Practice Policies

Appropriate Level of Care

Impak Psychiatry operates as an outpatient clinic for medication management services. We do not work outside of business hours, and there is no on call coverage. If you are having an emergency, please go to the nearest Crisis Center or call 911. ​If your medical history includes a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, self-harm, or recent suicide attempts then the provider can help refer you to one of the many local agencies in the area that supports that level of care. Your safety is of the highest priority, and we want to ensure that you are met with the appropriate level of support and various treatment modalities necessary for optimal treatment for you.

Cancellations/No Shows

Please remember to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance. You will be responsible for the fee of $100 if cancellation is less than 24 hours. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you do not show to your appointment, 2 calls will be made to the phone contact on file. If you do not show by after 10 minutes from the start of the appointment, it will be considered a no-show.

Medication Refill

Once you realize that you have less than a week medication supply without an upcoming appointment, please contact the office via portal message as soon as possible. Please allow up to 3 business days for the approval. We do not respond to automatically generated pharmacy requests. Typically, your refills will be sent during your follow up appointment to last until your scheduled next visit. We will not refill medications prescribed by other providers without doing a full evaluation. Any medication changes will require an appointment. 

Benzodiazepine/Controlled Substance Policy

There is vast literature available detailing the detrimental effects of long-term benzo use (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) as well as other controlled substances for sleep such as Ambien, Temazepam among others. This class of medication is not indicated for anything other than short-term management of anxiety/sleep while a therapeutic dose of a non-controlled substance is being established, along with active engagement in therapy. Long-term use of benzos/controlled substances for sleep can lead to rebound anxiety, insomnia, increased tolerance and early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia. For these reasons, benzodiazepines or controlled substances for sleep are typically not prescribed at this practice.

Stimulant Policy

Any request for stimulants will need to be accompanied by documentation of confirmed ADHD diagnosis. If you do not have a formal evaluation, then the provider can provide referral for neuropsychological testing that is a comprehensive measure to evaluate for ADHD. With ADHD diagnosis, both non-stimulants and stimulants will be considered as a treatment. Stimulants are considered a controlled substance which require an in person appointment at least once a year.  

Communications

If you need to contact the provider between sessions, the preferred method of communication for established patients is through the patient portal messaging or email. Most inquiries will be responded within the same business day, but please allow up to 48 business hours for a response. For any medication changes, an appointment is required. If a true emergency situation arises, please call 911 or go to the nearest local emergency room.

Termination

Termination of services may occur at any point by patient if you deem that your needs are not met at this practice. Please notify us, if possible, if you plan to transition to another provider. From the provider’s end, termination may occur in the following circumstances:

1. In the event of misuse of prescriptions
2. If treatment goals are not being met or higher level of care is deemed necessary
3. Non-payment
4. 2 or more no shows or late cancellations with less than 24 hour notice
5. Inactivity for over 6 months without any follow up

Form Completion

Any request for forms or letters must be requested in advance and will be completed during the appointment. Depending on the request, the provider will let you know if the form can be completed or not. This practice does not complete any disability paperwork.