Psychiatric Medication Mgt - 30" session

Service Description

Psychiatric medications are useful for rapid stabilization of psychiatric crises. This is important because research shows that high levels of distress are correlated with higher risk for harm to self or others. Medications also improve one's functionality, helping one to hold down a job, finish school, or hold down responsibilities such as parenting, etc. However, it is recommended that one augment one's medications with some form of counseling, either group or individual, since all the research shows higher recovery rates among those who combine medications with some form of regular counseling. The "Sliding Scale Track" is available for those who cannot pay full price. This involves simply negotiating with Dr. Firnberg to find a per-minute price which both parties can accept. A receipt is provided at each session which the patient can turn over to his/her insurance company to receive a reimbursement. Whatever per-minute price is agreed to in the Sliding Scale Plan applies to whatever is done within each session. Any services which are performed for the patient outside of each session (calling in prescription refills, filling out forms, etc.) will be billed at TWICE that of the per-minute rate. This does not apply for true emergency phone calls, which are provided free of charge. The "Full Payment Plan" is for those who are capable of paying full price for each session. It has some advantages: a) discounts of up to 30 % are available for those receiving counseling (psychotherapy) sessions more than twice a week; b)group therapy sessions are billed at $5.- per session, which is half the normal rate of $10.- per session.