Frequently Asked Questions

  • For non-urgent needs, please use the secure patient portal; messages are typically answered within 1–2 business days. Hólos Psychiatry is an outpatient practice, not an urgent care or crisis center, and text messages are not monitored. Medication changes cannot be safely made outside of appointments, so please schedule a visit if adjustments are needed. If you are in crisis, call 911, 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or go to the nearest emergency room.

  • It is not uncommon to notice mild side effects when first starting a medication as your body adjusts. For safety, medication changes cannot be made outside of appointments—you may need to schedule a visit to reassess your treatment plan. If you ever experience severe or concerning side effects (such as trouble breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reactions, or thoughts of harming yourself), call 911 right away or go to your nearest emergency room.

  • If your pharmacy is out of your medication, first ask if they can transfer the prescription to another location of the same pharmacy that has it in stock. If it isn’t available there, you may call other pharmacies to check for your medication and current dose. Once you find one, send a message through the patient portal with the pharmacy information, and your provider can send the prescription to that location.

  • Your provider sends your prescription at the time of your appointment, and not all medications come with refills. If your prescription did not include a refill, or if you’ve used your remaining refills, the pharmacy usually still has a prescription on file (even if their automated system says to contact your provider). In most cases, you can call your pharmacy to let them know you’re ready to fill and pick up your medication. Please note: stimulant medications will never have refills and, by law, cannot be filled earlier than 30 days.

  • The timing of follow-up appointments depends on your symptoms, any medication changes, and your progress. For many people, visits are scheduled about once every four weeks if stable. However, appointments may be more frequent when closer monitoring is needed.

  • A Level 1 follow-up is a standard visit, usually scheduled when you are stable, satisfied with your progress, and require minimal or no changes to your treatment plan. These visits are shorter and focus on maintaining your current progress.

    A Level 2 follow-up is a longer appointment. It may be needed to complete screenings, review lab results, incorporate dietary or complementary therapies, or make complex and significant changes to your medication or treatment plan.

    The amount of time scheduled for your appointment is approximate. You are paying for the services provided during the visit, not the exact number of minutes. Some visits may run slightly longer or shorter depending on your needs that day, but your provider will ensure that your care is thorough and focused.

  • Yes. I screen for, diagnose, and treat ADHD. Treatment may include stimulant, non-stimulant, or off-label medications, as well as supportive approaches such as nutrition, supplements, lifestyle strategies, and therapy. If you receive a diagnosis of ADHD, we will work together to determine the treatment plan that best meets your needs.

  • While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is included in the DSM-5, formal autism evaluations—both for children and adults—are typically completed by a trained psychologist. I have included resources for testing on this website under the Mental Health Support section. Although there is no medication that directly treats ASD, secondary symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, or sleep concerns) can often be treated if they are causing distress or interfering with daily functioning.

  • Benzodiazepines—such as Ativan, Klonopin, and Xanax—can be habit-forming and carry significant risks. There are certain situations where these medications may be appropriate, and at HÓLOS PSYCHIATRY they will only be prescribed responsibly and must be used exactly as directed. It is important to note that, historically, these medications have been overprescribed and misused, which is why careful consideration and monitoring are always part of their use. It is not safe to abruptly stop benzodiazepines if you have been taking them regularly for an extended period of time. If you wish to decrease your dosage or discontinue use, please do so under the guidance of a medical provider to ensure your safety.

  • No, I do not complete FMLA or disability paperwork. If this type of documentation is needed, please consult with your primary care provider or general practitioner. In some cases, letters and accommodation requests to employers or schools may be provided when care is well established and if it is clinically appropriate.

    • Psychiatry is a medical specialty with licensed physicians and advanced practice providers who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide therapy.

    • Psychology refers to the study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists often hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and provide psychological testing and therapy, but they generally do not prescribe medications.

    • Psychotherapy is the practice of talk therapy, which can be provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, or other trained therapists. It focuses on helping people understand and manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often through evidence-based therapeutic techniques.

  • I enjoy serving child, adolescent, and adult patients, providing care tailored to each stage of life.