FAQ

What is the difference between a psychiatric evaluation, a psychological evaluation, and a neuropsychological evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is an evaluation designed to diagnose behavioral, emotional, or developmental conditions or disorders. A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specializes in the pharmaceutical and biological treatments of psychiatric conditions as well as their social and psychological aspects. During a psychiatric evaluation, the PMHNP will review mental health symptoms such as mood and anxiety, a person’s thought content and process, perception, cognition, medical history, psychiatric history, social history, and trauma history. A psychiatric evaluation can lead to a diagnosis of a mental health condition and a treatment plan including pharmacological (medication) and non-pharmacological treatment recommendations (such as sleep hygiene, meditation, individual psychotherapy, referrals to other providers, etc). 

A psychological evaluation is an assessment performed by a clinical psychologist. Psychologists are doctors of philosophy (PhDs) that specialize in the understanding of treatment through therapy, the behavioral, psychological, and sociological aspects of psychiatric conditions. A psychological evaluation may include a clinical interview, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, personality, and psychopathology tests, a review of previous records, collateral interviews with family/friends/other providers, and other data analysis. For children and adolescents, evaluations often involve school or behavioral related issues; a clinical psychologist can help evaluate for needs such as academic accommodations. These evaluations can aid in clarifying a diagnosis and guide treatment for therapeutic purposes (such as for psychotherapy).

A neuropsychological evaluation is similar to a psychological evaluation; both utilize an interview, standardized tests, rating scales, and collateral interviews. However, there are some differences between these evaluations. A neuropsychological evaluation is conducted by a clinical psychologist trained in neuropsychological tests/measures and who has expertise in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. They use this knowledge to evaluate neurological, psychiatric, medical, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Tests they use might include puzzles, games, paper-pencil tests to assess different areas of cognitive functioning such as memory, language, attention, motor skills, executive functioning, visual-spatial relations, and motor skills. Neuropsychological assessments can help in evaluating neurocognitive processes and why behaviors are occurring. For example, a neuropsychological assessment can be used to assess language delays, intellectual disabilities, fine motor deficits, autism spectrum disorders, difficulties in executive functioning, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and other conditions. 

What will happen at my first appointment?

During your initial appointment, your provider will gather information including your personal, family, and social history, and symptoms. Your provider will be able to answer any questions and concerns you have. Together you and your provider will determine a treatment plan you feel comfortable with.

Can my intake appointment take place in-office?

Some of our providers offer in-office follow-up visits. In-office visits are reserved for follow-up appointments. The intake appointment will always take place through telehealth. If you prefer a referral to a primarily in-office practice, please see our resources page or www.psychologytoday.com.

How long will my treatment last? Can I prevent my mental condition from coming back?

Length of treatment varies based on your unique needs, there is no precise determination that we can make regarding the length of treatment. Certain conditions take less time to to treat while others take considerably longer and require lifelong maintenance.

Your provider can provide guidance, medication, and protocols to help manage your symptoms. Following these recommendations and treatment regimen, avoiding stressful situations, letting your social network and loved ones help you whenever possible, and seeking help when you feel you need it are all important strategies in managing your mental health.

How do I prepare for my telehealth appointment?

You will receive a link to your telehealth appointment by email/text. Please log in at least 5 minutes before your appointment so you have time to ensure everything is working properly.

Be ready to talk openly and honestly. Your provider will ask about your medical history, medications you’re currently taking, side effects, and may ask you to discuss other topics.

Will my treatment be kept confidential? Is telehealth confidential?

Your information will be kept confidential unless you have signed a Release of Information form to allow us to share your records. We are are required to communicate to insurance companies, managed care companies, and other related organizations involved in approving your medications and services. In instances such as child abuse, court order, or preventing a serious imminent threat to a person or the public we are required by law to share information. Your telehealth appointment is completely secure and HIPAA compliant, the teleconferencing software encrypts all forms of data including video and audio. We recommend attending your appointment from a private location free from distractions and other people.

Does my insurance cover my treatment?

