If your question is not answered below, please contact the office at (757) 310-6900.
What is a Nurse Practitioner? What is a Physician Assistant?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse with advanced training who specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating of mental health conditions across the lifespan. They are able to prescribe medication and work to bridge the gap between nursing and psychiatric care by providing comprehensive mental health services.
A psychiatric physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who specializes in mental health, diagnosing and treating psychotic conditions, managing medications (including prescribing), and developing treatment plans, all while working collaboratively with psychiatrists and other healthcare teams to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. They are experts in psychopharmacology and offer critical support in various settings, improving access and quality in mental healthcare.
What is the difference between a psychiatric evaluation and testing?
A psychiatric evaluation is of simpler degree of complexity, typically involving a verbal evaluation. An evaluation is shorter in duration, anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes long. The source of data is pulled from the patient or a parent/guardian, and is usually goal- or medication-oriented. The results from an evaluation are given in the initial appointment and are used to implement the treatment plan.
Testing is more complex, each assessment involving various procedures such as interviewing, observation, written and verbal testing, assessments, etc. Testing is longer in duration, lasting from a few hours to a few days or more. The source of data is pulled from patients, relatives, teachers, etc., and is typically referral- or diagnosis-oriented. The results from testing are written and detailed in a diagnostic report. If you are requesting records for a court related reason, testing is typically what you are looking for.
At CMPS, we do not offer psychiatric testing.
What are our drug screen and genetics testing hours
Our drug screen and genetics testing hours are as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9:30am-11:30am, & 1:30pm-4:30pm
Friday: 9:30am-11:30am
How do I schedule a New Patient appointment?
Currently, we do not schedule appointments online or via referral. Please call our office at 757-310-6900 to schedule a New Patient appointment. You will need to have the following information ready to schedule: what you are looking to be seen for, insurance information, medication history (if applicable), and basic demographic information. *If the patient is over 18, they will need to call and schedule an appointment for themselves.
How to know what I want to be seen for? Therapy or Meds:
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a form of treatment that involves working with trained professionals to talk through and address mental health issues. We have Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) who can conduct a wide variety of therapy services, some including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Medication Management is a form of treatment that involves prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting medications for mental health disorders. We have Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who specialize in a wide range of psychiatric disorders.
What is a prior auth (PA)? What do I need to do if I need a PA?
A prior authorization (PA) is a request from a health insurance plan for approval to provide a service or prescribe a medication. It’s a cost-control measure that helps insurance plans determine if care is medically necessary, safe, and cost-effective. As a courtesy, we complete PA’s for our patients to assist with getting your medication covered and more affordable.
*This is not a requirement by doctor’s offices, but is a courtesy*
If you are notified by your pharmacy that you need a PA for a medication, please call our office promptly so we can make our PA Department aware. Some insurances may require documentation/chart notes be submitted with the PA, some require drug screens, and some require scales/assessments. It is crucial that you call us if you are notified that you need a PA so we are able to move forward with the process.
How can I get in contact with my provider?
You can contact your provider through our patient portal. When you come in for an appointment or speak to us over the phone, ask to be set up on the patient portal, get your access code, and have the ability to message your provider directly at any time! You can also call our office at 757-310-6900.
How do I find my providers doxy link?
All provider and therapists’ doxy links are listed on our phone line (option 5) and here. The same link will work for every appointment so save it once you receive it!
What other treatment options are there for depression?
Spravato is an alternative option that our office offers. Spravato is a prescription nasal spray medication used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults. The esketamine nasal spray is administered in our office on select days for patients who qualify for the treatment. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information about Spravato.
What insurances will cover Spravato treatment?
Spravato treatments are covered by the same insurances that our office takes, and may result in copay or deductible balances.
We work with your insurance company to cover Spravato medications through prior authorizations. Currently, we have been able to achieve medication coverage (with possible copays) for the following insurances:
Aetna
Anthem
Cigna
Medicare
Medicaid
Sentara
We are working on getting coverage with Tricare and will update this section as soon as it is complete.
If your insurance is not listed, please call our office and we can check for you.
Patient and Program Assistance:
If your coverage doesn’t fully meet your needs, you may be eligible for patient assistance from Janssen. You can also explore state-sponsored programs, Medicare Savings Program, and independent foundations to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What is considered a late cancelation or missed appt?
Per our office policy, we ask that you give us 24 hours notice for cancelled appointments. We do understand that certain situations may arise within the 24-hour mark. However, when you miss an appointment without notifying us, that takes away help from patients who could have been seen during that time slot. We do charge a fee if the appointment is missed or if the appointment is cancelled within 24 hours, and this can not be billed to your insurance. If something does come up within the 24 hour mark, please call our office at 757-310-6900 to explain the situation.
If a new patient appointment is missed or late cancelled, you will be unable to reschedule.
How can I pay my balance/copay?
We use a billing system called Tebra that can be used to pay a balance or copay. You will receive an email if you have a balance and can pay it online. Copays must be paid at the time of service according to insurance companies.
Coastal Medical & Psychiatric Services 