Question 1

What is a PMHNP, and how is that different from a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with specialized training in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment — including the ability to prescribe medication. The key difference from a psychiatrist (who holds an MD) is educational pathway: PMHNPs complete a nursing degree followed by a graduate-level psychiatric specialty program. In practice, PMHNPs and psychiatrists provide very similar care. Nicholas holds his PMHNP certification and has extensive clinical experience in both therapy and medication management.

Question 2

Which states do you currently see patients in?

Accepted Answer

Northwest Psychiatry currently accepts clients in Maine. We are expanding to Washington State in 2027. All appointments are conducted via telehealth, so you can be seen from anywhere within the state you're licensed.

Question 3

Can I be seen if I'm temporarily outside of Maine?

Accepted Answer

No — telehealth law requires that you be physically located in a state where your provider is licensed at the time of the appointment. Because Nicholas is currently licensed in Maine, you must be in Maine during your visit. If you travel out of state, please contact us at (360) 342-6445 so we can reschedule for when you return. If you anticipate an extended stay in another state, reach out and we'll discuss your options.

Question 4

Do you see minors or children?

Accepted Answer

Northwest Psychiatry primarily serves adult clients (18 and older). If you are inquiring about care for a minor, please call (360) 342-6445 or email Nicholas.Eddy@northwestpsychiatry.org to discuss whether we can accommodate your situation.

Question 5

What is your approach to psychiatric care?

Accepted Answer

Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, takes a person-centered, evidence-based approach to psychiatric care. That means treatment is always tailored to you as an individual — your history, goals, values, and preferences — rather than fitting you into a standard protocol. Care often integrates medication management with therapeutic techniques drawn from CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed practice. Nicholas believes strongly in shared decision-making: you are an active partner in your own treatment, not a passive recipient. The goal is not just symptom relief, but meaningful improvement in your quality of life.

Question 6

Do you provide therapy, medication management, or both?

Accepted Answer

Both. Northwest Psychiatry offers a combined approach to psychiatric care — Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, is trained in both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Depending on your needs, your care may focus primarily on medication management, therapy, or an integrated blend of both. Many clients benefit most from a combination: medication to address neurobiological factors, and therapy to build skills, process experiences, and work toward meaningful goals. The balance is discussed openly and adjusted over time based on what's working.

Question 7

Do you prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a licensed PMHNP in Maine, Nicholas can prescribe the full range of psychiatric medications, including controlled substances such as stimulants (for ADHD) and benzodiazepines (for anxiety and related conditions), when clinically appropriate. Controlled substances are evaluated carefully based on your diagnosis, history, safety profile, and relevant state prescription monitoring requirements, and are monitored closely throughout your care.

Question 8

How do I request a medication refill?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to request a refill is through your client portal. Sign in, go to the Medications tab, and click 'Request Refill' next to the medication. Add any relevant notes (e.g., running low, questions about side effects) and submit. Your provider will review the request and you can track its status in the Refill Requests tab. For urgent needs, call (360) 342-6445.

Question 9

How long does it take for a refill request to be processed?

Accepted Answer

Refill requests submitted through the client portal are typically reviewed within 1–3 business days. If your medication is running low, submit your request at least a week before you run out to avoid a gap. For urgent situations, call the office at (360) 342-6445.

Question 10

What if I'm experiencing side effects from my medication?

Accepted Answer

Contact us as soon as possible. If you're experiencing a severe or life-threatening reaction, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. For non-emergency side effects, send a message through your client portal or call (360) 342-6445. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication abruptly without guidance — some medications require a gradual taper.

Question 11

Can medications be prescribed at the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes — if the clinical picture is clear and medication is indicated, Nicholas may prescribe during or following the initial psychiatric evaluation. However, some situations require additional assessment or follow-up before prescribing, particularly for controlled substances or complex presentations. This will always be discussed openly with you.

Question 12

Where will my prescription be sent? Can I choose my pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. You'll provide your preferred pharmacy during your intake process. If you need to update your pharmacy at any time, send a message through your client portal or call (360) 342-6445. Controlled substance prescriptions may be subject to additional requirements depending on your pharmacy and state regulations.

Question 13

What is prior authorization, and what should I do if my insurance requires it?

Accepted Answer

Prior authorization (PA) is a requirement from some insurance plans that a medication must be approved before they'll cover it. If your insurer requires a PA for a prescribed medication, our office will initiate the process on your behalf — you do not need to handle it yourself. PA reviews typically take a few business days, though timelines vary by insurer. If your medication is urgent and a PA is pending, call us at (360) 342-6445 and we'll work with you to bridge the gap if clinically appropriate.

Question 14

What are off-label psychiatric medications?

Accepted Answer

An 'off-label' medication is a drug prescribed for a condition or purpose other than what it was originally FDA-approved for. This is a common and legal medical practice — once a medication is approved by the FDA, providers can prescribe it off-label when supported by clinical evidence. In psychiatry, several medications originally developed for non-psychiatric conditions have evidence for psychiatric benefits. For example, memantine (originally for Alzheimer's) may help with OCD augmentation; pramipexole (for Parkinson's) has shown benefit in treatment-resistant depression; and dronabinol (for nausea/appetite) can help with PTSD-related nightmares. Your provider considers off-label options when standard treatments haven't been effective, always weighing the evidence, risks, and your individual situation. You can learn more about psychiatric medication classes — including a dedicated 'Non-Psychiatric (Off-Label Psychiatric)' category — on our medication guide at northwestpsychiatry.org/medications.

Question 15

How do I become a new client?

Accepted Answer

There are two ways to get started. The first is our online waitlist form at northwestpsychiatry.org/waitlist — submit your information and we'll reach out within a few business days to schedule your intake. The second is booking directly through Headway (care.headway.co/providers/nicholas-eddy), where you can check real-time availability and verify your insurance before booking. The first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation (typically 60–75 minutes), which serves as the foundation for your care plan.

Question 16

What insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Northwest Psychiatry is credentialed in Maine with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Maine, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare (Optum), Oxford (Optum), Oscar (Optum), Carelon Behavioral Health, Quest Behavioral Health, and Point32 Healthcare. Headway handles all insurance verification and billing on your behalf. To confirm your specific plan is accepted, visit the Headway booking page and enter your insurance details — it only takes a few minutes.

Question 17

How soon can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Availability varies, but new clients are typically seen within 1–2 weeks of booking. You can check real-time availability on Headway. If you have urgent needs, please call our office at (360) 342-6445 and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Question 18

How long are follow-up appointments, and how often will I be seen?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up appointments are typically 20–30 minutes. Frequency depends on your individual needs and treatment phase — early in treatment or when adjusting medications, appointments are often monthly. As your care stabilizes, visits may shift to every 6–8 weeks or quarterly. Your provider will recommend a schedule that makes clinical sense for you and adjust it as your needs change.

Question 19

How do I request an appointment through the patient portal?

Accepted Answer

Established clients can request new appointments directly from the client portal — no need to go to an external site. Sign in at northwestpsychiatry.org/portal, go to the Appointments tab, and click 'Request New Appointment.' You'll choose a preferred date and time, appointment type, format (telehealth or in-person), duration, and optionally share what you'd like to address. Once submitted, your provider reviews the request and either approves or suggests an alternative. You'll receive an email confirmation when the appointment is approved. New clients should book through Headway (care.headway.co/providers/nicholas-eddy) or join the waitlist at northwestpsychiatry.org/waitlist.

Question 20

How do I reschedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Established clients can reschedule through the patient portal. Sign in at northwestpsychiatry.org/portal, go to the Appointments tab, find your upcoming appointment, and click 'Reschedule.' A form will appear where you can select a new date and time and optionally add a note explaining the reason. Once submitted, your provider reviews the reschedule request and you'll receive an email confirmation when it is approved. You can also call our office at (360) 342-6445 to reschedule. Please give at least 24 hours' notice when possible to avoid a late-cancellation fee.

Question 21

What is Myndlift Neurofeedback, and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Myndlift is a remote neurofeedback program that some clients may be enrolled in as part of their individualized treatment plan. Neurofeedback uses real-time brainwave feedback to help train the brain's self-regulation — it is used alongside medication and therapy for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Enrollment is not automatic; it is offered on a case-by-case basis when your provider determines it may benefit your care. If you are enrolled, you'll see a 'Neurofeedback' tab in your client portal under the Wellness section. It shows your enrolled protocol, target session count, current status, and a direct link to your Myndlift profile to access your headset and session data.

Question 22

How long are my medical records kept after I stop being a client?

Accepted Answer

Northwest Psychiatry retains medical records in accordance with Maine state law, which requires that adult client records be kept for at least 7 years from the date of the last service. Records for clients who were minors at any point during treatment are kept until the client's 25th birthday or 7 years from the last service — whichever is later. During this period, you retain your HIPAA right to access your records. After the retention period expires, records are securely destroyed in compliance with HIPAA guidelines.

