A psychiatrist is a highly trained medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. What sets psychiatrists apart from other medical and mental health professionals is their unique combination of medical expertise and deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and cognition.

Education and Training: Psychiatrists complete four years of medical school, followed by a minimum of four years of residency training in psychiatry. This extensive education enables them to develop a comprehensive understanding of the medical, neurological, and psychological aspects of mental health.

Comprehensive Approach: Psychiatrists are equipped to take a holistic approach to mental health care, considering the complex interplay between physical, emotional, and social factors that contribute to mental health conditions. This allows them to identify and address underlying medical issues that may be contributing to a patient’s mental health symptoms.

Medication Management: As licensed physicians, psychiatrists have the authority to prescribe medications for the treatment of mental health disorders. They possess the knowledge and expertise to manage medication regimens safely and effectively, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate and beneficial treatments for their specific needs.

Psychotherapy: In addition to medication management, psychiatrists are trained in various psychotherapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. This enables them to provide tailored, evidence-based therapy that addresses the emotional and behavioral aspects of mental health conditions.

In summary, a psychiatrist is a highly skilled and compassionate medical professional uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care for individuals struggling with mental health conditions. Their combination of medical expertise, psychotherapeutic training, and collaborative approach to care sets them apart from other professionals in the medical and mental health fields.

A psychiatrist and a psychologist both play essential roles in the field of mental health, but there are some key differences between the two professions, particularly when it comes to education, training, and the services they provide.

Education and Training: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who have completed four years of medical school and a minimum of four years of residency training in psychiatry. This extensive training equips them with a deep understanding of the medical and neurological aspects of mental health conditions. On the other hand, psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, which involves a strong focus on research and the study of human behavior, cognition, and emotions.

Scope of Practice: One of the most significant differences between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychiatrists, as licensed physicians, are able to prescribe medications for the treatment of mental health conditions. They can also provide psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” to address various emotional and behavioral issues. Psychologists, however, primarily specialize in providing psychotherapy, psychological testing, and counseling services. They cannot prescribe medications, although in a few states in the U.S., psychologists with specific advanced training may be granted prescribing privileges.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists play essential roles in mental health care, and their expertise can be complementary. Depending on your specific needs, you may benefit from working with either a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a combination of both to address your mental health concerns.

At RGV Psychiatry, we are considered “out-of-network” providers, as we are not affiliated with any commercial health insurance companies at this time. Our patients are responsible for self-payment, and we kindly request that payment be made at the time of each visit. We accept cash, checks, and debit/credit cards. Please note that we are currently unable to accept patients with Medicaid or Medicare insurance.

We encourage you to contact your insurance company to inquire about your out-of-network benefits before your appointment, as they may or may not offer reimbursement for services provided by an out-of-network physician. If your policy does include out-of-network coverage, we can provide you with an itemized receipt and a “superbill” upon request, which you can then submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

Please be aware that RGV Psychiatry does not participate in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government insurance programs. We also do not enter into single-case agreements with insurance companies and are not responsible for filing claims or ensuring reimbursements from your insurance plan.

For your convenience, we require an active credit card on file to schedule appointments and cover any professional fees and charges. We are committed to providing exceptional mental health care and appreciate your understanding of our out-of-network status.

New Patient Intake (60minutes) – $350
Long Follow-up (45 minutes) – $300
Regular Follow-up (30 minutes) – $200
Short Follow-up (15 minutes) – $100
After Hours Schedule Fee: $25
Miscellaneous Physician Services: Based on a rate of $400/hr

Our clinic values your time and is committed to providing personalized care for each patient. To ensure that we can serve all our patients effectively, we have established the following cancellation policy:

New Patient Appointments: To cancel or reschedule your New Patient appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Deposits for New Patient appointments will be fully refunded if you cancel or reschedule more than 24 hours in advance. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, we will do our best to fill your timeslot with another patient. If we are successful, your deposit will be refunded, however if we are unsuccessful you will be charged the full fee.