Depending on what type of insurance provider you are currently using, coverage for our services will vary. If you have specific questions about your coverage or financial responsibility, please contact your insurance company directly. You may email a copy of your insurance card to billing@skycloudhealth.com for an estimation of coverage and benefits but note it is not a guarantee.

Why do I have to provide my credit card information before my appointment?

All patients are required to have a credit card on file with our secure billing platform. We will charge your balance due at the time of service or send you an invoice that must be paid within 5 days. Having a card on file helps us simplify the payment process.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you do not cancel within 24 hours of the appointment start time or do not present to your appointment as scheduled, a fee up to the self-pay rate for the appointment may be charged (see Rates page). This is considered non-refundable.

What if I have an emergency?

If you find yourself in the midst of an emergency, please immediately call 911 (medical emergency) or 988 (suicide and crisis hotline).

    Holistic Psychiatric Treatment
    at Home in OR, WA, UT, MN, and AZ

    Getting better starts now,
    with Skycloud by your side

    Get Started

    Do you prefer to register online or by phone?

    The following questions will match you with the provider best suited to your needs. Are you the patient?

    The potential patient, or their parent/guardian, must fill out this form. Identification will be requested during the process. If they are not available, please direct the potential patient to this page at a later time. Health care providers can find referral information here.

    We are taking patients ages 13-17 with certain specified insurance panels in OR and WA, and patients 16-17 with a referral in UT. “You” in the following slides refers to the potential patient.

    Are you seeking psychotherapy, medication management, or another evaluation type?

    Our psychotherapy caseload is full. Click here to learn more about psychiatric evaluations, which can help you determine a treatment plan. Call us at 503-694-3391 or email admin@skycloudhealth.com with any questions.

    Our psychotherapy caseload is full. Click here to learn more about psychiatric evaluations, which can help you determine a treatment plan. Call us at 503-694-3391 or email admin@skycloudhealth.com with any questions.

    Limitations of Skycloud:

    • – We do not offer emotional support animal letters.
    • – We do not offer evaluations for disability or legal reasons.
    • – We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
    • – We do not provide work or academic accommodations. We can provide a diagnosis letter in the context of ongoing psychiatric care.
    Resources

    Have you attempted suicide in the past?

    When was your most recent suicide attempt?

    Unfortunately we do not have clinicians who are able to treat you via telehealth at this time. Please contact clinic at (503) 694-3381 with questions and check our list of resources.

    Have you ever been hospitalized in a psychiatric unit or stayed in a residential mental health facility?

    When was your most recent hospitalization or stay in a residential mental health facility?

    Where do you reside?

    We are only offering services in Oregon, Washington, Utah, Arizona, and Minnesota at this time.

    Are you currently prescribed a stimulant (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin) or benzodiazepine (e.g. Ativan, Xanax) and seeking to continue it?

    Are you currently prescribed a stimulant (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin) or benzodiazepine (e.g. Ativan, Xanax) and seeking to continue it?

    Are you currently prescribed a stimulant (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin) or benzodiazepine (e.g. Ativan, Xanax) and seeking to continue it?

    Are you currently prescribed a stimulant (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin) or benzodiazepine (e.g. Ativan, Xanax) and seeking to continue it?

    We prescribe controlled substance medications (i.e. stimulants, benzodiazepines) only to patients in OR and WA with a required minimum once yearly in-office visit in Clackamas, OR when clinically appropriate (please view our stimulant policy). It may be helpful to note that in our practice, we rarely use benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin). Contact admin@skycloudhealth.com with questions.

    In-office visits are required once a year in Springfield, OR or Clackamas, OR for patients who are prescribed controlled substances. Click “Okay” to continue.

    We prescribe controlled substance medications (i.e. stimulants, benzodiazepines) only to patients in OR and WA with a required minimum once yearly in-office visit in Clackamas, OR when clinically appropriate (please view our stimulant policy). It may be helpful to note that in our practice, we rarely use benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin). Contact admin@skycloudhealth.com with questions.

    In-office visits are required once a year in Springfield, OR or Clackamas, OR for patients who are prescribed controlled substances. Click “Okay” to continue.

