Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if I am experiencing an emergency?

A: Please click this link for detailed information about what to do if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or medical emergency.

Q: Can I complete a telehealth visit with you while I am traveling out of state?

A: I am only able to treat individuals who are physically located in the states where I am licensed (Oregon and Washington) at the time of their appointment. If you have urgent medical or mental health needs while traveling, please visit your nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. If you know you will be traveling out of state, please let me know at least 5 days prior to ensure that you have time to fill any prescription medications that you need for your journey. Please click here to learn more about my telehealth policy.

Q: Do you prescribe controlled medications (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, benzodiazepines, Ambien, Lunesta, Lyrica)?

A: I prescribe medications based on my patients’ unique needs, which may include controlled medications provided it is safe and appropriate to do so. Depending on your condition and symptoms, I may recommend trials of non-controlled medications before considering drugs like those listed above. I do not routinely prescribe benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Klonipin, etc.) due to the high risk of adverse outcomes associated with this class of medications. At this time I am only able to prescribe controlled medications to patients located in Oregon due to DEA requirements.

Q: Do you diagnose/treat Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

A: I have a wealth of experience diagnosing and treating individuals of all ages with ADHD. Please continue reading to learn more about my approach to ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosis: My approach to diagnosing ADHD begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your physical and mental health, including family, social, and vocational history. This allows me to identify any co-occurring conditions and/or other issues that may better explain your symptoms. I then conduct a more targeted evaluation for ADHD, which includes evidence-based screening methods and structured interviews about your symptoms and the impacts they’ve had on your life. The complete evaluation process typically requires 3-4 hourlong appointments. In addition to my commitment to providing you with the best possible care, rigorous ADHD testing is necessary to ensure your diagnosis is accepted by other healthcare providers and/or other entities from whom you wish to pursue formal accommodations (e.g., schools and/or employers). If at any point during the evaluation process I do not believe that you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, I will communicate that to you and give you the option to continue working together or to find another provider.

Please note that while having a prior ADHD diagnosis can expedite the evaluation process, it is my professional obligation to perform my own assessment before continuing or restarting ADHD medications previously prescribed to you. Providing me with records indicating that you have already been diagnosed with ADHD (e.g., psychological assessment results or evidence of treatment with a psychostimulant prior to age 18) this can also expedite the process significantly.

If you are an adult who does not have a previous ADHD diagnosis, I may request permission to speak with someone who knew you as a child (a practice known as gathering collateral information). I recognize that some people do not have relationships with people who can reliably provide this information, in which case I will do my best to complete the assessment without it.

Treatment: There are a variety of treatment options for individuals with ADHD. My recommendations will be based on the severity of your symptoms, other diagnoses, your physical health, any medications you are already taking, as well as your personal preferences. Options may include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, medications, and/or nutritional supplements. If prescription medications are indicated, these can include both non-stimulant and stimulant options. We will work together to identify potential treatments based on your unique needs.

Do you provide formal evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A: My approach to evaluating ASD balances DSM-V guidelines with more recent research on neurodevelopmental disorders; however, I do not offer formal psychological evaluations for autism at this time. I am happy to work with patients who have an existing ASD diagnosis, individuals who wonder if the diagnosis might apply to them, and those who would benefit from a provisional diagnosis. If I believe that your case warrants more structured testing before an accurate diagnosis can established, I can refer you to a qualified clinician who offers formal testing.

Q: Do you provide evaluations for long-term disability benefits (eg, SSI, SSDI)?

A: I do not offer disability evaluations at this time.

Have other questions? Feel free to email me at info@chrysalismentalhealth.com!