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Knowledge Base

01. What is Safe Haven Health™?

Safe Haven Health is a virtual mental health clinic aiming to increase access to effective, efficient, and nonjudgmental mental healthcare from the comfort of your home. We specialize in online opioid addiction treatment, at-home ketamine therapy, ADHD testing and treatment, general psychiatric medication management, and more.

02. What is telemedicine/ telepsychiatry?

Telemedicine is the process of providing healthcare from a distance through technology, often using videoconferencing. Telepsychiatry, a subset of telemedicine, can involve providing a range of services, including psychiatric evaluations, therapy, patient education, and medication management.

03. What states do you current service?

We currently service clients in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Vermont, Florida, Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, and Connecticut.

04. What insurances do you accept?

We accept United Healthcare, Oxford Health Plans, Cigna, Aetna, UMR, Oscar, UHC Student Resources, AllSavers UHC, Harvard Pilgrim, Meritain, Nippon, United Healthcare Shared Services, & Bind.

05. I don't have insurance; can I pay out of pocket?

Absolutely! Initial appointments are $300, and follow-ups are $200.

06. When will you be treating clients in other states?

We are consistently working on expanding so we can help as many individuals as possible. If we are not servicing your state at this time, send us an email here with your state of residence and we will add you to our waiting list!

07. What is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)?

PMHNPs are registered nurses with master’s or doctoral level training who provides mental health care and promotes mental health across the lifespan. PMHNPs assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health and substance use disorders. They use various skills to provide holistic care, including prescribing medication and providing individual, family, and group therapy. Instead of just treating an illness, PMHNPs take time to partner with a patient to help them achieve their own recovery and wellness goals.

01. Do you prescribe controlled substances?

There are certain conditions where controlled substances are a first-line treatment, such as ADHD. We do not prescribe over two controlled substances at a time, and appointments are required every 4-6 weeks if prescribed a controlled substance.

02. If I make an appointment, will I get a prescription?

During your appointment, your provider will get a medical and psychiatric history and go over your symptoms with you. You may receive a prescription if you are diagnosed with a mental health condition and medications are appropriate. There are no guarantees that a prescription will be received. No refunds will be granted if a prescription is not received.

03. I am not a current client, but I need a medication refill. How can I request a refill?

You must make an appointment with a provider to conduct a medical and psychiatric history before prescribing you medication.

04. Are you able to continue my prescription from a previous provider?

We will need to do an evaluation for every new client. Your provider will determine whether continuing treatment would be appropriate.

01. I do not live in one of your service states, can I still get tested for ADHD?

Absolutely! ADHD testing is available virtually for clients across the country. Once you receive your test results, you are able to provide them to a provider in your area to start treatment, if applicable.

02. What type of medications do you prescribe for ADHD?

There are several FDA-approved medications to treat ADHD. Amphetamine & Methylphenidate stimulants, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, or Concerta are a few medications that are considered first-line treatment for ADHD. There are also non-stimulants that could be appropriate, such as Strattera, Clonidine, Guanfacine, or Qelbree.

03. Are these ADHD results accepted nationwide?

Absolutely! You will receive a full report with your results from a mental health professional specializing in ADHD. If you are not in one of our service states, you may share the information with a healthcare professional near you.

04. My report came positive for an ADHD diagnosis. Can I get a prescription for ADHD medication?

After receiving a positive report for ADHD, you could make an appointment with a provider to help customize a specific treatment plan. We provide medication management for clients in the states of Colorado, Maryland, Delaware, Vermont, Virginia, Connecticut, and Florida.

05. Will my insurance cover the cost of the assessment?

Several insurance plans include ADHD assessments as a covered benefit. If you are interested in utilizing insurance to cover the cost of your evaluation, please email support@safehavenhealth.co.

06. Are virtual assessments credible/trusted?

Virtual assessments have been around for several years and are used by major organizations across the country. These virtual assessments are highly efficient and affordable for clients.