     

     

    We do not prescribe stimulant, benzodiazepines, Suboxone, or other controlled substances in Minnesota. If you would still like to schedule, click Okay. To see other Resources, click “Resources.”

    We do not prescribe stimulant, benzodiazepines, Suboxone, or other controlled substances in Utah. If you would still like to schedule, click Okay. To see other Resources, click “Resources.”

    Which insurance plan do you have?

    Which insurance plan do you have?

    Which insurance plan do you have?

    Which insurance plan do you have?

    Which insurance plan do you have?

    Which insurance plan do you have?

    If your insurance was not listed, we may not be in your network. Please email billing@skycloudhealth.com to verify.

    If your insurance was not listed, we may not be in your network. Please email billing@skycloudhealth.com to verify.

    How old are you?

    We do not have providers serving people under 18 at this time who accept your insurance. Email us for temporary self-pay options while our pediatric providers are in the credentialing process. Here is a list of resources.

    Due to federal laws that prevent us from seeing patients who are qualified for Medicare as self-pay patients without opting out of Medicare, we are unable to see patients who are over 65 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    How old are you?

    Currently, our providers who accept your insurance take patients ages 18+ or 16-17 with a referral. Providers in our practice who do not accept your insurance accept self-pay patients and are in the credentialing process with your insurance panel. Contact admin@skycloudhealth.com if you have a referral or would like to self-pay temporarily.

    Due to federal laws that prevent us from seeing patients who are qualified for Medicare as self-pay patients without opting out of Medicare, we are unable to see patients who are over 65 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    How old are you?

    We do not have providers serving people under the age of 13 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Due to federal laws that prevent us from seeing patients who are qualified for Medicare as self-pay patients without opting out of Medicare, we are unable to see patients who are over 65 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    How old are you?

    We do not have providers serving people under the age of 13 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Due to federal laws that prevent us from seeing patients who are qualified for Medicare as self-pay patients without opting out of Medicare, we are unable to see patients who are over 65 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    How old are you?

    We do not have providers serving people under the age of 13 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Due to federal laws that prevent us from seeing patients who are qualified for Medicare as self-pay patients without opting out of Medicare, we are unable to see patients who are over 65 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Our provider is in process of panelling with your insurance. You can see him at a discounted self pay rate until he is contracted. Click below to schedule.

    Resources

    Registration forms must be completed within 24 hours of booking or appointment will be cancelled. Forms take 15-20 minutes to complete. Please have your payment method, state ID and insurance card available.

    We offer a limited amount of in-office intake appointments in Clackamas, OR (Tuesdays) and Springfield, OR (Thursdays). If you do not see this as an option, you can register as a patient and then email admin@skycloudhealth.com to change your appointment.

    *All times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

    Schedule Appointment

    Registration forms must be completed within 24 hours of booking or appointment will be cancelled. Forms take 15-20 minutes to complete. Please have your payment method, state ID and insurance card available.

    We offer a limited amount of in-office intake appointments in Clackamas, OR (Tuesdays) and Springfield, OR (Thursdays). If you do not see this as an option, you can register as a patient and then email admin@skycloudhealth.com to change your appointment.

    *Note: All times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

    Registration forms must be completed within 24 hours of booking or appointment will be cancelled. Forms take 15-20 minutes to complete. Please have your payment method, state ID and insurance card available.

    We offer a limited amount of in-office intake appointments in Clackamas, OR (Tuesdays) and Springfield, OR (Thursdays). If you do not see this as an option, you can register as a patient and then email admin@skycloudhealth.com to change your appointment.

    *Note: All times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

    Dose/Med

    Our providers will review your submission to determine if we are a good fit for your needs. Please submit the following required information for the potential patient (yourself or your child): insurance, age, current medications names and dosages. If the potential patient is taking a benzodiazepine, specify if they are looking to taper off of the medication. If the potential patient is a minor, please specify whether or not they have a history of self-harm. *It may be helpful to note that in our practice, we rarely use benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin).

    Name(Required)
    Name(Required)

    Med/Dose

    Our providers will review your submission to determine if we are a good fit for your needs. Please submit the following required information for the potential patient (yourself or your child): insurance, age, current medications names and dosages. If the potential patient is taking a benzodiazepine, specify if they are looking to taper off of the medication. If the potential patient is a minor, please specify whether or not they have a history of self-harm. *It may be helpful to note that in our practice, we rarely use benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin).

