Welcome to our Psychiatrist FAQ for Raleigh, NC. Here you can find answers to common questions about psychiatric appointments, medication management, telehealth, insurance, and other services offered by Abdul Khalid, MD, P.A.
What Does a Psychiatrist in Raleigh, NC Do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate both the mental and physical factors that may contribute to psychiatric symptoms. Treatment may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy when appropriate, and coordination with other healthcare professionals. Psychiatrists may also treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday by appointment. Both in-person appointments at our Raleigh office and secure telehealth appointments are available. New patients are welcome, and appointments are often available within 48 hours. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What ages do you treat?
Abdul Khalid, MD, P.A. provides psychiatric care for adults age 18 and older. Services include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and treatment for a variety of mental health and substance use conditions.
What information do I need to bring to my appointment?
For your first appointment, please complete the required new-patient forms before your visit. Please also provide your current insurance card, photo identification, a list of your current medications, and information about your medical and psychiatric history. If available, prior psychiatric records or recent laboratory results may also be helpful. We recommend contacting your insurance company before your appointment to confirm your mental health benefits, deductible, copayment, and any authorization requirements.
What mental health conditions does a psychiatrist in Raleigh, NC treat?
We provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment for adults with a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. We also provide evaluation and treatment for substance use disorders and addiction when appropriate. Treatment is individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.
What is the payment policy?
Copayments, deductibles, and other patient-responsible balances are due at the time of the appointment. The amount you owe may vary depending on your insurance benefits and coverage. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company before the appointment if they have questions about copayments, deductibles, or behavioral health coverage. Self-pay options are also available.
Who files the insurance claims?
If we participate with your insurance plan, our office will submit claims to your insurance company for covered services. You are responsible for any applicable copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, or services not covered by your plan. If we do not participate with your insurance plan, self-pay options may be available. Because insurance benefits vary, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly to verify your behavioral health benefits and coverage before your appointment.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Patients without insurance are welcome. Self-pay appointments are available, and payment is due at the time of service. Please contact our office before scheduling if you have questions about self-pay fees or payment options.
What do I do if I need to change or cancel an appointment?
We ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed without notice may be subject to a $50 late cancellation or no-show fee. Insurance companies do not cover missed appointment fees. We understand that emergencies can occur, and exceptions may be considered when appropriate.
How do I get a refill prescription?
Please request medication refills before you run out of medication. First, check your prescription bottle or contact your pharmacy to see whether refills are already available. If a new prescription is needed, your pharmacy may send an electronic refill request or fax a request to our office at 919-400-4505. You may also contact our office at 919-648-0281. Please allow up to 48 hours for routine refill requests. Some medications may require a follow-up appointment before they can be renewed. Please do not wait until you are completely out of medication to request a refill.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. Secure telehealth appointments are available for eligible patients, providing convenient access to psychiatric care without coming to the office. In-person appointments are also available at our Raleigh, North Carolina office. The appropriate type of appointment can be determined based on your individual clinical needs.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
New patients are welcome, and appointments are often available within 48 hours. Appointment availability may vary, but we make every effort to provide timely access to psychiatric care. Both in-person appointments in Raleigh and secure telehealth appointments are available.
What should I expect at my first psychiatric appointment?
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We will discuss your current concerns and symptoms, psychiatric and medical history, medications, previous treatments, substance use when relevant, and your treatment goals. We will then discuss the diagnosis and appropriate treatment options, which may include medication management and recommendations for psychotherapy or other services. Treatment decisions are individualized and made together based on your needs and preferences.
Do you provide psychiatric medication management?
Yes. Psychiatric medication management is available for adults who may benefit from medication as part of their treatment. This may include starting a medication, adjusting an existing medication, monitoring effectiveness and side effects, and periodically reviewing whether the medication continues to meet your treatment needs. Medication decisions are individualized based on your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, previous treatment response, and personal goals.
What mental health conditions do you treat?
We provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment for adults with a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. We also provide evaluation and treatment for substance use disorders and addiction when appropriate. Treatment is individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.
Do you treat substance use disorders and addiction?
Yes. We provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment for adults with substance use disorders, including problems related to alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other substances. Treatment is individualized and may include psychiatric medication management, treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions, and medication-assisted treatment when clinically appropriate. Recommendations for counseling, recovery programs, or a higher level of care may also be made based on individual needs.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
In many cases, you can schedule an appointment directly without a referral. However, some insurance plans may require a referral or prior authorization for behavioral health services. We recommend contacting your insurance company before scheduling to confirm your specific benefits and requirements.
Do you prescribe controlled medications?
Controlled medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate following a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Prescribing decisions are made on an individual basis and depend on the diagnosis, medical and psychiatric history, current medications, previous treatment, and potential risks and benefits. A specific medication cannot be guaranteed before an evaluation, and ongoing monitoring or additional clinical requirements may be necessary when controlled medications are prescribed.
Do you provide psychotherapy or counseling?
The primary focus of our practice is psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Supportive therapeutic interventions may be incorporated into psychiatric visits when appropriate; however, patients who would benefit from regular psychotherapy or counseling may be referred to a therapist or other qualified mental health professional. We can work collaboratively with your therapist as part of your overall treatment plan when appropriate.
Can you coordinate my care with my other healthcare providers?
Yes. With your permission, we can coordinate care with your primary care physician, therapist, or other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment. Collaboration can be particularly helpful when reviewing medications, medical conditions, laboratory results, or other factors that may affect your psychiatric treatment. Appropriate authorization may be required before we can share or obtain protected health information.
Will I need laboratory tests while receiving psychiatric treatment?
Laboratory testing may be recommended depending on your medications, medical history, symptoms, and individual treatment needs. Certain psychiatric medications require periodic monitoring to help assess safety and treatment response. When laboratory testing is appropriate, we will discuss which tests are recommended and how often they should be completed.
What should I do if I am experiencing a psychiatric emergency?
Our office does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical or psychiatric emergency, are in immediate danger, or are concerned that you may harm yourself or someone else, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis, you may call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate support. Routine appointment requests, medication refill requests, and other non-urgent concerns should be directed to our office during regular business hours.