Important Policies
APPOINTMENTS & SCHEDULING
• We provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and related mental health services for individuals across the lifespan.
• Appointments are available in person and via telehealth for patients located in states where the provider is licensed.
• Same-day appointments are generally not available. Patients are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance whenever possible.
• Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
• Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
• Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a $75 late cancellation fee.
• Missed appointments or appointments canceled without notice may incur a $100 no-show fee.
• Patients arriving more than 10 minutes late may be asked to reschedule their appointment.
• Repeated missed appointments, excessive cancellations, or failure to comply with office policies may result in discharge from the practice.
TELEHEALTH INFORMATION
• Patients must be physically located in a state where the provider is licensed at the time of the appointment.
• Certain clinical situations may require an in-person evaluation or referral to a higher level of care.
• Technical difficulties beyond the provider's control may require an appointment to be rescheduled.
• Telehealth services are not appropriate for emergencies or crisis situations.
MEDICATION POLICIES
• Follow-up appointments are required for ongoing medication management.
• Prescriptions are typically provided to last until your next scheduled appointment.
• Bridge refills may be provided in limited circumstances at the provider's discretion.
CONTROLLED MEDICATION POLICY
• Controlled medications require appropriate monitoring and follow-up.
• Controlled medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate.
• Early refills are not provided for controlled medications.
• Controlled medications may require additional documentation, monitoring, urine drug screening, prescription monitoring review, or treatment agreements.
COMMUNICATION & RESPONSE TIMES
• Always Hope Behavioral Health Services is not an emergency or crisis service.
• Patient portal messages, emails, phone calls, and text messages are reviewed during normal business hours.
• Response times may vary depending on provider availability, office volume, holidays, weekends, and other operational demands.
• Messages should not be used to report emergencies, urgent psychiatric concerns, medication reactions requiring immediate attention, or safety concerns.
• Requests for medication refills, forms, paperwork, appointment changes, and routine questions should be submitted during regular business hours.
• While we strive to respond promptly, immediate responses cannot be guaranteed.
• If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
FORMS & DOCUMENTATION
• Completion of forms and documentation generally requires an established treatment relationship and ongoing evaluation.
• We do not provide one-time evaluations solely for documentation purposes.
• Fees may apply for forms, letters, disability paperwork, FMLA documentation, and other documentation requests. Please see our Insurance & Self-Pay Options page for current fee information.
• Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
• We are committed to providing a respectful, supportive, and professional environment for all patients.
• Disruptive, threatening, abusive, discriminatory, or inappropriate behavior may result in termination of services.
• Mutual respect and professional communication are expected during all interactions with providers and staff.
EMERGENCY & CRISIS CARE
• Always Hope Behavioral Health Services is not an emergency or crisis service.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• You may also contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms, suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, or safety concerns should seek immediate emergency assistance.