01. Are there any mental health conditions that you do not treat?

We treat several mental health conditions, but some conditions would be better suited for in-person psychiatric care, such as:

  • Acute Mania
  • Psychotic Disorders, such as Schizophrenia
  • Suicidality/Homicidality
  • Severe Neurological Conditions

02. Can I switch from my old provider to you?

Yes! Before your appointment, you will complete and submit detailed intake paperwork that will be evaluated prior to the appointment. It is recommended to submit notes from previous providers if you have it available.

03. Do you offer therapy?

Unfortunately, at this time, we don’t offer therapy, but it is on our radar! If you would like a referral to a therapist, email us!

04. Do I need a previous mental health diagnosis to get treatment with you?

No! During your initial appointment, your provider can make a diagnosis if applicable and get you started on a treatment regimen to help you manage your symptoms.

01. What if I am late or miss an appointment?

You are given a 10-minute grace period for initial appointments and 5 minutes for follow-ups. Since initial appointments are 30-45 minutes, lateness can impact the ability to properly evaluate, diagnose, and treat you. For lateness/no-shows, the full appointment cost will be charged. There are no refunds for no-shows.

02. How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?

Rescheduling and cancellation requests must be made 48 hours prior to the appointment to avoid a fee. You can reschedule or cancel your appointment by logging into the patient portal. You can also call 72-637-5809 during business hours for assistance.

03. Do I need to have an ID for an appointment?

Yes, you will need a valid, unexpired photo ID. Prescriptions will not be sent without proper identification.

04. Do you treat children and adolescents?

At this time, we are only treating clients 18 and up.

01. When will this service start?

We are currently accepting patients for our ketamine treatment memberships!

02. So, what is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful medication, FDA-approved initially as an anesthetic, but several studies show that in small doses, it can significantly improve depressive and anxiety symptoms. Ketamine is considered “off-label” for mental health reasons. Ketamine is 100% legal and has a mild side effect profile. Keep in mind several prescriptions prescribed are not FDA-approved, which does not take away from the efficacy of the medication.

03. How do I take the Ketamine that was prescribed?

Sublingual Ketamine is administered under your tongue. Keeping it under your tongue for at least 20-30 minutes is essential to allow adequate absorption into the bloodstream.

04. Should I stop my other medications while taking Ketamine?

The great thing about Ketamine is that it is safe, and most individuals can continue other medications throughout their ketamine treatment sessions. Of course, there are some exceptions. If you are on a stimulant (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, etc.), you should avoid it on the day of ketamine administration. Stimulants can potentially increase your blood pressure, and a side effect of Ketamine is increased blood pressure, so it should be avoided for safety reasons.

 Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Clonazepam, should be paused on the day of Ketamine administration for safety reasons. Benzodiazepines can also decrease the effectiveness of Ketamine. In general, the higher doses of benzodiazepine that individuals take, the less effective Ketamine can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.

05. Do I have to pick up Ketamine from the pharmacy?

Safe Haven Health sources its Ketamine from a compounding pharmacy. Based on your treatment plan, your mental health provider will order your medication from the pharmacy and deliver it to your home.

You do have the option to utilize a local compounding pharmacy if you would like to pick it up. Let your provider know if this is the case. Remember that if you use your own compounding pharmacy, you will be responsible for the medication cost.

06. Are there any side effects I should worry about with Ketamine?

Unfortunately, with any medication, side effects can be avoided. The positive thing is that the side effect profile associated with Ketamine is relatively low. Some common side effects are nausea, dizziness, and increased blood pressure. Your ketamine prescriber will explain all the possible side effects related to the medication.

07. If I start Ketamine, can I stop taking my antidepressant?

Though there are never guarantees, Ketamine works by healing your mental health conditions rather than just decreasing symptoms. There is a possibility that along with other life changes, such as positive coping mechanisms, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep, you may be able to discontinue your antidepressant. This is not a quick process; as stated, it is not guaranteed. This is a slow process that your provider may be able to help you with.

08. Isn't Ketamine an anesthetic and used as a tranquilizer for animals? How is this safe?

Ketamine was initially FDA-approved as an anesthetic used for humans in the 1970s. Though it is classified as an anesthetic, ketamine is not an animal tranquilizer. The ketamine dosing for mental health conditions is nowhere near the doses used for anesthesia.

