specific condition.
Q: What ages do you treat?
A: We primarily treat individuals aged 16 and older. In some cases, we may treat younger clients, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on their specific needs and circumstances. Please contact us if you have questions about treatment options for younger individuals.
Q: Do you provide emergency support?
A: We do not offer after-hours services. If you have a life-threatening emergency or need immediate assistance, please call 911. For non-urgent support, you can review our list of resources [here].
Q: Do You Offer Psychotherapy or Counseling?
A: No, we do not offer psychotherapy. However, we do provide supportive therapy and brief solution-focused dialog during medication management sessions. This includes emotional support, encouragement, and guidance to help you cope with your condition and adhere to your treatment plan. If you require psychotherapy or other specialized therapeutic services, we can refer you to qualified professionals through our extensive referral network.
Q: Do you offer telehealth or virtual services?
A: Yes, we are a telehealth clinic. We provide comprehensive mental health services through our virtual platform. For clients prescribed controlled medications, an in-person visit with an associate provider is required at the start of treatment and at least once a year. You may view our locations [here].
Become a New Client
Q: How do I become a Client?
A: Becoming a new client is a simple process! Just visit our [Intake Page].
If you have any questions before filling out the forms or prefer personalized assistance, feel free to contact us directly. We’ll be happy to help and ensure you have a smooth experience.
Q: Can I fill out forms at the office or will you mail them to me?
A: To ensure a seamless and efficient experience, we are a paperless office. All forms must be completed online through our secure patient portal prior to your visit. This allows us to process your information quickly and accurately. If you need any assistance with the online forms, please don't hesitate to contact our office for support.
Q: What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
A: During your first evaluation, your mental health practitioner will review your medical history, discuss your current symptoms, and may ask about your lifestyle and any previous treatments. This comprehensive assessment helps in creating an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Q: How often will I need appointments?
A: The frequency of appointments varies based on individual needs. Initially, follow-up visits are scheduled every 2-4 weeks, gradually becoming less frequent as your condition stabilizes.
Prescription Refills
Q: How do I request a prescription refill?
A: Please provide at least two business days (48 hours) notice for any medication refill requests. Make refill requests directly to our office by phone, by email, or through our contact form. We do not accept pharmacy fax or electronic pharmacy-generated refill requests. If your pharmacy requests a prior authorization, inform our office immediately as this may extend the processing time of your refill. Lost or stolen medications will not be refilled until the next scheduled refill date. Medications will not be refilled after hours, on weekends, or on major holidays.
Q: Can I get a prescription refill without an appointment?
A: We require a scheduled follow-up appointment prior to receiving refills. This ensures the medication is working effectively while monitoring for any side effects. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment in advance of running out of medication.
Q: How do you manage controlled medications?
A: For controlled medications, an in-person visit with an associate provider is required at the start of treatment and at least once a year. This ensures safe and effective management of these medications.
Q: Can I contact my mental health practitioner between appointments if I have questions about my medication?
A: Yes, you can contact our office if you have questions or concerns about your medication, especially if you experience any side effects. We will provide guidance related to side effects or adverse reactions as needed. However, we do not offer medication adjustments or management outside of scheduled appointments. If necessary, we can schedule an earlier appointment with your practitioner or, in rare cases, with an associate provider if your primary provider is unavailable.
Billing, Insurance, and Payments
Q: What fees am I responsible for?
A: You are financially responsible for any fees not covered by your insurance. This includes co-pays, deductibles, and any services not included in your insurance plan. Please ensure you understand your insurance benefits and any out-of-pocket costs before your appointment.
Q: Do you offer a sliding scale fee schedule?
A: Yes, we offer a sliding scale fee to make care more accessible. If you’d like to learn more or see if you qualify, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.
Q: What should I do if my insurance coverage changes?
A: It is your responsibility to provide accurate information about your insurance benefits and verify if Center State Wellness is a preferred or in-network provider with your insurance carrier. When scheduling an appointment or checking in online, please ensure you have your health insurance and credit card information ready for confirmation.
Q: Why do you require a credit card on file?
A: At Center State Wellness, we require clients to have a credit card on file (or Health Savings Account, Flex Spending Account, or Debit Card) to streamline the payment process. This ensures that payment is conveniently handled at the time of service for both clinical and administrative fees. Clinical fees include copays, deductibles, and services not covered by your insurance, while administrative fees may include forms, paperwork, or administration fees in the event of a missed appointment. Having a credit card on file helps us maintain an efficient and transparent billing process for our clients.
Q: Why do I need a valid I.D. on file?
A: Having a valid ID on file is essential for several reasons. It allows us to verify your identity accurately, protecting against identity theft or fraud and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, such as HIPAA and regulations for controlled medications. This verification also helps us maintain accurate records, matching medical information to the correct individual and ensuring that only authorized persons access sensitive information. Together, these measures support a safe, secure, and compliant environment for all our clients.