    Name(Required)
    Name(Required)

    Are you currently prescribed a stimulant (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin) or benzodiazepine (e.g. Ativan, Xanax) and seeking to continue it?

    We do not prescribe stimulant, benzodiazepines, Suboxone, or other controlled substances in Arizona. If you would still like to schedule, click Okay. To see other Resources, click “Resources.”

    Which insurance plan do you have?

    If your insurance was not listed, we may not be in your network. Please email billing@skycloudhealth.com to verify.

    We are accepting self-pay patients for psychotherapy in Oregon and Utah. Our provider is in process of credentialing with several insurances. We have a waitlist for clients in Washington.

     

    Resources

    Psychotherapy Consultation (OR and UT)

    We are accepting self-pay patients for psychotherapy in Oregon and Utah. Our provider, Nat Day LCSW, is in process of credentialing with several insurance panels - Cigna, Aetna, PacificSource, BCBS, and Moda. Please provide your contact information for a 15 minute free consultation phone call.

    Name(Required)

    Psychotherapy Waitlist

    Our psychotherapy waitlist is open for patients located in Oregon and Washington with Cigna, Aetna, PacificSource, BCBS, and Moda, and self-pay pay sources only. Our psychotherapy providers treat ages 18-64. This waitlist is currently 6-12 months out, depending on age, state and insurance. Please provide the information requested below. Note: do not use this form in an emergency.

    Name(Required)
    Name(Required)

    Los formularios de registración deben completarse dentro de las 24 horas posteriores a la reserva o la cita será cancelada. Los formularios tardan entre 15 y 20 minutos en completarse. Tenga a mano su método de pago, identificación estatal y tarjeta de seguro médico.

    *Todos los horarios están en hora estándar del Pacífico (PST).

    Proceed with online registration or by phone?

    Phone Number: (503) 694-3381

    Phone Hours: 3:00pm-6:30pm (PT) TWTh / 11am-2pm (PT) Sat and Sun

    Phone Registration

    Register below for a phone call, or call our office number (503) 694-3381 ext. 2 to register during the hours listed below.

    Must be a legal guardian of the potential patient.

    Thanks for submitting this form! We will contact you during the specified times.

    How old are you?

    We do not have providers serving people under the age of 13 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Due to federal laws that prevent us from seeing patients who are qualified for Medicare as self-pay patients without opting out of Medicare, we are unable to see patients who are over 65 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Registration forms must be completed within 24 hours of booking or appointment will be cancelled. Forms take 15-20 minutes to complete. Please have your payment method, state ID and insurance card available.

    We offer a limited amount of in-office intake appointments in Clackamas, OR (Tuesdays). If you do not see this as an option, you can register as a patient and then email admin@skycloudhealth.com to change your appointment.

    *Note: All times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

    How old are you?

    We do not have providers serving people under the age of 13 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Due to federal laws that prevent us from seeing patients who are qualified for Medicare as self-pay patients without opting out of Medicare, we are unable to see patients who are over 65 at this time. Here is a list of resources.

    Registration forms must be completed within 24 hours of booking or appointment will be cancelled. Forms take 15-20 minutes to complete. Please have your payment method, state ID and insurance card available.

    We offer a limited amount of in-office intake appointments in Clackamas, OR (Tuesdays). If you do not see this as an option, you can register as a patient and then email admin@skycloudhealth.com to change your appointment.

    *All times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

    Schedule Appointment

    Los formularios de registración deben completarse dentro de las 24 horas posteriores a la reserva o la cita será cancelada. Los formularios tardan entre 15 y 20 minutos en completarse. Tenga a mano su método de pago, identificación estatal y tarjeta de seguro médico.

    *Todos los horarios están en hora estándar del Pacífico (PST).

    Your information is kept confidential and helps us ensure we can provide you with care. Assistance: admin@skycloudhealth.com

    If you are in a mental health crisis, do not use this form, call 988.