Is Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health the right practice for me?

At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, I provide outpatient psychiatric medication management focused on treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, C-PTSD, ADHD, acute stress disorder, mild OCD, and minor mood disorders. My goal is to support patients with these conditions through compassionate, evidence-based care.

I do not treat complex psychiatric conditions as these often require more specialized, comprehensive care that is beyond the scope of this practice. Examples of diagnoses not treated here include, but are not limited to:

• Severe bipolar disorder (type 1 or 2)

• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

• Personality disorders (such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder)

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia)

• Substance use disorders and we do not provide medication assisted treatment for alcohol or drugs (MAT).

• Dissociative disorders

• Severe neurocognitive disorders (such as dementia)

• Tourette syndrome and other complex tic disorders

If you have any of these conditions or if your mental health requires more intensive or specialized treatment, I encourage you to seek care from providers or programs equipped to offer that level of support.

What can I expect from our first session?

Your first session at Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health is a space for us to get to know one another in a thoughtful, supportive way. I’ll take time to understand your concerns, your goals, your health and mental health history, and how you’ve been feeling lately.

We’ll discuss:

• What brought you in for support

• Your personal and family history

• Any previous experiences with medications or therapy

• Your current challenges and strengths

• Your hopes for care and healing

You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. My role is to listen, ask helpful questions, and build a treatment plan that feels aligned with you—not push you into anything you’re not ready for.

By the end of the session, we’ll talk through possible next steps, which may include medication options, lab work, or referrals for additional support. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of your care path, and hopefully, a greater sense of being heard.

How do I prepare for my intake appointment?

To make the most of your first appointment, here are some helpful tips to prepare:

• Complete all required paperwork minimum of 24 hrs prior to your intake appointment, including any intake forms, medical history, and insurance information. This helps us use your appointment time efficiently. Please note your appointment will be cancelled if you have not completed all pertinent forms 24 hours prior to your scheduled time.

• Gather relevant medical records such as previous psychiatric evaluations, medication lists, or lab results if you have them available. If you have not had lab work within the last 6 months, we can check them. Regarding labs, I check a comprehensive panel including CBC, CMP, Magnesium, Thyroid Panel, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate levels, Lipid Panel, and A1c. Please note that I do not check hormone levels as I do not specialize in this field.

• Make a list of your current medications, including dosages, how long you have been taking them, why they were prescribed, and who prescribed them.

• Think about your goals for treatment and any specific concerns or symptoms you want to discuss.

• Be ready to talk openly and honestly about your mental health history and current challenges.

• Be in a quiet, private space for your telehealth appointment where you can speak comfortably without interruptions. Please note visits cannot be conducted if you are not in the state of Connecticut or in a HIPPA compliant location.

• Test your technology in advance—check your internet connection, camera, and microphone to ensure a smooth video visit.

How does medication management work?

If medication is clinically appropriate, we’ll explore your options together.

Medication can be a helpful tool, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people respond well to the first medication prescribed; others may need to try more than one before finding the right fit. This is completely normal and part of the process. If something doesn’t work or causes side effects, we’ll adjust thoughtfully and safely. You'll always have space to ask questions, express concerns, and be part of every decision about your care.

Key points:

• Medication may help manage symptoms, but it's just one part of the healing process. Medication management works best in conjunction with therapy.

• It often takes time—and sometimes more than one trial or more than one medication—to find what works best.

• Our focus is on balance, safety, and long-term wellness—not quick fixes.

Your treatment plan is uniquely yours, and we’ll work together to help you feel more stable, resilient, and empowered.

What’s the different between medication management and therapy?

Medication management and therapy are two distinct, but often complementary, forms of mental health care.

At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, we specialize in medication management. This means we focus on evaluating your mental health symptoms, making psychiatric diagnoses when appropriate, and prescribing and monitoring medications that may help support your emotional well-being.

Therapy—also called psychotherapy or counseling—is a separate service typically provided by licensed therapists, psychologists, or clinical social workers. Therapy involves regular talk-based sessions aimed at exploring emotions, building coping skills, and working through past or present challenges.

You don’t have to choose just one—many people benefit most from a combination of both medication and therapy. If you’re already working with a therapist, we’re happy to collaborate to help support your treatment goals.

Please note: Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health does not offer therapy services.

