Question 1

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I currently accept insurance through two platforms — Alma and Headway — which help manage billing and benefits for mental health care.

Insurance Accepted Through Alma
If you’d like to use your insurance through Alma, I can currently accept:
 • Optum / UnitedHealthcare
 • Aetna
 • Cigna
When booking, you’ll receive a link to verify your benefits and complete intake paperwork through Alma’s secure portal.

Insurance Accepted Through Headway
If you’d like to use your insurance through Headway, I can currently accept:
 • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
 • Oscar Health
 • Optum / UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
 • Ascension SmartHealth (available in Tennessee)
Headway also handles eligibility checks, billing, and claims so you can focus on your care.

How do I know which platform to use?
Once you reach out to schedule, I’ll help determine whether your insurance is best processed through Alma or Headway, based on your plan and location.

Question 2

Do you provide mental health services to non-cancer patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! BTR is committed to providing mental health services to individuals beyond those affected by cancer. Whether you are a cancer patient, a caregiver, or someone facing mental health challenges unrelated to cancer, we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us with your specific mental health needs, and we will work with you to create a personalized plan for support and healing.

Question 3

Do you prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We specialize in prescribing behavioral health medications, complemented with psychotherapy. Prescriptions are electronically sent immediately after your telehealth appointment.

Question 4

What emotions might I experience during my treatment journey

Accepted Answer

It’s completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions as you navigate a serious illness and treatment. You may feel:
 • Overwhelmed or panicked by everything happening
 • Deep sadness or uncertainty about continuing treatment
 • Anger, irritability, or frustration
 • Difficulty coping with pain, fatigue, or nausea
 • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
 • Intrusive thoughts about your illness or fears about the future
 • Less enjoyment or interest in activities you once loved

Remember, it is okay to seek support and acknowledge your feelings as you go through this difficult time.

Question 5

What could happen if I don't address my stress or anxiety?

Accepted Answer

If not addressed, stress and anxiety may have a profound effect on the human body at a cellular level and may have serious effects on the body's ability to fight off disease.

Question 6

What can I expect during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

We will spend about an hour together discussing the details of your current concerns and your mental health history, reviewing your lifestyle and physical health, and developing a plan to help you feel better.
 
We will collaboratively decide upon a treatment plan, and I’ll answer any questions you may have.

Question 7

Why paying directly for mental health services may benefit you?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons you may want to choose direct pay for your mental health care. One of the most valuable reasons to pay out-of-pocket is Privacy and Control.

Privacy and Control
When you use your insurance plan to pay for services, your information (including diagnosis, treatment plan, progress notes, etc.) can become part of your permanent insurance record. Yes, HIPAA and privacy laws are intended to protect sensitive and private information, but insurance companies have access to your records for oversight and the necessity of treatment.

For an insurance company to pay any provider for services, all clients must receive a diagnosis code. Once you are assigned a diagnosis, this becomes part of your permanent insurance record. Unfortunately, the diagnosis code provided to the insurance company so you can receive treatment becomes a permanent part of your insurance medical record. Sometimes insurance companies request additional information (e.g.) progress notes, treatment plans, etc.) to confirm treatment progression and clients receive proper care. This information may follow you.

However, when you pay cash, your information is only readily accessible to your mental health provider and yourself. All notes, treatment plans, etc. are retained solely by your mental health provider and are only used to help you and does not have to be shared without a Writ signed directly by a Judge.

Cash or direct payment provides the utmost privacy protection for those who are concerned about their future careers, current careers or just want privacy.

Question 8

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

At BTR, we have a strict 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please do so at least 48 hours in advance, or you will be charged the full visit fee. This is because we reserve your time slot and are typically unable to fill it with less than 48 hours notice.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, so please communicate with us as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in respecting our cancellation policy.

Question 9

Do you offer in-person appointments?

Accepted Answer

BTR is a 100% telehealth practice; all medication and counseling appointments will occur virtually over one of your audio-video devices. Once you schedule an appointment, you will be provided with a personalized and confidential videoconference link via email with your confirmation.

Question 10

Do you prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

We do not prescribe any controlled substances or stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse, or benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin.
 
There are circumstances where we will coordinate care with your primary care or specialty provider who manages those medications.

Question 11

Do you treat substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer treatment for alcohol use disorder with a prescription medication called Naltrexone. 
Naltrexone has been FDA-approved for alcoholism since 1994 and works by blocking endorphins from being released when you drink alcohol. This approach has been shown to help reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol, supporting individuals in their journey towards recovery. Our personalized treatment plans address the unique needs of each client. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, we are here to provide compassionate and effective care to support your recovery journey.

Question 12

What are your credentials and educational background?

Accepted Answer

• Masters of Science in Nursing from Lincoln Memorial University 
 • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lincoln Memorial University
 • Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from East Tennessee State University 
 • Board Certified by The American Nurses Credentialing Center
 • Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Tennessee, Florida, and New York
 • Oncology Certified Nurse 
 • Oncology Nurse Navigator Certified Generalist

Question 13

What should I do in case of an emergency when HELP can't wait?

Accepted Answer

In case of an emergency when immediate help is needed, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (call or text 988) to connect with a trained crisis counselor.