09. How can Ketamine improve my mental health?

Several studies show that Ketamine can significantly reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms. At low doses, Ketamine produces a dissociative effect (an out-of-body experience). During this dissociative process, individuals can obtain more clarity on their life, purpose, and perspective and gain a connection with themselves. The dissociation associated with Ketamine is a part of the healing process. Remember, dissociation is not necessary to obtain the mental health benefits associated with ketamine.

10. How am I going to feel when I take Ketamine?

Many people who receive ketamine treatments report feeling detached from their surroundings. You may feel like you are floating or dreaming. Some people report feeling all-encompassing euphoria or feelings of profound calm. Others say they feel a sense of lightness or joy. There is usually no pain felt during the ketamine treatment itself. Most people report that the effects of Ketamine are short-lived and wear off within a few hours. While the specific impact of Ketamine may vary from person to person, many people find the experience relaxing and even therapeutic.

11. How much time should I take between ketamine treatments?

When it comes to oral ketamine treatments, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The time you should take between treatments will depend on several factors, including your age, health, and the severity of your condition. The approach Safe Haven Health uses is low-dose sublingual ketamine twice a week. This allows the body to metabolize the Ketamine fully and can help to reduce the risk of side effects. Depending on the outcome of your assessment with your provider, they may decide that one time a week may be more beneficial for you. If you are unsure how often you should take Ketamine, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider. They can advise you on the best course of action based on your individual needs.

12. I am on an SSRI. Can I still take my antidepressant while taking Ketamine?

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant medications that work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood and emotional regulation. Ketamine is a medication commonly used as an anesthetic, but it also has unique properties that make it effective in treating depression. When taken together, SSRIs and Ketamine can have synergistic effects, meaning they can provide more significant relief from depression than either medication taken alone. However, speaking with a provider before starting any new medication is crucial, as there may be risks or side effects associated with taking multiple medications for depression. With careful planning and supervision, however, SSRIs and Ketamine can effectively treat depression. Quick Answer: Yes! You can continue your SSRIs while taking Ketamine!

13. How will I feel right after the Ketamine session? How about the next day?

The effects of Ketamine can vary depending on the individual and the dose administered, but most people report feeling relaxed and dream-like after a session. Some people may also experience visual or auditory hallucinations. The effects usually last for around an hour, although some people may feel the effects for up to four hours. The day after a ketamine session, most people feel normal, although some may experience mild headaches or fatigue. Overall, Ketamine is considered to be safe and well-tolerated by most people. Although some risks are associated with ketamine use, such as dissociation and impaired motor function, these are typically only experienced at high doses. With proper medical supervision, the risks of Ketamine are minimal.

14. How do I prepare for my first ketamine session?

Once you’ve decided to proceed with the treatment, be sure not to consume food at least 4 hours before the session and no fluids at least 2 hours before the administration. You should also wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing anything constrictive, like tight jeans or belts. Ketamine can produce powerful dissociative effects, so being open-minded and prepared for anything is essential. Trusting your provider and following their instructions will help ensure that you have a positive experience. With these tips, you can have a safe and successful ketamine session.

15. When will I be able to resume normal activities after treatment?

Soon after your ketamine dose, you will likely feel more relaxed. You may experience some dizziness and nausea, but these effects usually wear off within a few hours. Most people can return to their normal activities the next day. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours after treatment. This gives your body time to recover from the ketamine treatment fully. Some people may feel tired or have trouble concentrating for a day or two after treatment. If you experience these effects, it is best to rest and take it easy until they subside. Overall, most people quickly adjust to the mild side effects of Ketamine and can return to their everyday lives within a few days.

16. How likely is it that I will have a "bad trip" with Ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful dissociative drug that can cause profound changes in consciousness. Ketamine is known for producing intense hallucinations, so it’s no surprise that many people are curious about the risks of having a “bad trip.” However, the answer to this question is not so simple. Everyone reacts to medications differently, so it’s impossible to say definitively how likely someone will have a bad experience with Ketamine. That said, certain factors can increase the risk of having a negative experience. For example, people who take Ketamine without knowing what it is or how it will affect them are more likely to have a bad trip. In addition, taking a high dose of the drug can increase the chances of having an unpleasant experience. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts to medications differently, so it’s impossible to say definitively how likely someone will have a bad trip on Ketamine. With the doses prescribed for mental health, the likelihood of having a “bad trip” is very low as long as you keep a positive mindset going into the experience and are in a comfortable session.