What can I expect during our follow-up appointments?

Follow-up appointments at Rooted in Serenity are an important part of your ongoing care. These visits are typically shorter than your initial evaluation and are focused on monitoring your response to medications, discussing any side effects, and making thoughtful adjustments as needed to support your well-being.

During follow-ups, we may also check in on sleep, mood, focus, appetite, and other areas impacted by psychiatric symptoms or medications. You’re welcome to share what’s been working well, what’s been challenging, and any questions or concerns that have come up.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your individual treatment needs, your medication regimen, and best practices. In general, patients starting or adjusting medications are seen more frequently until stability is achieved. Once you’re doing well, visits may space out to every few months- dependent on the type of medication(s) prescribed.

These appointments are also an opportunity to revisit goals, assess progress, and ensure your treatment continues to align with your values and needs.

What if we're not a good fit?

At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, my goal is to provide compassionate, safe, and effective care that aligns with your needs and treatment goals. While I strive to support each individual with respect and intention, there may be times when our practice may not be the best clinical fit.

If it becomes clear—whether through assessment, evolving needs, or communication—that our services may not be appropriate or sufficient for your care, I will discuss this with you openly and respectfully. In these cases, I may recommend exploring alternative providers, higher levels of care, or specialized services outside the scope of this practice.

Prioritizing the right therapeutic match is an important part of your healing process, and I am committed to helping you navigate next steps if we are not the right fit.

Do you offer individual referrals?

I do not provide direct referrals to therapists, programs, or other providers, I understand that additional support is often an important part of your mental health journey. I maintain a list of available services—including therapy practices, support groups, crisis resources, and specialty providers—that you are welcome to explore under the referral tab.

Please note that you are responsible for contacting these services directly to inquire about availability, fit, and insurance coverage. It’s important to verify with your insurance plan whether a provider or service is in-network and what costs may apply.

If you’d like access to the resource list, feel free to let me know during your appointment.

What is a higher level of care?

Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health is an outpatient telehealth practice that provides psychiatric medication management and supportive care. This level of care is intended for individuals whose symptoms are stable or can be safely managed in a non-emergency, outpatient setting.

If at any point it becomes clinically evident that your needs exceed the scope of this practice—such as experiencing active suicidality, severe self-harm urges, acute mania, psychosis, or significant functional impairment—you may be advised to seek a higher level of care. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

• Inpatient psychiatric care

• Emergency services

If we suggest that higher-level services are clinically appropriate, it is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to follow through on recommendations and ensure their own safety. By engaging in care with this practice, you acknowledge that Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health and its providers are not liable for outcomes related to failure to seek or obtain recommended higher levels of care.

What does crisis management mean?

Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health is an outpatient psychiatric medication management practice. This means that care is designed to support individuals with non-emergent mental health needs in a scheduled, structured, and non-crisis setting. This practice does not provide emergency or after-hours crisis services.

Crisis management refers to the urgent intervention and support needed when someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, experiencing a severe mental health episode (such as active psychosis, mania, or suicidal thoughts), or suffering dangerous medication side effects. These situations require immediate attention that exceeds the scope of outpatient care.

If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency—including thoughts of harming yourself or others, severe medication reactions, or a sudden and significant decline in your mental health—you should:

• Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 – Available 24/7, free, and confidential

• Mobile Crisis Services in Connecticut: Dial 211 and follow the prompts for mental health support

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

In moments of crisis, your safety is the top priority. Please do not wait for a scheduled appointment or message response if you are in need of immediate help.

Do you prescribe stimulants or controlled medications?

I carefully evaluate each patient’s needs before considering stimulant or controlled substance prescriptions. I only prescribe these medications when clinically appropriate and when I believe they are truly necessary as part of your treatment plan.

Please note that I do not continue stimulant or controlled substance prescriptions written by other providers. If you're currently taking these medications, we’ll discuss your history, treatment response, and clinical needs during your intake before any prescribing decisions are made.

My priority is to ensure that all care is safe, evidence-based, and aligned with current clinical guidelines.

Disclaimer: Prescription of controlled substances, including but not limited to stimulant medications and benzodiazepines, is at the sole discretion of the prescribing provider. Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health does not guarantee the initiation, continuation, or refill of any controlled medication. The decision to prescribe will be based on clinical judgment, a comprehensive evaluation, and current standards of care.