Follow-Up Appointments: For Follow-Up appointments, we kindly request that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged the full fee for your scheduled appointment. However, if we can fill your timeslot with another patient, you will not be charged the missed appointment fee. You may leave a message on our voicemail system if it is after hours or on the weekend.

Please note that appointments are expected to start and end on time. If you arrive 10 minutes late or more for your appointment, or if you do not show up for your appointment, it will be considered a missed appointment and you will be charged the full fee. Claiming that you did not receive a reminder does not exempt you from this fee.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth and efficient scheduling process for all our patients.

We’re glad you’re considering our clinic for your mental health care needs. To begin your journey towards mental well-being, please follow these steps to schedule an appointment with us:

1. Visit our website and locate the ‘Consultation Request Form‘ icon. Click on it to access the form, which is hosted on Google Forms. Rest assured that the form is confidential and HIPAA compliant, ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information.

2. Carefully read through the policies and agree to them before proceeding. Fill out the required information about your consultation request, providing as much detail as possible to help us better understand your needs.

3. Once you’ve submitted the ‘Consultation Request Form‘, our team at RGV Psychiatry will review the information and contact you to discuss whether our clinic is the right fit for your medical needs.

4. If we determine that our clinic is a good match for your situation, we will schedule a psychiatric intake appointment for you, which can be conducted either in-person or via televideo, depending on your preference.

5. During the initial intake, our physician will work with you to develop a collaborative treatment plan that may include medication management and psychotherapy. We will also discuss follow-up appointments, which will be tailored to your specific needs and progress.

We look forward to supporting you on your journey towards mental well-being and appreciate your interest in our clinic.

At RGV Psychiatry, we utilize the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system called CharmHealth to facilitate seamless communication between patients and our clinic. By creating a profile on CharmHealth, patients can easily interact with their psychiatrist, request medication refills, manage billing, and access their medical records in a secure and convenient manner.

Benefits of CharmHealth: CharmHealth offers numerous advantages for patients, including easy accessibility from your phone or computer, allowing you to stay connected with your mental health care team. The system is HIPAA compliant, ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information and communication.

To get started with CharmHealth, visit our website and click on the ‘Patient Portal’ link. This will direct you to the CharmHealth login page, where you can create your profile and begin enjoying the convenience and peace of mind that comes with managing your mental health care through this user-friendly platform.

Yes, we recognize the importance of accessible mental health care and offer virtual or telehealth options for patients who are unable to visit our clinic in person. Our telehealth services provide a convenient and secure way to receive professional mental health care from the comfort of your own home or any other location that works best for you.

Benefits of Telehealth: In the modern era, telehealth has become an increasingly popular option for mental health care, offering numerous benefits such as flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. It allows patients to connect with their mental health professionals remotely, reducing travel time and making it easier for those with busy schedules, mobility issues, or living in rural areas to access quality mental health care.

HIPAA Compliance and Confidentiality: Our telehealth services are fully HIPAA compliant, ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information and communication during virtual sessions. We utilize secure video conferencing platforms that maintain strict confidentiality standards, so you can feel confident and safe while engaging in telehealth appointments.

To schedule a telehealth appointment or learn more about our virtual mental health care options, please contact our clinic. We are committed to providing quality care that meets your needs and supports your journey towards mental well-being.

Our clinic is committed to a conservative approach in prescribing controlled substances, focusing on evidence-based practices and patient well-being. We generally prescribe only short-term supplies of sedative-hypnotic medications and avoid long-term daily use, and do not prescribe opioids at our clinic. We closely monitor the state prescription program and review patient histories before prescribing controlled substances. The initial consultative evaluation visit is for assessment purposes only, and we do not typically prescribe controlled substances at this appointment. By adhering to these principles, we strive to provide safe and effective mental health care for our patients.

If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health crisis, please dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency department without delay.

Text Support: For confidential 24-hour assistance, text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via the Crisis Text Line.

Call Support: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available at 1-800-273-TALK or 988, offers 24/7 access to mental health professionals who are ready to help.

Please look over our Notices of Privacy Practice & Practice Policies.