Why doesn’t anyone answer the phone when I call?

While we would love to be able to answer every call as it comes in to the office, this is not possible with limited staff. If you are a current patient, we request that you use the Spruce App to communicate with us. You may also use the patient portal to send non-urgent messages. This allows you to send secure text messages to the office and/or your provider. You are always welcome to call the office, but it may take us some time to get back to you and non-urgent messages may not be returned for up to 2 business days. If you are not currently a patient, you are also welcome to send text messages to the office.

What are your business hours?

Our standard business hours are Monday–Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. These are the hours during which phone calls and messages are reviewed and responded to. While some appointments may occur outside of these times, communication is handled only during business hours. We respond to messages as quickly as we are able, but due to limited staffing, there may be delays.

Please note that hours may vary during holidays, provider vacations, or unforeseen emergencies. Updates will be posted as needed.

If you are an established patient and have an urgent issue that cannot wait until business hours, please call the office to be connected to the on-call provider.
Examples of urgent issues include:

• Possible medication reaction

• Serious or concerning side effects

• Worsening mental health symptoms

• Emerging thoughts of harm to yourself or others (without immediate intent or plan)

Non-urgent issues—such as refill requests, cancellations, scheduling, or general questions—will be addressed during regular business hours only. For non-urgent concerns, you may send a message through the Spruce app, the patient portal, or text the office at 724-302-5969.

Do you accept my insurance?

The insurance/fees page lists all of our currently accepted insurances. We DO NOT accept Medicaid, Medical Assistance including managed care medical assistance such as UPMC for You, Medicare, or Medicare Advantage plans at this time.

How do I access my virtual visit?

Click here for access to our virtual waiting room in Doxy.me. If you are having problems connecting for your scheduled visit, please send a text or message through the Spruce app. If for some reason we are unable to utilize Doxy.me, we will utilize another HIPAA compliant video chat platform such as Zoom or Google Meet.

How do I get a refill of my medication?

We do our best to ensure you have enough medication to last until your next scheduled appointment by sending prescriptions during your visits. If you are running low and need a refill before your next appointment, please submit a request through the Spruce app (preferred), the patient portal, or via text message.

If you do not have a scheduled follow-up or missed your last appointment, you will be asked to schedule a visit before a refill can be provided. In some cases, a refill may not be issued until you are seen.

Please note:

• Refills are given at the discretion of your provider.

• While we strive to process refill requests the same business day, it may take up to 48 business hours.

• Refill requests are not considered urgent (except in very rare, extreme circumstances) and will not be processed outside of regular business hours.

Do you diagnose ADHD?

We do diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. However, there are times when the recommendation will be to have a neuropsychological evaluation to assist in this process. It is also important to remember that other mental health conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD and the purpose of the comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and ongoing treatment is to determine the most accurate diagnosis and provide the most appropriate treatment.

Do you prescribe stimulants for ADHD?

We do sometimes prescribe stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta, etc.) for ADHD. We only prescribe stimulants when it is determined to be safe and appropriate to do so and we follow all FDA recommendations for prescribing and dosing of stimulants. Please see our controlled substance policy for more information regarding our policies around prescribing controlled substance including stimulants. Patients will need an in person visit for stimulants either prior to beginning them or within the first few months of treatment. We are closely watching the DEA regulations around prescribing of controlled substance via telemedicine.

Do you prescribe benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax, etc.) are used for short term treatment of severe anxiety and panic attacks. They are tightly regulated by the DEA. These medications can be very useful, but require more frequent monitoring and must be part of a comprehensive wellness plan. Our practice does not have a strict no benzodiazepine policy, but it must be known that we only prescribe these medications rarely and sparingly. It is strictly off label and NOT FDA APPROVED to prescribe these medications on a long term permanent basis, and especially at large doses. Please see our controlled substance policy for more information regarding our policies around prescribing controlled substance including benzodiazepines. Patients will need an in person visit for benzodiazepines prior to beginning them. We are closely watching the DEA regulations around prescribing of controlled substance via telemedicine.