Beginning & Continuing Care
Intake Information Request
After familiarizing yourself with these materials, if you would like to receive the necessary intake information forms, please call 907-789-3800, email akpsycon@gci.net or use the links below. The Medicare Affidavit is only needed for those aged 65 years and older.
Release of Confidential Information
Doctor, Patient & Telemedicine
I welcome you as a prospective patient, and appreciate the opportunity to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of a carefully individualized, comprehensive psychiatric care plan via “non-public facing remote communication” (such as FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom). During the first meeting we decide whether to attempt treatment at the outpatient level of care with a reliable videoconferencing platform (the telephone alone is usually insufficient). In subsequent appointments we will formulate a working diagnosis and discuss treatment options. The physician-patient relationship begins when we agree on a medically sound and appropriate treatment plan, and continues until such time as either party formally withdraws from the care plan. I do not offer child custody evaluations.
Scope of Care
Presently the scope of my practice in Central Oregon is limited to outpatient Psychiatric Telemedical Care.
Outpatient Evaluation & Frequency of Care
Effective care requires a careful evaluation which may span several meetings and 4-6 hours, with subsequent appointments customized to address symptom intensity. For some, a weekly meeting may be necessary for a long time. For many, meeting every other week or monthly creates progress during the early care phase, and quarterly meetings often work well in the maintenance or remission phase.
Confidentiality
Your confidentiality is strictly and professionally maintained. Be assured that information about you will never leave my office unless you so request and authorize in writing, with the exceptions of mandatory reporting of possible abuse or neglect of dependent children, intervention in situations where harm to self or others becomes a concern, or sometimes in response to a subpoena.
Preparation
Please do some thinking or make notes of details of past treatment(s), including psychotropic medication doses, duration and extent of success; and psychotherapeutic paradigm, emphasis and progress. Also please note all general medical prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, supplements, vitamins, trace elements, "nutraceuticals", or alternative treatments being provided by your primar y care physician, allied provider, or at your own initiative. Please also consider nicotine, alcohol and cannabinoid use, as well as any history or current difficulty with substance dependence.
Risks & Benefits
Please ask questions. I will always review the risks, benefits and limitations of the options available. Although sometimes the desired result occurs promptly, in many cases an extended period of time is required to achieve optimal success and maintenance or remission care status.
Pharmacotherapy Considerations
Please discuss any concerns you have with medications or psychotherapeutic treatments I recommend. Different people react differently to equivalent treatments. The best results occur when we consider all of your responses, including any side effects.
Coordination of Care
Coordination of care with other professionals requires time and careful attention, and will occur only with your written consent; when performed outside of your regularly scheduled appointment, additional fees apply for services of five minutes or more.