Frequently Asked Questions

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions using both medical and psychological approaches. Psychiatrists consider how emotional, cognitive, and physical health interact, recognizing that symptoms such as anxiety, mood changes, or sleep disturbances can have medical, psychological, or social origins. The goal of psychiatry is to help individuals regain balance, improve quality of life, and maintain long-term wellness.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists complete four years of medical school, followed by a four-year residency in psychiatry. This medical background allows them to evaluate how psychiatric symptoms may relate to underlying medical conditions, medications, or neurological factors. They are trained to provide comprehensive care that includes diagnosis, medication management, and coordination with other healthcare professionals when needed.

Psychiatrists and therapists both support mental health, but their roles differ. Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose psychiatric conditions and can prescribe and manage medications. Therapists provide talk therapy focused on coping skills, relationships, and emotional well-being. Starting with a psychiatrist is often appropriate when medication may be needed, or when symptoms are worsening or affecting sleep, work, or safety. Therapy may be the first step when the primary goal is skills-based counseling for stress, relationships, or coping. Many individuals benefit from a combination of both.

With the patient’s permission, the clinic coordinates care so that medication management and psychotherapy work together. Referrals to trusted local therapists are available for patients who are not already engaged in therapy.

Physician-level training is particularly valuable when symptoms may overlap with medical conditions; when multiple medications are involved; when prior treatments have been ineffective; during pregnancy or preconception planning; when neurological concerns are present (such as seizures or head injury); or when side effects or potential drug interactions require careful medical review.

Several types of professionals provide mental health care. In addition to psychiatrists, some patients receive treatment from psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, or therapists—each with a distinct background and level of training.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners, for example, are advanced-practice nurses who can prescribe medication and provide follow-up care, and many offer thoughtful, effective treatment within their scope of practice.

At Northeast Texas Psychiatry, all care is provided directly by physicians—medical doctors with residency training in psychiatry. This ensures that evaluations and medication management are overseen by clinicians with comprehensive medical training, which is particularly valuable when symptoms or treatments may intersect with other health conditions.

The depth of training directly influences the scope and complexity of care that can be provided. Psychiatrists are physicians who complete medical school, a four-year psychiatry residency, and tens of thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience across medicine, neurology, and psychiatry. This comprehensive background allows them to evaluate mental health concerns in the broader context of physical health—recognizing when psychiatric symptoms may stem from medical, neurological, or pharmacologic causes.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced-practice nurses with graduate-level training in psychiatric care. Their programs include specialized coursework and typically several hundred hours of supervised clinical experience. Many provide thoughtful, capable care within their scope of practice. However, their total supervised psychiatric training is generally about 10 to 20 times less than that of a psychiatrist.

Approximate Training Comparison:
In other words, psychiatrists complete over 10 times more total supervised clinical training and fifteen to twenty times more psychiatry-specific training than psychiatric nurse practitioners. Both play important roles in mental health care, but physicians bring a deeper medical foundation that becomes critical when psychiatric, medical, and neurological factors overlap. At Northeast Texas Psychiatry, all care is provided directly by physicians, ensuring that each evaluation and treatment plan benefits from comprehensive medical expertise.

We offer outpatient psychiatric assessments and medication management for adults. Our focus is on conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, sleep problems, and stress-related concerns. If therapy or counseling would be helpful, we can provide referrals to trusted therapists in the community.

No. Our practice focuses on the care of adults only.

Begin by completing the psychiatric history form. After it is reviewed, the clinic will follow up with next steps. If the practice appears to be a good fit for the patient’s needs, links to complete the Office Policies and New Patient Agreement will be provided prior to the first in-person assessment.

Yes. Initial evaluations are in person. Some follow-up visits may be offered by telehealth when appropriate, and the patient must be physically in Texas for any telehealth visit.

We review presenting concerns, medical history, medications and supplements, past treatments, family history, and goals. We discuss options (medication, therapy, lifestyle changes) and outline a plan together.

At times, laboratory testing or other medical evaluations may be recommended. If symptoms or history suggest a possible medical contribution—such as thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, medication effects, or sleep-related issues—appropriate tests may be ordered. Labs are obtained only when clinically indicated, and results are reviewed during follow-up. Periodic laboratory monitoring may also be required for certain medications to ensure continued safety.

Treatment decisions are guided by evidence-based standards, patient preferences, and clinical history. Some conditions respond best to a combination of medication and therapy, while others may be managed effectively with one approach alone. The treatment plan is adjusted over time based on clinical response.