17. Who would not be a candidate for ketamine therapy?

Ketamine therapy is not for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications may not be candidates for treatment. In addition, Ketamine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or people who are intoxicated or actively abusing substances. Psychosis, mania, and active suicidality are some contraindications with ketamine therapy. Some people may also be more susceptible to the side effects of Ketamine, such as hallucinations or dissociation. As a result, it is crucial to discuss all your medication conditions with your provider before starting ketamine therapy. Only a qualified medical professional can determine whether Ketamine is right for you. In some cases, you may be referred to an in-person ketamine clinic for closer supervision.

18. Is at-home ketamine treatment considered safe?

When it comes to mental health, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another, and what works at one point may not be effective later. This is why it’s so important to have various treatment options available. Ketamine is one option showing promise as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Unlike many other psychiatric medications, which can take weeks or even months to take effect, Ketamine begins working almost immediately. This makes it an appealing option for people struggling to find relief. However, because Ketamine is still a relatively new treatment, there is not a lot of research on its long-term safety. The evidence suggests that at-home ketamine treatment is safe when administered by a trained professional.

19. How much is Ketamine treatment through Safe Haven Health?

We aim to provide effective, efficient, and nonjudgmental mental healthcare from the comfort of your home. Our membership cost is $250 a month, with medication costs included! If you have insurance, it may cover the majority of the treatment cost. When filling out our intake paperwork, be sure to specify that you would like to utilize insurance. Please note that there are no guarantees that insurance will cover a portion of the membership cost.

01. Who is eligible for addiction treatment with Safe Haven Health?

Individuals who regularly use opioids and want to decrease or stop their use are eligible for treatment with our addiction program. Some individuals may require a higher level of care for acute medical or psychiatric issues. This will be discussed during your appointment with your provider.

02. What addiction medications do you prescribe?

We now prescribe Suboxone and Subutex for opioid addiction.

03. Will the treatment be confidential?

We are 100% committed to your privacy. None of your information will be shared with anyone without your permission, including your employer.

04. What is the cost of addiction treatment?

The initial consultation is $300, and follow-ups are $200. We accept several insurances, which could decrease or eliminate the cost of the appointment!

05. Are there any late or no-show fees?

To respect the clinician’s and other patients’ time, we charge a no-show fee. You have up to 48 hours before the appointment to cancel or reschedule, or the full appointment fee will be charged. We try to be as flexible as we can with our patients, so as long as there is open and honest communication, we can make arrangements.

06. How much does the medication cost?

Most insurance plans will cover the medication price with only small copays to be paid by the patients. If you do not have insurance, the cost of the medication will have to be paid out of pocket. The price may vary depending on how much you are prescribed, the type of medication, and the dosage.

07. What insurance plans do you take?

We currently accept UnitedHealthcare, Oxford Health Plans, Cigna, Aetna, UMR, Oscar, UHC Student Resources, AllSavers UHC, Harvard Pilgrim, Meritain, Nippon, United Healthcare Shared Services, & Bind.

08. What will my copay be?

The cost of copays depends on your insurance plan, your deductible, and a few other factors. As a result, we won’t know the copay amount until we submit the first claim.

09. How do I meet and attend visits with my provider?

We utilize Doxy for video appointments. It is a free video chat app that can be used on your computer or smartphone. When you schedule an appointment, you will receive the link to the video appointment in your email.

10. What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication commonly prescribed to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of two drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone, that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while reducing the risk of overdose. Buprenorphine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking other opioids from attaching to those receptors. Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioids when taken in high doses.

Suboxone has been found to be effective for treating opioid addiction as it helping individuals maintain abstinence from opioid use and relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, there are potential risks associated with Suboxone use including breathing difficulties, drowsiness, and an increased risk of overdose if injected or misused.

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