Question 1

Who provides care at the practice?

Accepted Answer

Care is provided by a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Services focus on thorough assessment, collaborative treatment planning, and ongoing medication management in a supportive outpatient setting.

Question 2

Do you treat all psychiatric conditions?

Accepted Answer

No. This is an outpatient practice and may not be the right fit for individuals who require higher-acuity or specialized care. Services are not provided for conditions requiring intensive psychiatric management, such as:

• Active substance use disorders requiring specialized treatment

• Schizophrenia or primary psychotic disorders

• Conditions requiring inpatient or intensive outpatient services

Patients requiring these levels of care may be referred to appropriate specialty providers.

Question 3

What ages do you see?

Accepted Answer

Services are available for children, adolescents, and adults ages 5 and older. Treatment approaches are tailored to each patient's developmental needs and may involve collaboration with parents or guardians when appropriate.

Question 4

Do parents attend appointments for children and adolescents?

Accepted Answer

For patients under age 16, a parent or legal guardian must be involved in care and available for portions of appointments when appropriate. The structure of visits may vary depending on the child’s age and clinical needs.

Question 5

What do you mean by holistic care?

Accepted Answer

Holistic care means considering the whole person, not just symptoms. This may include attention to sleep, stress, nutrition, physical health, relationships, work-life balance, and other factors that influence mental wellness.

Question 6

What is pharmacogenetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacogenetic testing evaluates how your genetics may influence the way your body processes certain medications. When clinically appropriate, this information may help guide medication selection. It is only one part of treatment planning and does not replace clinical judgment or your treatment history.

Question 7

What should I expect during my initial psychiatric evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A: During this 60-minute visit, you'll chat with your provider about your social history, medical history, mental health history, and current symptoms, as well as discuss treatment options. It might include some screening tools to figure out what's going on and help create a personalized treatment plan. Feel free to ask questions and share any concerns so we can tailor everything to you.

Question 8

What should I do if I am in crisis or having suicidal thoughts?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing active suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please seek immediate assistance:

• Call 911

• Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

• Go to the nearest emergency room

Question 9

Do you coordinate care with therapists or other healthcare providers?

Accepted Answer

When appropriate and with patient consent, coordination of care with therapists, primary care providers, or other healthcare professionals may occur to support comprehensive treatment.

Question 10

If parents are separated or divorced, who can participate in my child’s psychiatric appointments?

Accepted Answer

In most situations, both parents are allowed to participate in their child’s mental health care and access treatment information unless a court order or parenting plan states otherwise. If custody agreements affect medical decision-making authority or appointment participation, please provide a copy of the most current documentation so we can follow those legal guidelines.

Making Waves Mental Wellness supports collaborative involvement whenever possible and follows Tennessee law and court-ordered decision-making authority when working with families. If custody arrangements change, families are asked to provide updated documentation so we can ensure care continues appropriately.

Psychiatric Care & Medication Management

Frequently Asked Questions