Frequently Asked Questions | Serene Psychiatry

Question 1

How do I become a new patient?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is simple. Visit our secure online scheduling portal to select an appointment and submit your request. Once your appointment is arranged, you'll receive instructions for completing your intake forms and reviewing our practice policies.

Question 2

What ages do you treat?

Accepted Answer

Serene Psychiatry provides psychiatric care for children beginning at age 6, adolescents, and adults. Services include psychiatric evaluations, ADHD assessments, medication management, and individualized treatment planning.

Question 3

What happens during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your provider will review your concerns, symptoms, psychiatric and medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. Based on your evaluation, we'll discuss diagnostic findings, recommendations, and appropriate treatment options.

Question 4

What is the difference between a psychiatric evaluation and an ADHD evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A general psychiatric evaluation examines your overall mental health, including mood, anxiety, trauma, sleep, attention, and other concerns. An ADHD evaluation focuses more specifically on attention, impulsivity, executive functioning, and how symptoms affect daily life. It may involve additional screening questionnaires and information from other sources. Both appointments may include discussion of appropriate treatment options.

Question 5

Do you provide pediatric ADHD evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer ADHD evaluations for children and adolescents ages 6–17. Assessments may include caregiver interviews, age-appropriate screening tools, and information about functioning at home and school. Additional information or appointments may be necessary to complete the evaluation.

Question 6

Do parents need to attend pediatric appointments?

Accepted Answer

Parent or legal guardian involvement is generally required for pediatric psychiatric evaluations. Depending on the child's age and clinical needs, your provider may also meet with the child individually for part of the appointment.

Question 7

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

Many patients can request appointments without a referral. However, some insurance plans require referrals or prior authorization. Please review your plan requirements before scheduling.

Question 8

Can I schedule if I was recently hospitalized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patients seeking continued psychiatric care following hospitalization may request an evaluation. Please provide relevant discharge paperwork, medication information, and treatment recommendations when available.

Question 9

What insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Serene Psychiatry accepts many major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), TRICARE, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Cigna, Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Curative, Medicare, Mississippi Medicaid, Molina Healthcare, TrueCare, and additional participating plans. Participation may vary by specific plan or network.

Question 10

Do you accept self-pay patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Self-pay options are available for patients who prefer to pay directly or are otherwise eligible to use self-pay services. Visit our Insurance & Fees page for current rates and payment information.

Question 11

Will insurance cover my ADHD evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Coverage varies by insurance plan, medical necessity, services performed, and applicable benefit requirements. Some aspects of an ADHD assessment may be covered differently from a general psychiatric evaluation. Patients are encouraged to verify their benefits before scheduling.

Question 12

How much will my appointment cost with insurance?

Accepted Answer

Your financial responsibility depends on your specific insurance plan, including copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and coverage requirements. Acceptance of an insurance company does not guarantee participation with every plan or coverage for every service.

Question 13

Can I use insurance for telehealth appointments?

Accepted Answer

Many insurance plans cover eligible psychiatric telehealth services. Coverage and patient financial responsibility vary by plan.

Question 14

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

For questions about available payment arrangements, please contact our office before your appointment. Payment arrangements are subject to practice approval and applicable insurance requirements.

Question 15

Where is Serene Psychiatry located?

Accepted Answer

Our office is located at 604 Highway 80 West, Suite P-1, Clinton, MS 39056. In-person visits are available by appointment.

Question 16

Do you offer telehealth throughout Mississippi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Serene Psychiatry provides telehealth appointments for eligible patients located anywhere in Mississippi at the time of their appointment.

Question 17

How do telehealth appointments work?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth appointments are conducted through a secure virtual platform. Patients receive instructions for accessing their appointment. A reliable internet connection, a compatible device, and a private location are recommended.

Question 18

Can I switch between in-person and telehealth visits?

Accepted Answer

In-person and telehealth options may be available depending on clinical needs, scheduling availability, insurance requirements, and applicable prescribing rules. Contact our office if you need to request a change in appointment format.

Question 19

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Appointment lengths vary depending on the service. Initial psychiatric evaluations generally last approximately 60–75 minutes, ADHD evaluations approximately 60–90 minutes, and routine follow-up appointments approximately 15–30 minutes. Visit our New Patients page for specific appointment descriptions and durations.

Question 20

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please use the secure Client Portal or contact our office to request a cancellation or reschedule. Our practice requires at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Applicable cancellation or missed-appointment fees are explained in our practice policies, subject to insurance and program requirements.

Question 21

What if I'm experiencing a mental health emergency?

Accepted Answer

Serene Psychiatry does not provide emergency or crisis care through the website, scheduling portal, or routine messaging. If you are experiencing an immediate emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For mental health crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.

Question 22

Do you prescribe psychiatric medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medication management is available when clinically appropriate. Treatment decisions are based on your psychiatric evaluation, medical history, current symptoms, and individual needs. A prescription is not guaranteed at any appointment.

Question 23

Do you prescribe ADHD medications?

Accepted Answer

ADHD treatment may include medication when clinically appropriate. Medication selection depends on your evaluation findings, medical history, safety considerations, and applicable prescribing requirements. An ADHD diagnosis or stimulant prescription is not guaranteed.

Question 24

Will I receive medication at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Medication may be recommended during an initial evaluation when clinically appropriate. In some cases, additional records, assessment, medical monitoring, or follow-up may be necessary before medication is prescribed.

Question 25

Do you offer treatment without medication?

Accepted Answer

Treatment recommendations are individualized. Depending on your concerns, options may include education, lifestyle strategies, psychotherapy referrals, additional assessments, medication management, or a combination of approaches.

Question 26

Do you treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Serene Psychiatry evaluates and treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, insomnia, and related mental health concerns. Treatment recommendations depend on individual assessment and clinical needs.

Question 27

Do you provide mental health treatment during pregnancy or postpartum?

Accepted Answer

Perinatal psychiatric evaluations are available for patients experiencing mental health concerns during pregnancy or after childbirth. Treatment planning considers psychiatric symptoms, medical history, medication risks and benefits, and coordination with other healthcare providers when appropriate.

Question 28

Do you complete FMLA and disability paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Paperwork services may be available for established patients, including FMLA forms, workplace accommodations, and disability-related documentation. All requests are subject to clinical review, applicable documentation requirements, and fees. Completion or approval is not guaranteed.

Question 29

Do you provide psychiatric assessments before surgery?

Accepted Answer

Preoperative psychiatric assessments may be available when requested by a surgical provider. Please provide the surgeon's evaluation requirements before scheduling. Assessment findings will be based on clinical evaluation, and surgical clearance is not guaranteed.