Frequently Asked Questions for Success & Wellness Associates

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is an expert in the behaviors and diseases of the brain and mind. They have completed their undergraduate degrees, medical-school training, and four more years of specialized psychiatric training before entering regular practice.

Psychiatry is a specialty of medicine, like family practice, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and so on. Because of this extensive training, a psychiatrist is the best choice to work with you to make sure that your health problems and medications are all taken into careful consideration during treatment. They are uniquely qualified to understand how medical factors can affect your mental health.

Sometimes, psychiatrists will have prescribing nurse practitioners working with them. This is a nurse that has obtained a higher level of degree and is able to prescribe on their own, either with supervision or collaboration with another doctor. We have decided not to offer this at this time.

A psychiatrist is different than a psychologist. Although both are well versed in behavioral disorders, a psychologist’s training does not include medical school or extensive study of pharmacology. A clinical psychologist is given the title “doctor,” but this refers to a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), not a medical degree (MD). Some states allow psychologists to prescribe medications in limited situations, but not in Ohio. Other individuals that are counselors can be Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. They usually have bachelor’s or master’s degrees and are licensed to provide therapy.

Please visit Dr. Kelly's blog for more information regarding topics that pertain to psychiatry, psychology, mental health, and wellness.

When should you see a psychiatrist?

People usually see psychiatrists because of problems in their lives that they cannot handle on their own. Often it is a spouse, loved one, or friend who encourages someone to seek help because of changes they have noticed. The first step is making an appointment with your primary-care doctor to talk about whatever symptoms you are experiencing, such as insomnia, inability to concentrate, anxiety, or crying spells. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, your primary-care physician may be able to manage your illness or refer you to counseling.

However, if your symptoms become more severe or complex, or don’t get better despite attempts at treatment, it is time to consider consultation with a psychiatrist. Just as chest pain is an indicator of severe problems, thoughts that are suicidal, manic, paranoid or delusional could indicate a more severe problem.

Other times, people will seek out the services of a psychiatrist earlier in the course of treatment because they want the greatest care possible for their problems. They have decided they want the best so they can achieve the level of success and wellness they want to attain.

How is your office different than other doctor's offices?

Dr. Kelly believe that best results will be achieved in a calming environment. Many people experience stress just from going to see a doctor, so we make every effort to keep you relaxed with a quiet and serene office ambiance, and complimentary coffee, tea, or water. The waiting room and doctors' offices are comfortable and inviting.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

When you first arrive, the office staff member will take your insurance information and review office policies and other important paperwork with you and collect the doctor's co-pay or fees. With your permission, she will take your picture to integrate into our electronic medical records. She will also check your blood pressure and weight before you see the doctor, or the doctor may do that while in session with you later.

The first psychiatric assessment appointment will last from 1-2 hours with Dr. Kelly. The doctor will ask you many questions pertaining to your health, background, problems, and treatment history. This is because mental-health problems are viewed from a bio-psycho-social model, so the doctor will ask about your physical health, psychological factors, and social issues.

After an assessment, the doctor will discuss treatment recommendations with you, which may include ordering lab work, prescribing medications, and other therapeutic recommendations. You then check out with the secretary and can set up your follow-up appointment. If you are in agreement, the doctor will send a letter to your treatment providers (such as your primary-care physician or therapist) indicating your treatment plan.

What happens at follow-up appointments?

Similarly to your first visit, the staff will meet with you first to review your information, collect fees, and possibly check your blood pressure and weight. Medication-management appointments last about 30 minutes, while appointments that integrate a higher level of psychotherapy take about 60 minutes. You may be given homework assignments if your sessions include psychotherapy. After your session, you can set up your next appointment through the secretary.

How often do I need to be seen?

That answer varies depending on many factors, including stability, complexity, and the type of medication you are prescribed. Often, patients are seen more frequently in the beginning stages of treatment, perhaps even weekly; once stability is reached, they are seen less often.

The frequency of follow-up visits can range from once every month to once every six months. If you are receiving psychotherapy from Dr. Kelly, the frequency of those appointments will be determined by what you and she decide, but could be as often as every one to two weeks.

Also, certain prescriptions, such as stimulants for ADHD, or benzodiazephines (like valium) for anxiety. Most insurance companies limit the number of sessions that they will cover in a calendar year. If you exceed that number — which you may choose to do — then you accept financial responsibility for those sessions. Ultimately, the decision is between you and your doctor.

Who can come to my appointment?

That is up to you. Whether you would like to attend alone or with someone close to you, the decision of whom to involve in your health care is entirely yours. If you do decide to bring someone, you will be asked to sign a release of information authorizing that person’s involvement. If you have young children and they will be accompanying you to your appointment, the office does have some toys that they can play with while they are here.

What happens between appointments?

The doctor is available by phone if necessary for questions. If a more extensive discussion lasting longer than five minutes is needed, then you will need to come in for an appointment. The office can receive requests for prescription refills during the work week, but it is best to discuss that while in session so the doctor can safely monitor your medication response. Dr. Kelly or a covering physician will always be on call after regular business hours and on weekends for emergencies.

What if I need extra paperwork filled out?

It is best to fill out special paperwork or forms with the doctor together while in session. If you are unable to do so, then please allow up to four weeks for the paperwork to be completed; a nominal fee may be charged.

What is the patient portal?

The patient portal is a free online access point for patients of doctors who use the electronic health record system Practice Fusion. You will be able to see your upcoming appointments, existing medications, lab orders and test results, diagnoses, and more. It is accessible at http://www.patientfusion.com. If you are interested, ask your doctor to set up your patient-portal account after your appointment.

What insurances are accepted?

Dr. Kelly practices a form of direct-care, or concierge, medicine, where the primary relationship is between you and her. Therefore, she is considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance companies, and a non-participating provider for Medicare. You will be responsible for paying the entirety of your bill. However, you may be able to get reimbursed from your insurance company, depending on the details of your individual insurance policy's out-of-network mental-health benefits.

The office will assist you in submitting a superbill or other paperwork to the insurance company at your request. Dr. Kelly will work with your insurance company on medication pre-authorizations, also at your request.

What forms of payment are accepted?

The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and all credit cards including Health Savings Account credit cards, made payable to the specific doctor providing your service. We are not currently accepting payment plans, although that is something you could discuss with your doctor.

What are Dr. Kelly’s fees at her concierge practice?

New patients: $300.00

Follow-up visits: $150.00 - $300.00 (depending on time spent in session)

How is my confidentiality protected?

Neither the doctor nor the staff will acknowledge any information about you to anyone unless you have authorized the release of your information to those specific individuals or it is an emergency situation. The office is HIPPA compliant.