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).
