Question 1

Are you accepting new patients? How do I become a client?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are accepting new in-office and telepsychiatry patients in Minnesota. We provide telepsychiatry services to clients in Washington state as well.

To become a new patient, the first step is completing this initial consultation request which is found onthe Getting Started! page.

Question 2

Do you take insurance and what are your fees?

Accepted Answer

We accept the following insurance providers:
Optum, Optum Medica, Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield (when provided through an employer), Quest Behavioral Health, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

We are not credentialed with Medicaid or Medicare services.
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Clients often choose NOT to use their insurance for privacy reasons, preferring the freedom and flexibility to personalize their treatment approach without the oversight and constraints imposed by insurance companies. Private pay provides you the most discreet care possible as your mental health care is kept solely between you and your Ascend provider.

​Full Psychiatric Evaluation ............. $240 for 60 minute session*
Follow-up Visits ............................. $110-155 typically 25-30 minute sessions
​If an appointment is canceled less than 24 hours prior to a scheduled session, or you are a no-show for a scheduled appointment, you may be assessed an $100 late cancel/no-show fee that is not billed to insurance. You will be responsible for this fee.

Accepted forms of payment include credit, debit, or HSA/FSA cards.

For more information about fees and payments, good-faith estimates, and information on reduced care, click here.

*Our rates are commensurate to adult psychiatric prescribers established in Rochester Minnesota and much lower than those in Washington state.

Question 3

How do I pay for services?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due at each scheduled appointment. All patients are required to keep an active credit card on file.

Question 4

How can I get a sense of how much my treatment will cost?

Accepted Answer

At Ascend Psychiatric Services, we understand that the cost of health care can be confusing. To make things easier, we can often check your health insurance eligibility in real time to determine your out-of-pocket costs before your appointment. This helps provide transparency so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Additionally, we offer a Good Faith Estimate of the yearly cost for standard treatment in our practice for those paying out-of-pocket for their care. You can find that here!

Question 5

If I don't want to take prescription medications, can I just do therapy with Ascend Psychiatry?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer long-term “talk therapy” services and highly recommend establishing care with a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or other mental health professional if that is what you are looking for. While we incorporate psychotherapy in our sessions and offer extended sessions (50 minutes) for those who are interested, we primarily focus on medication management combined with short-term supportive therapy.
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If you do not wish to take medication, we are happy to work with you in sessions that focus on integrative treatments and behavioral/lifestyle strategies aimed at improving overall well-being (nutrition, sleep, movement, social connection, optimizing physical health, etc.).

Question 6

What ages do you treat?

Accepted Answer

Our patients are generally between 18 to 60 years of age.

Question 7

What do the initial appointments look like?

Accepted Answer

They start with a simple Hello! Seeing a psychiatric provider can seem a little daunting, so the first step is to make this a safe and comfortable place for us to get to know each other. When you’re ready and at your pace, we talk about what brought you here, go over the intake paperwork you filled out, and I answer any questions you may have.

The next step is a bit more clinical: we go over a “differential diagnosis”–covering different mental health conditions that can impact a person, as often one concern can be masked by another, or lead to another, or they can look the same (but with different treatments). We then work together to create a treatment plan to match your specific goals, for example, medication options or an adaptogen regimen.

Typically these initial visits take about an hour.

Question 8

How are telepsychiatry appointments managed?

Accepted Answer

You can find the link to a HIPAA-compliant, secure video conference session for your appointment within your patient portal. Ascend Psychiatry does not offer telephone only visits.

During the visit, it is important that you are in a comfortable place where you can talk freely. There should be no one else in the area unless they are actively participating in the session by your consent.

Please use a computer with a high-resolution camera, and a strong internet connection. Using a phone for the appointment is often a barrier and a distraction. Similarly, please minimize or quit all other applications and silence all other devices for the duration of the appointment.

Question 9

Do you prescribe medications for ADHD or anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We can prescribe stimulants for ADHD, and other controlled substances for specific conditions such as phobias, panic attacks, or short-term sleep aids.

We do not typically prescribe benzodiazepines for long-term use (Example: Klonopin, Xanax, Valium, Ativan).

At Ascend Psychiatry, we prioritize providing personalized and evidence-based care to our patients. While we do offer medication management for a variety of mental health conditions, we adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to prescribing controlled substances. Our team carefully evaluates each patient's needs and works collaboratively to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. In cases where controlled substances are considered necessary, we ensure that proper assessments, monitoring, and follow-up care are in place to ensure patient safety and the best possible outcomes. We are committed to providing responsible and compassionate care that aligns with both medical guidelines and ethical standards.

Question 10

Are there mental health conditions or situations you do not treat?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Ascend Psychiatry is a small, niche practice focused on providing high-quality, personalized mental health care. Due to our limited resources and a specialized approach, we are best equipped to work with patients who require outpatient care for a variety of common mental health concerns, such as anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, depression, and mild to moderate mood disorders. However, because of our size and scope, we have limited capacity to manage individuals with severe and persistent mental health issues that require more intensive treatment or specialized care.

For those in need of more comprehensive services, we encourage clients to seek support from other local community mental health providers, including Olmsted County Adult Behavioral Health, Family Service Rochester, Zumbro Valley Health Center, or Mayo Clinic Psychiatry and Psychology. These organizations offer a broader range of services, including crisis management, targeted case management, and care for individuals with more complex mental health needs.

We also do not provide custody, forensic, or disability evaluations, case management, court-ordered treatment, fitness for work assessments or similar services.

We are unable to see patients with Medicare or Medicaid at this time.

Question 11

Can you complete my accommodations form for school/work, or FMLA form?

Accepted Answer

We will complete these and similar forms only for well established patients who are in active treatment, and only after assessing if medically appropriate. Please note that an administrative fee will likely apply.

We do not charge for any administrative time less than 15-minutes. For administrative work that exceeds 15 minutes, We reserve the right to charge an additional fee of $200/hour in quarter-hour increments. This would include but is not limited to completing paperwork and forms (for schools, employers, etc.), answering emails and messages (rarely takes that long), and prior-authorizations for medications. We will always notify and request permission to proceed prior to engaging in work that would generate an additional fee.

We do not provide custody, forensic, or disability evaluations, case management, court ordered treatment, fitness for work assessments or similar services.

Question 12

What is your cancellation/no-show policy?

Accepted Answer

We require 48 hours’ notice to cancel an appointment. This allows me the ability to offer your time slot to another patient who may need an appointment. If you cancel your appointment in less than 48 hours or you miss your appointment, a missed appointment fee will be charged. This fee is $150 for a missed Initial Evaluation and $100 for a missed follow-up appointment. These will be charged to your credit card on file.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions