What type of care does Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry provide?

Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry offers intergrative, trauma-informed care rooted in hope. We emphasize emotional safety, trust, collaboration, and sensitivity to past experiences. Together, we support nervous-system regulation, restore clarity, and promote lasting healing through contemplative psychotherapy, collaborative treatment planning, and thoughtful medication guidance when appropriate for your journey.

Do you offer psychotherapy?

Yes. Evidence-based Psychotherapy is an integral part of care at Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry. Sessions are grounded in supportive, trauma-informed, and contemplative approaches that prioritize emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and whole-person healing.

Do you prescribe medication?

Medication is approached thoughtfully and collaboratively when clinically appropriate. It is not a default or guaranteed part of care, and decisions are made through shared discussion based on individual needs, goals, and clinical judgment.

Do you incorporate faith or prayer into sessions?

At Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry, we respect that faith and spirituality are deeply personal. Spiritual or faith-related topics are addressed only when initiated by the patient and are incorporated in a way that supports their goals, comfort, and well-being. Patients guide the content, interpret its meaning, and determine how it fits into their care.

Prayer or spiritual practices are not a routine part of clinical care and are never required. All psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and medication decisions are based on clinical assessment and evidence-based practice.

For patients who desire ongoing spiritual guidance or pastoral care, referrals to qualified professionals outside the clinical relationship are provided.

My own healing journey has been shaped by my Christian faith, which informs the compassion and grounded presence I bring to each appointment. For individuals who explicitly desire faith-informed care, I am comfortable integrating Christian faith perspectives in a respectful and clinically appropriate manner. I also welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Insurance-based appointments are available through our partner platform, Headway. Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry offers two distinct care pathways.

Private-Pay Appointments

Scheduled directly through Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry. These appointments allow for extended visit times, flexible pacing, and a depth-oriented, whole-person approach that is not restricted by insurance limitations.

Insurance-Based Appointments (via Headway)

Insurance scheduling, billing, credentialing, and benefit verification are managed directly through Headway’s secure platform. Coverage varies by plan. Patients are responsible for reviewing their specific insurance benefits, copays, and deductibles.

These care pathways are intentionally kept separate. Patients select their pathway at the time of scheduling and remain within that pathway throughout treatment. This structure supports clarity, compliance, and appropriate expectations for care delivery.

If you are unsure which option is the best fit for you, you are welcome to review the scheduling page or reach out with questions before booking

Insurance -Based Appointments: Insurance scheduling, billing credentialing and benefit verification are managed directly through Headway secure platform. Coverage varies by plan, and patients are responsible for reviewing their specific benefits, copay’s, and deductibles.

What other forms of payment do you take?

To support accessibility and affordability, flexible payment options may be offered through third-party payment services integrated within our secure platform. These options, when available, are presented at checkout.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Appointments are scheduled online through the secure booking system. Payment is required at the time of scheduling.

Does scheduling an appointment commit me to treatment?

No. Scheduling an appointment does not obligate you to ongoing care. Initial visits are an opportunity to explore fit, ask questions, and determine next steps collaboratively.

Do you offer crisis or emergency services?

No. Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

How do you communicate outside of sessions?

Communication outside of sessions occurs through secure messaging or scheduled phone calls. Text messaging is not used. This boundary supports clear expectations, nervous-system regulation, and sustainable care.

Do you order laboratory tests?

When clinically indicated, laboratory testing—including blood work or drug screens—may be recommended. You will receive the lab requisition via secure, HIPAA-compliant email, which you can take to the laboratory of your choice.

Please note that billing and payment are handled directly between you and the laboratory, and Mind and Microbiome Psychiatry is not responsible for lab fees or insurance claims.

Do you work with adolescents?

Yes, I provide psychiatric care for adolescents, typically ages 13–17. Care is developmentally tailored, supporting emotional regulation, coping skills, and overall mental health.

Parental/Guardian Involvement
Parents or guardians are typically involved in the initial evaluation and ongoing care planning. During follow-up sessions, adolescents are given the opportunity to speak privately, while parents remain informed about safety and treatment goals.

Confidentiality and Safety
Adolescent sessions are conducted with respect for privacy and trust, in line with legal and ethical guidelines. There are exceptions when safety concerns arise, such as risk of self-harm or harm to others.

Services Provided
Services may include psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and medication management, depending on the adolescent’s needs and goals.

Is this practice faith-based?

Care is evidence-based and patient-centered. Spiritual or faith-based perspectives may be incorporated when requested by the patient and aligned with their values.

What conditions do you treat?

Care commonly addresses trauma- and stress-related concerns, including:

Emotional and mood symptoms:

  • Anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, irritability, sudden mood shifts, emotional numbness or feeling flat, shame, guilt, self-blame, feeling easily overwhelmed, difficulty experiencing joy.

Cognitive and memory symptoms:

  • Intrusive memories, nightmares, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, memory gaps around certain events, catastrophic thinking, negative beliefs about self.

Behavioral patterns:

  • Avoidance of certain places, conversations, or memories

  • People-pleasing or difficulty setting boundaries

  • Emotional withdrawal

  • Substance use to cope

  • Overworking or perfectionism

  • Difficulty trusting others

Relational and attachment effects:

  • Fear of abandonment

  • Intense reactions in relationships

  • Difficulty feeling safe with others

  • Repeating painful relational patterns

Sleep and nervous-system symptoms:

  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep, exaggerated startle response, emotional overwhelm, chronic muscle tension, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, rapid heartbeat, feeling on edge, episodes of shutdown or exhaustion.

Care also addresses life transitions and other challenges within an outpatient scope.

Is medication required to receive care here?

No. Many patients engage in psychotherapy-focused care without medication. Treatment plans are individualized and collaborative.

What should I do if I am unsure whether this practice is the right fit?

You are encouraged to review the website and FAQs and to reach out with general questions before scheduling. If you choose to schedule, initial appointments are designed to explore fit and alignment in a calm, collaborative way—without pressure or obligation.

Mind & Microbiome Psychiatry – Frequently Asked Questions