FAQs of Prospective Patients
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All patients must be at least 18 years old and New York or California residents to be eligible for treatment.
Most eligible patients who are comfortable with a fully online medical platform are suitable for this practice.
Patients eager to make behavioral changes, working professionals with busy schedules, and those interested in discreet, confidential care will find this practice particularly helpful.
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Anyone under 18 or not residing in New York or California is ineligible for treatment. We are a specialty online medical practice. We do not offer primary care, emergency care, or general psychiatric services. There are also inherent clinical limitations to a virtual practice. Patients seeking any of the aforementioned services or requiring a higher level of medical or psychiatric care may not be a good fit.
Patients who should consider seeking treatment elsewhere include:
Anyone seeking care unrelated to substance use
Anyone actively withdrawing who has previously been hospitalized for withdrawal management
Anyone requiring a pacemaker or home oxygen
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All FDA-approved oral medications for substance use treatment are prescribed, with the exception of methadone due to federal restrictions. A wide array of evidence-based off-label medications for substance use treatment is also available, along with medications to address mental health conditions related to substance use, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
The only opioid medications prescribed are oral formulations of buprenorphine-naloxone (e.g., Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail). Full agonist opioids, such as methadone, hydrocodone, tramadol, oxycodone, morphine, or hydromorphone, are not prescribed.
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In select circumstances, such as tapering benzodiazepines or maintenance treatment with buprenorphine, prescriptions for controlled substances may be offered.
However, in accordance with DEA regulations, an annual referral from an in-person provider (e.g., a primary care provider or psychiatric provider) is required to receive controlled substances. Referral forms can be provided if needed.
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Treatment cannot be provided to anyone on Medicare, whether in-network or out-of-network.
Many PPO insurance plans are accepted in New York and California. To verify if a plan is in-network, please check here.
For those seeking out-of-network care, itemized bills can be provided for submission to insurance for reimbursement. However, it is important to note that Medicare patients cannot currently be seen out-of-network.
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A free 15-minute phone consultation is recommended to guide you through the scheduling process.
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The first visit will last approximately 60 minutes and will serve as either an initial detoxification assessment or an intake visit, depending on specific needs. During this time, a review of the current life situation, emotional symptoms, past history and treatment, environmental and social details, and relevant family information will be conducted. Any medical conditions and medications being taken will also be discussed.
A significant portion of the visit will be dedicated to discussing the diagnosis, treatment options, and the safety of current medications if applicable. The session will conclude with the creation of a comprehensive treatment plan.
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The type of psychotherapy will be tailored to individual goals and needs, potentially including insight-oriented treatment, motivation enhancement, cognitive and behavioral skill building, mindfulness-based relapse prevention, and more. In the initial visits, goals will be outlined, and a collaborative effort will be made to develop the treatment plan best suited to achieve them.
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The privacy policies for the practice can be found here