Frequently asked questions
Am I a good fit for Firefly Collaborative Mental Health?
As a solo-practitioner, there are limitations as to what I can safely manage. I am not able to provide 24/7 crisis management, so individuals with higher needs or those who require significant support outside of sessions would be better served by a larger practice that provides 24/7 coverage and can provide crisis management.
Similarly, those with significant or high-risk medical conditions are better served by an integrated medical/psychiatric practice - I do not have the infrastructure to safely support individuals with high risk medical conditions as I do not have easy, seamless access to labs, EKGs, imaging, or medical collaboration as would an integrated setting.
What medications do you prescribe?
With a focus on safety, efficacy, and tolerability, I prescribe antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and ADHD medications including stimulants. Please note that for safety reasons as well as DEA regulations, there are limitations on how controlled substanes can be prescribed; please refer to the controlled substance policy for more information.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. As of this writing, I take Cigna, Aetna, Anthem, United, and Sentara.
Do you do telehealth or in-person care?
Both. In person is always preferred when possible, as I feel I can have a better connection face-to-face, but telehealth is also a valuable tool to increase access to mental health services.
What is a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced-practice nurses who start out as registered nurses and go on to pursue education at the Master's or Doctoral level. NPs must pass board exams prior to being certified as an NP. NPs are trained to evaluate, assess, diagnose, prescribe medications, perform certain procedures, order and interpret bloodwork, and far more. Some NPs require physician supervision, while others practice autonomously. I practice autonomously, but still values the expertise and wisdom of psychiatrists and other physicians, never hesitating to seek consultation when needed.
Do you have a supervising physician?
No. I have attained autonomous practice, which NPs can earn after working 5+ years as an NP. That said, I strongly respect and value the education and experience of my physician colleagues and never hesitate to seek consultation when appropriate.
Why the name Firefly Collaborative Mental Health?
I like fireflies :) I like the image of a light in the darkness and a feeling of magic in a world that can be hard much of the time. "Collaborative" is the name because my care is not unilateral and top-down - I believe strongly in working together.