FAQ

Mental health treatment includes various therapies and medications aimed at improving emotional, psychological, and behavioral health. It is provided by licensed professionals such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and therapists.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has completed specialized training in mental health. A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse holding a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing. Both can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide treatment, although the practice of PMHNPs may be subject to state-specific regulations.

Not always. The recommendation for medication is based on your specific diagnosis and individual needs. Many patients achieve their goals with therapy alone, while others find that a combination of medication and therapy is most beneficial.

Your first visit will include a thorough assessment of your mental health history, symptoms, and goals. This helps us tailor a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Donavon Counseling Services networks with major insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare. If your insurance plan has an in-network requirement, it will cover most services offered by us. Your financial obligation will simply be your co-pay. If you have an annual deductible, then copays may be higher until the deductible is met. If you do not have insurance coverage or if your clinician is not in-network for your insurance plan, fees will be according to our posted charges as listed below. All payments are due at the time of service. This includes co-payments, previous balances, and payment-in-full for patients without insurance coverage.

Initial psychiatric evaluation $150- 200

Follow-up appointments (15 -30 minutes)$100-150

Missed appointment fee (No show) $50

A minimum of 72 business hours’ notice is required to process all requests for medical records. A release of information form must be completed and signed by the patient, legal guardian, or Power of Attorney, in order to release records. We follow the State of Maryland medical record release fees (preparation fee of $23.18, plus $.76 cents per page) plus postage and handling, as applicable. Payment of any outstanding fee has to be made prior to the release of medical records.

To ensure accurate documentation and appropriate clinical support, patients requesting FMLA or short-term disability forms must be actively engaged in treatment at our mental health clinic for a minimum of three consecutive months. This policy helps us provide informed and clinically appropriate recommendations based on an established treatment history

At Donavon Counseling, providers typically prescribe enough medication to last until your next scheduled visit. To ensure you don’t run out, we strongly recommend booking your follow-up appointment right after your current visit. For non-urgent schedule changes, please call our office, and a staff member will return your call as soon as possible. For best practice, medication adjustments will be made only after a telehealth or in-person visit.