Visit frequency depends on the treatment plan. Early in care, appointments may be scheduled closer together while assessing what is most effective. Over time, visits are typically spaced farther apart, with the schedule tailored to clinical needs.

Before the first appointment, patients receive links to complete two forms: the Office Policies form and the New Patient Agreement form. These should be completed in advance; reminder notices are sent if they remain unfinished. On the day of the visit, a valid photo ID and preferred payment method are required. Arriving 5–10 minutes early is recommended, as the office remains locked between appointments.

Visit frequency depends on the treatment plan. Early in care, appointments are often scheduled closer together while determining what is most effective. Over time, visits are typically spaced farther apart, with the schedule tailored to clinical needs.

Appointment length varies by visit type and clinical need. Each visit is structured to address current concerns, review safety and treatment response, and outline next steps. Initial appointments typically require up to 40 minutes, and follow-up visits up to 20 minutes. If additional discussion is needed, a prompt follow-up appointment will be arranged.

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Frequent last-minute cancellations or missed appointments may affect a patient’s ability to continue receiving care at the practice.

If the first appointment is missed, rescheduling may not be offered. Prospective patients are encouraged to ensure they can attend at the scheduled time.

Visits are by appointment only. The office remains locked between appointments, so arriving 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time is recommended.

Regular appointment hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM.

We’re a private, appointment-only clinic. The office is locked between visits, so we’re not open for walk-ins. Please contact us by phone, text, or email and we’ll be glad to help.

Family members or friends are welcome to attend appointments if the patient wishes. Guests should plan to remain in the room for the duration of the visit.

Medication refills are processed during business hours and may require up to one business day. Patients are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid running out of medication. Refill requests are not addressed after hours.

Most medication refills require an appointment to ensure treatment remains safe and effective. Patients are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid gaps in medication.

Patients should contact the clinic promptly if side effects occur or concerns arise regarding medication. The treatment plan can then be adjusted as needed. For urgent safety concerns, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Controlled medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate. If included in a treatment plan, safe use is reviewed in detail and questions are addressed. All prescribing decisions are based on clinical needs and professional judgment.

No. We do not prescribe opioids or other medications for pain management. For pain-related needs, please consult a primary care provider or pain specialist.

New evaluations (in-person only): $350
Follow-up visits: $150 (in person, or sometimes by telehealth if appropriate)

Payment is collected before the appointment. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express).

The practice does not contract with insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid. All visits are self-pay at the time of service.

For patients wishing to inquire about out-of-network reimbursement, an itemized receipt (superbill) can be provided for submission to the insurance carrier. Any reimbursement is handled solely between the patient and the insurance company.

An itemized receipt (superbill) can be provided for patients who wish to seek out-of-network reimbursement. This can be requested at the beginning of the visit, including telehealth appointments. The practice does not communicate with insurance companies; any reimbursement is handled directly between the patient and the insurer.

Telehealth is available for certain follow-up appointments. All initial visits must be conducted in person. For any telehealth session, Texas law requires the patient to be physically located within the state of Texas.

If another provider requires records, their office may contact the clinic and fax a signed release form.

Patients requesting a personal copy of their records should call the clinic and plan to come in person with a photo ID to complete the request. A limited set of key documents can be provided at no cost; full record copies may be produced for a small fee as permitted under Texas Medical Board rules.

The practice follows all HIPAA guidelines to protect patient health information. Social media is not used for patient communication, and information is shared with other providers only with written authorization or when required by law.

No. In the event of a psychiatric or medical emergency, call 911, 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or go to the nearest emergency department.

In a crisis, immediate help is essential:

• Call 911 if there is immediate danger or a need for urgent medical assistance
• Go to the nearest emergency department if safety is a concern
• Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 confidential support
• Seek support from a trusted family member or friend who can assist in the moment

Established patients may contact the clinic once safe and able, so appropriate next steps can be coordinated.

Yes. With appropriate authorization, the clinic coordinates care with primary care providers, therapists, and other specialists to support comprehensive treatment.

If a patient transitions to another provider, the clinic will facilitate record transfer once the appropriate release form is received.

The clinic can be reached by phone or text at (903) 509-0999, or by email at [email protected]. Appointment reminders are sent by text or email. Please avoid including detailed medical information in electronic messages. For emergencies, call 911 or 988.