Important information:
- Karen Green does not provide talk therapy or counseling.
- Karen Green does not prescribe Benzodiazepines (i.e.: Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, etc.) on a routine basis as they disrupt effective treatment, have the potential to cause serious addiction with regular use, and may ultimately make the patient worse.
- Despite the current pandemic and associated restrictions, I am continuing to accept new patients, however, this is conducted via telehealth visits only. A strong internet connection, up to date browser such as Google Chrome and a device with a microphone and webcam are required. If you are connecting on a phone, please go to your settings and enable "Do Not Disturb". Any incoming texts or calls will knock out the audio or video in your current session.
- If you are interested in Genetic Testing please know that it does NOT provide a diagnosis. It does help predict which medications may cause an increased risk of side effects, may not be tolerable, may not be metabolized by your body as intended or may indicate deficiencies in critical enzymes required for receiving a positive response to a medication trial.
What can a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner do for me?
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, or Psych NP, is a certified medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental illness and psychological problems. Karen Green has completed a specialized graduate program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and was Board Certified in 2014. Psych NP's are not only trained to diagnose and manage mental illness, but are also adept at providing psychotherapy. Karen Green's focus is on medication management but there is a therapeutic element to the care that she provides.
What will happen during my first appointment?
We will meet with you for an extensive interview and psychiatric evaluation in which we will gather some information such as your history, symptoms, and family dynamics. This interview may last between 30-70 minutes depending upon the complexity of your case. Within this first session together, we will determine the best plan of action to move forward. If ongoing treatment is deemed appropriate, 10-15 minute follow up appointments will occur at intervals recommended by your provider.
Will my treatment be kept confidential?
We will not reveal any information regarding what happens within the work that we do together unless you have signed the Authorization to Disclose Information form. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present for treatment or sign the appropriate form for you to be seen without your parent or guardian present. There may be certain situations in which your information is ordered by the court. In the instance that you are in danger of harming yourself or another, then we are obligated by law to notify the authorities of this.
Will the cost of my treatment be covered by my insurance plan?
Depending on what type of insurance provider you are currently using, coverage for our services will vary. Many insurance companies reimburse anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost of services. We take payments/co-payments prior to the beginning of each session. If you are unable to pay your copay or outstanding balance prior to receiving services, you may need to reschedule your appointment and make arrangements to clear your outstanding balance before rescheduling. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards. Please see our financial policy for more detail regarding payment and fees.
How long will my treatment last?
There are no precise determinations that we can make regarding the length of your treatment. Generally speaking, the longer you have had your mental illness not medically acknowledged, the longer the treatment will take. Certain mental illnesses require just a couple of visits, and others require life long maintenance. We believe that you should seek treatment as soon as possible, for the best possible outcome.
How can I prevent mental illness coming back?
We give you guidance and protocols to adhere to both inside and outside of our office, however stability and remission can never be guaranteed. Make sure that you follow the medication regimen, attend psychotherapy and counseling sessions if needed, and keep your life as balanced as you can in terms of sleep, diet and exercise as agreed upon with your provider. It is very important to try and avoid stressful situations, let your loved ones help you whenever possible, and seek help the moment you feel like your mental illness is coming back or getting worse.
What determines if my mental illness will come back?
There are a few components that play a part in the recurrence of mental illness. Often times, a mental illness will recur if there are additional life stressors that become overwhelming (family or marital problems, starting a new job, losing someone close to you). More often than not, if someone is diagnosed with a mental illness earlier than later in life, there is a higher likelihood of the illness recurring. Some diagnosis are more common to recur than others.
What if I have an emergency or an urgent situation come up?
If you find yourself in the midst of an emergency, please immediately call 9-1-1 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. If you have an urgent situation, call our office, and we will see you as soon as we can.