Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a psychiatrist?

No, I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. My role is like that of a psychiatrist. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medication, provide therapy and coaching, conduct evaluations, and more.

 

What are my credentials? Carrie Hill, RN, MSN, CARN-AP, PMHNP-BC

I am a masters-prepared (MSN= master of science in nursing) board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I first started as a CNA=certified nursing assistant while I was going to school to complete my RN=registered nurse. After obtaining my MSN, I wanted to further my education in addiction treatment and completed my CARN-AP= certified addiction registered nurse-advanced practice. You may see other initials by my name such as APRN=Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or CNP=Certified Nurse Practitioner. Some of these are used by different states.

 

What is the difference between a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a therapist?

A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is a master’s prepared licensed provider who diagnoses, treats and prescribes medication for mental health conditions. A therapist, also known as a counselor or psychologist, offers multiple types of therapy and other non-medication-based interventions to address mental health concerns.

 

Where do I see patients?

I see all patients via telehealth and I am physically located in North Carolina. If the decision is made in the future to have office availability, it will be in the Gaston County area. I am currently providing services in the following states: NC, AZ, CO, DE, KS, ME, ND, NE, NH, NY, SD, UT, VT, VA, WV, WY. Pending: NM, MD.​

 

Controlled medications? North Carolina and New York only.

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Disability forms? I do not complete any type of short term, long term or social security disability forms. 

 

Who should seek psychiatric medication management?

It is a hard decision to make when deciding whether or not you may need medication to manage your mental health symptoms. What I always tell my patient is: Are your mental health symptoms interfering with your day-to-day functioning? Are you having issues at work, issues with relationships with significant other, family or friends, problems calming down mild anxiety on your own? Also, you know how you feel now and how you have been feeling. Do you want to continue to feel that way?

 

What types of medication(s) or non-pharmacological treatment(s) do you offer?

There are five main types of psychotropic medications: antidepressants, anxiolytics/antianxiety, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants. I also prescribe sleep disorder and antiaddiction agents. Non-pharmacological treatments offered such as therapy are cognitive behavioral (CBT), interpersonal, motivational interviewing, person-centered, and psychotherapy aka talk therapy.

 

What ages do you serve? Adolescents ages 13 & up and Adults ages 18 & up. 

 

Is my psychiatric treatment confidential? Yes, your privacy is of utmost importance. I adhere to the strict confidentiality standards in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

 

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I am paneled with Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare/Optum. Please remember that your insurance contract is between you and your insurer. Insurance companies do not guarantee payment when they quote benefits. It is ultimately your responsibility to understand your plan coverage. You should contact your carrier directly to ensure you are aware of any limitations. If your insurance company pays only part of your bill or rejects a claim, you are financially responsible for the remaining balance. Full payment of co-pays and co-insurance are due at the time of service. Outstanding balances must be satisfied prior to additional services being scheduled.

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I do not take BCBS of NC, Tricare, or Medicare/Medicaid.

 

How does telehealth work?

Telehealth is like a normal in person office visit but with the convenience of being able to have your visits in the privacy of your own home using an audio/video platform such as Zoom or Doxy. You will be sent a link via text and/or email prior to your visit.

 

How can I schedule an appointment?

If you are self-pay/private pay (paying out of pocket by credit card) OR using the out of network option with your insurance and just need a superbill to file, then you can schedule via Alma. If you are using insurance, then you can schedule from this website by choosing from Headway OR Alma at the top of the page.

 

What is the cost?

For self-pay/private pay patients: Initial assessment/60 minutes $300; Follow-up visits/15-30 minutes $150.

For patients using insurance: It will vary due to copay, deductibles, and services billed.

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Paperwork Rates

Letters- $25 per page

Work/School Accommodations- $100 per occurrence

FMLA Forms- $150

FMLA forms will only be completed on established patients of 6 months unless extenuating circumstances. 

Short term, long term and social security disability forms will not be completed under any circumstances. In these circumstances, visit notes will be provided with a signed release of information but no paperwork will be completed.

 

Cancellations and no shows

I request 48 hours (two full business days) notice for cancellations. (For example, Monday appointments must be cancelled by the previous Thursday.) Cancellations made prior to this window are rescheduled with no penalty. The full charge for a visit will be applied to the card on file for no-shows or cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of the session. For self-pay/private pay patients, understanding that emergencies can occur, I am happy to extend a one-time exception for a late cancellation.

 

Communication

The most efficient means of communication is through your Valant patient portal and/or app, which you will set up during your new patient intake process. The Valant Portal and app are HIPAA-compliant platforms that allow us to communicate securely about your care. I have HIPAA compliant end-to-end encrypted email for my practice, but that does not mean emails are 100% secure. Be mindful of this with email communication. Please send all questions and text messages through the secure message patient portal. If your message requires a follow-up visit, then I will let you know.

 

What if I am having a psychiatric crisis or emergency?

• If you believe the situation is life-threatening, call 911. If you are in immediate danger or crisis, you can go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

• If non life-threating, call 988 the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

• If non life-threating, text "HOME" to 741741 to connect to the 24/7 crisis support service.

• If in the Cleveland, Gaston, or Lincoln County areas, contact mobile crisis Phoenix Counseling Center (PCC) at 855-527-4747

• If in the Mecklenburg county area, contact mobile crisis: 704-566-3410 Option 1

• Other Mecklenburg county medical assistance: Carolinas Poison Center: 1-800-848-6946; Atrium Behavioral Health (Psychiatric Emergency 24 Hour Help Line): 704-444-2400; Novant Health Access: 704-384-9414