WHAT TO EXPECT

In the state of Connecticut, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psych NP), also known as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specialized in mental health care. Psych NPs in Connecticut are educated and trained to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions across the lifespan, from children to older adults.

Psych NPs are qualified to provide a range of mental health services, including but not limited to, assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions, providing psychotherapy, and prescribing medications. They work in various settings, such as private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and community health centers, offering holistic and patient-centered care.

At Mimir Psychiatry, Ryan provides assessment and treatment to patients ranging from adolescents, adults, and geriatric, including: Diagnosing, medication management, and Psychotherapy (which can be discussed and patient specific after the first intake). 

• Initial Consultation: Our first step is an in-depth discussion where we learn about your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and any specific challenges you’re facing. This session is crucial for understanding the broader context of your mental health.

• Assessment: We use a combination of diagnostic tools, clinical assessments, and, if necessary, coordination with other healthcare providers to gather a comprehensive overview of your mental health status. This may include evaluating psychological, biological, and social factors that contribute to your current condition.

• Patient Involvement: Your input is vital. We discuss your preferences, concerns, and goals for treatment. Understanding what matters most to you helps us tailor the treatment plan to fit your life.

• Evidence-Based Treatment: Based on the assessment findings and our discussions, we propose a treatment plan grounded in the latest evidence-based practices. This plan could include medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, or a combination thereof, aimed at addressing your specific needs.

• Monitoring and Adjustment: Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. We closely monitor your progress and remain flexible, making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed to ensure it continues to meet your evolving needs. 

Ryan offers tele-psychiatry.  Per Connecticut guidelines, you will need to be seen and in the state of Connecticut during the session.  There is also an office located in downtown New Haven in the Connecticut Financial Center building:  157 Church Street, Suite 1976, New Haven, CT 06510

Yes, we accept United Healthcare (for all states), CIGNA, and Anthem.

While Mimir Psychiatry is credentialed with these insurance companies, it does not guarantee that we are in-network with with your particular plan. Please contact your insurance provider to verify coverage.

If you plan to use insurance, since every plan is different, check with your insurance provider about your mental health benefits and co-pays.

Call your insurance provider to check your coverage.  Some helpful questions you can ask them: 

• Do I have mental health insurance coverage? What are my mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance plan cover?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

Yes, we do! 

We accept self-pay or cash pay patients. If you choose to pay out of pocket:

• Initial intake: $200
• 45 minute session: $150
• 30 minute session: $100
• 15 minute session: $85

I accept cash and major credit and debit cards. Patients can make a secure payment through Stripe on the patient portal.

You can schedule an appointment at https://mimirpsychiatry.com/schedule/. 

If you schedule an appointment online, Ryan will get back to you with a confirmation of a date and time.  You will be emailed and texted forms to fill out in regards to medical history, psychiatric history, insurance information and provider agreements.  

The first session is in person.  During your first intake appointment, we will go over your history (medical and psychiatric), symptoms, and medication preferences.  A working diagnosis will be discussed and is subject to change as we each get to know each other better. Please know that there are plenty of patient’s seen in the practice who may have questions about medications and are reluctant to start.  It’s an ongoing process and the first appointment does not need to start with medications. 

Given the holistic approach, you may also expect to be send a referral for blood work as there are multiple medical conditions which can affect mental health.  If you’ve recently had blood work completed, or have it done regularly, please let Ryan know and he can use recent information to avoid multiple trips.  Blood work is done through Quest.

Specifically, Ryan works with Tebra and can send prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.  Whether medication is part of your treatment plan depends on several factors, including your specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms, your personal treatment preferences, and how you’ve responded to previous treatments if applicable. Here’s our approach to medication management: 

• Individualized Assessment: The decision to use medication is made after a thorough assessment of your mental health condition. We consider the latest research and clinical guidelines to determine if medication could be beneficial for your situation.

• Collaborative Decision-Making: We discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of any recommended medication with you. This includes answering any questions you may have, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable with any decisions made about your treatment.

• Prescribing: If medication is recommended, Ryan, as your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, has the authority to prescribe medications. This includes the ability to start, adjust, and discontinue medications as needed, always with the goal of optimizing your mental health while minimizing side effects.

• Monitoring and Follow-Up: Medication management is an ongoing process. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and any side effects you may experience. Based on your feedback and clinical outcomes, we may adjust your treatment plan to ensure it meets your needs.  At times, this may also include blood work.

• Coordination of Care: If you’re receiving care from other health professionals, we coordinate closely with them to ensure that your treatment plan is comprehensive and avoids any potential medication interactions.

• Education and Support: We provide detailed information about any prescribed medication, including how it works, how to take it, and what to expect. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have the information and resources needed to manage your medication effectively.

Our goal is to support your mental health needs in the most effective way possible. Medication can be a valuable tool for some, but it’s just one part of a broader treatment strategy that may also include therapy, lifestyle changes, and other non-pharmacological interventions.

Information needed will vary depending on the reason for your visit. After scheduling an appointment, we’ll send you the necessary documents that will need to be filled out and returned before the appointment. 

Yes, and here are some things to consider:

• Finding the Right Counselor: Look for a practitioner who specializes in the specific symptoms you’re dealing with and who make you feel comfortable and understood. Some people need to meet with several different practitioners before finding the right person.
• Communication your Concerns: When you reach out, express your concerns about your past negative experience and any apprehensions you have about starting counseling again. At Mimir Psychiatry, Ryan will understand your concerns and work with you to address them/
• Take it Slow: You don’t have to dive into deep emotional conversations right away. Take your time to build trust and rapport. If you’ve seen someone before, it’s sometimes frustrating to “start again” but it’s worth the effort. Practitioners see different things in different context.
• Set Realistic Expectations: It’s is a process and it may take time to see significant progress. Not all medications work overnight and sometimes therapy takes some time to click.

If there’s ever a time you’re feeling unsafe, it would best to call 911, 211, or the national suicide hotline: 988.

Of course! Please note: For any appointments with adolescents under the age of 18, a parent/guardian will need to be present during appointments.

Please see the HIPAA patient document on our FORMS page.  Ryan also uses Tebra which has secure messaging and a patient portal.  There, you can send secure messages, review your chart, and access educational resources.

Referrals from a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner are sometimes sent to specialists (sleep study, neurology, etc), to your primary care doctor for further follow up, or to therapists.  If there’s a specific referral you’re considering, it would be best to speak to your Primary Care Doctor first or discuss it with Ryan on your initial visit.

It’s something being considered for the future! If you’re interested and looking to form a group under the guidance of Mimir Psychiatry, let Ryan know!