Step-by-Step Before Consultations
(revised 7/2008)

(Why "Consultations"?  Why not just "take a new patient"?) 

Details on each of these steps follow below:

• Step 1.  Decide you're willing to "see a psychiatrist". It may not be as bad as you think

• Step 2.  Read about insurance and rates, deductibles, co-pays, and all that stuff.

• Step 3.  Write down your health care information in advance (this is the most time-consuming step). 

• Step 4.  Read about email security, privacy issues, and emergencies.  

• Step 5.  Email me your history. When received, I'll call you to schedule an appointment.   

Step 1.  Decide you're willing to "see a psychiatrist".
This is a big step for some people.  It's like admitting there might be something wrong with your head.  But in reality, I hope it won't end up feeing like such a big step.   For starters, I won't assume there is something wrong with your head -- we'll try to decide about that.  Being seen here should be like reading my websites: 

• you should find it understandable;

• you should feel like you can have a different opinion that will be respected;

• it should look like I have an open mind, especially if there's some evidence for a view I don't seem to share;

• you should be offered a reason why for anything I say or recommend (you can tell me when to "get on with it" too!);

• and the whole experience should feel pretty comfortable, hopefully helpful, even if I don't have any specific recommendations. 

You can come in for most any mental health symptoms, although I've got a bit of a reputation for my interest in complex mood and anxiety conditions (as you'll see reflected on my PsychEducation site).  

Step 2.  Insurance and Rates
 If you'd like to use your health care insurance, please read about the 5 major insurance companies I deal with directly, and how other insurance coverages are handled.  Otherwise, read here about rates for consultation services paid directly. 

Step 3.  Write down information in advance
Please read about information you must prepare in advance.  I know this is a very big project, especially for some patients who've seen multiple doctors and had multiple treatments.  However, consultations here are built around this step.  

Step 4.  Read about email security.
Now that you've written out this information, you need to send it to me. But you've never met me, and you're supposed to send me this stuff?  That might seem kind of strange, but these are the kinds of things that I would be asking you about right off the bat, before you had much time to size me up anyway.  However, please make sure you understand the security of email; that link explains how to make it very secure if you wish to do so, and why you should not use your office e-mail!  My apologies if you are not comfortable with this approach.  If you need an explanation for all of these requirements, see Why Consultations.

Step 5. 
Presuming that by now you really are going to come in and see me, there are a few more details we can take care of right now.  First, please read my version of the official Privacy Practices notice. My version includes -- in plain English -- information on how your mental health information will be protected, and who can get at it without your permission (under certain specific legal or safety circumstances).  You can have a copy of this document: print one here.  

IMPORTANT:  If you would prefer that I not send information to your Primary Care doctor or therapist, if you have one, then please let me know. Otherwise it is routine to send such information when necessary.  I don't always send your initial evaluation, for example, but will usually do so; and then progress notes thereafter, especially when we make changes in the initial plan.  This does not require your official Release of Information, but if you would rather your records not be released (for any reason; you don't have to explain it) , just let me know. 

Telephone calls are usually returned within 24 hours, 48 hours over weekends. I do not always check email on weekends. Here is how I handle emergencies: Pager calls (here is the number) are returned within an hour, usually within a few minutes. However, there will be times the pager will not work (out of range, batteries, I forgot to put it on that morning -- it has happened a few times in 15 years...). So do not rely on the pager if you have an urgent need for help: call 911 or go to your local emergency room.  

Your are welcome to call me directly with questions about any of the above: (541-829-9319).  

Finally, here are directions to my office.

Okay, now you are ready to e-mail your summary to me: jp@co-psych.com. Don't forget to attach the document you created. I'll offer you the soonest appointment time available, usually within a week or two.  If that time is not convenient, let me know, as there are always other dates and times available if we look a little farther down the calendar.  Or you can specify for me which days and times work best for you, and I'll work within those if possible.