Patients should have no expectation or assumption that controlled substances will be prescribed. Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health and its provider(s) are not liable for any consequences, including withdrawal symptoms, functional impairment, or disruption of care, resulting from a decision not to prescribe or continue controlled medications.

Do you prescribe Benzodiazepines medications?

At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, I do not prescribe benzodiazepines for long-term or daily use. This includes medications such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium. Long-term benzodiazepine use carries risks that often outweigh the benefits, including dependence, cognitive effects, and worsening anxiety over time.

That said, I understand that there are situations where short-term or occasional use may be clinically appropriate. Based on your presentation, history, and treatment goals, I may prescribe a brief, as-needed course of benzodiazepines—but only after a comprehensive evaluation and if deemed necessary within the context of a broader treatment plan.

My goal is always to support your long-term safety, functioning, and recovery using the most effective and sustainable tools available.

Do you treat substance use disorder- illicit drug or alcohol use?

Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health does not provide treatment or management for illicit drug or alcohol use disorders. If you are seeking help for substance use, we encourage you to contact specialized addiction treatment providers or local support services.

Do you perform neuropsychological evaluations or autism screening.

No we do not provide these services at Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, I may occasionally recommend a neuropsychological evaluation to gain a more comprehensive understanding of cognitive, learning, or attentional concerns. These evaluations can be a helpful part of diagnosing conditions such as ADHD, learning differences, or memory-related issues.

I can provide general guidance on the types of providers or settings where these assessments are typically offered. It will be your responsibility to locate a qualified provider, schedule the evaluation, and confirm insurance coverage or out-of-pocket costs.

If you have questions about whether a neuropsychological evaluation might be appropriate in your care, we can discuss this during your visit.

Can I use my insurance?

Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health is currently in the process of obtaining credentialing with insurance providers. At this time, we are only accepting self-pay patients.

If you have insurance, you may still receive care by paying out of pocket and requesting a super bill from us. A super bill is a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan’s out-of-network benefits. We encourage you to verify your coverage and reimbursement policies directly with your insurance provider.

We appreciate your understanding as we complete the credentialing process and look forward to serving patients with insurance in the near future.

Cancellation & rescheduling policy

Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a fee and help us offer care to others in need of support.

• Late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or no-shows will result in a $75 fee, which cannot be billed to insurance.

• You may cancel or reschedule through the patient portal, by secure message, or via email.

• Emergencies will always be handled with compassion.

• Patients are allowed a maximum of:

  • Three (3) no-shows or late cancellations total.

  • Three (3) rescheduled appointments total.

These guidelines are in place to ensure consistency and continuity of care—for you and all patients in the practice.

Termination of Services Due to Cancellation Policy Violations: Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health reserves the right to terminate services if a patient repeatedly violates the cancellation and rescheduling policy, including excessive no-shows or late cancellations. The practice shall have no liability or obligation for any damages or consequences resulting from such termination of services.

Patient acceptance and termination

Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health reserves the sole discretion to accept or decline any patient for treatment. Acceptance of patients is based on clinical judgment and the practice’s ability to provide appropriate care.

The practice also reserves the right to terminate the patient-provider relationship at any time if it is determined, in the provider’s professional judgment, that continuation of care is not clinically appropriate, if the patient violates practice policies, fails to comply with treatment, or if the provider determines the practice is not a good fit for the patient’s needs.

In all cases, termination decisions will be made with consideration of ethical standards and the patient’s well-being. When possible, patients will be given appropriate notice and assistance in finding alternative care via a list of alternative providers.

Patients have the right to be treated with respect and professionalism, to receive clear communication about their care, and to understand the reasons for termination.

Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health and its providers shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from termination of services, provided such actions are taken in good faith, consistent with professional and ethical obligations, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

It is important for patient safety and effective treatment that care is provided by clinicians with the appropriate expertise. Therefore, I reserve the right to determine whether a patient’s needs fall within my scope of treatment and whether I am the right provider to meet those needs.

Additionally, acceptance into treatment and continuation of services is at my sole discretion. Patients may be declined or discharged if, in my clinical judgment, the treatment is not appropriate, or if there are violations of practice policies that impact care.

If your diagnosis or needs fall outside my scope, I have a list of referral resources to qualified specialists who can better support your care.