Question 23

What mental health conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

Northwest Psychiatry specializes in a broad range of adult psychiatric conditions, including: Major Depressive Disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Bipolar Disorder (I and II), OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), Insomnia and sleep disorders, and mood dysregulation. Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, also specializes in treatment-resistant presentations and complex cases involving multiple co-occurring conditions. If you're unsure whether your situation is a good fit, call (360) 342-6445 or send a message — we're happy to talk through it.

Question 24

Do you treat depression?

Accepted Answer

Yes — depression is one of the most common conditions treated at Northwest Psychiatry. Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, offers comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and treatment-resistant depression. Treatment typically includes medication management, individual therapy focused on evidence-based approaches (CBT, behavioral activation), and personalized goal-setting. All care is delivered via secure telehealth, so you can start treatment from home anywhere in Maine. Learn more at northwestpsychiatry.org/depression-treatment-maine.

Question 25

Do you treat anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Northwest Psychiatry provides evaluation and treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and related anxiety conditions. Treatment is individualized and may include psychiatric medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, mindfulness-based approaches, and goal-oriented coping strategies. All visits are via telehealth. Learn more at northwestpsychiatry.org/anxiety-medication-management-maine.

Question 26

Do you treat ADHD in adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Northwest Psychiatry provides comprehensive ADHD evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management for adults. Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, takes a thorough approach to ADHD assessment — reviewing symptom history, functional impairment, and ruling out contributing or co-occurring conditions. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are available when clinically appropriate, along with psychoeducation and individualized goal-setting. All care is via telehealth. Learn more at northwestpsychiatry.org/adhd-psychiatry-maine.

Question 27

Do you treat PTSD and trauma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trauma-informed psychiatric care is a core specialty at Northwest Psychiatry. Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, provides evaluation and treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, and trauma-related mood and anxiety symptoms. Treatment may include medication management, trauma-focused therapeutic approaches, and — for eligible clients — adjunctive remote neurofeedback (Myndlift). All visits are via telehealth. Learn more at northwestpsychiatry.org/ptsd-telepsychiatry-maine.

Question 28

Do you treat bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Northwest Psychiatry provides psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management for Bipolar Disorder I and II. Accurate diagnosis is essential — Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, takes time during the initial evaluation to carefully assess mood history, episode patterns, family history, and treatment history. Mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and adjunctive medications are available as clinically appropriate. Regular follow-up and close monitoring are an important part of bipolar care.

Question 29

Do you treat insomnia or sleep problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sleep disorders — including chronic insomnia, insomnia comorbid with anxiety or depression, and sleep disruption related to PTSD — are commonly addressed at Northwest Psychiatry. Treatment approaches include behavioral interventions (CBT-I principles), sleep hygiene guidance, and medication management when appropriate. Neurofeedback (Myndlift) may also be considered as an adjunctive treatment for insomnia in eligible clients.

Question 30

Do you evaluate and treat PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes significant mood disturbances — including depression, anxiety, irritability, or emotional instability — in the days before menstruation. Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, uses the full DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (Criteria A through G) to accurately evaluate PMDD, which is often misdiagnosed as generalized depression or anxiety. If you track your symptoms and notice a clear pattern tied to your menstrual cycle, mention this at your appointment. Your portal's Cycle Tracker (under Wellness) can help you log period dates and symptoms over time, which provides valuable data for diagnosis and treatment planning. Treatment may include medication management, lifestyle modifications, and cycle-aware therapy strategies. PMDD is distinct from regular PMS — the emotional symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and relationships.

Question 31

How does telehealth work? What do I need?

Accepted Answer

All appointments are conducted via Doxy.me — a HIPAA-compliant video platform that requires no downloads or account creation. On desktop, your session loads directly inside the client portal (Telehealth tab → Connect) so you don't have to leave the page. On iPhone or iPad, a button will open the session in Safari, where camera and microphone access is most reliable. On Android, the session also loads embedded in the portal. You'll need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private, comfortable space. We recommend testing your setup before your first appointment at doxy.me/test.

Question 32

What browser works best for telehealth?

Accepted Answer

On desktop, Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge provide the most reliable experience. Mozilla Firefox also works well. Safari on Mac is supported but can occasionally require extra permission steps. Avoid Internet Explorer — it is not supported. On mobile, use Safari on iPhone or iPad (iOS requires Safari for camera and microphone access). On Android, Chrome is recommended. If your session doesn't load correctly, try switching browsers before calling us — this resolves most issues.

Question 33

Can I use my phone or tablet for appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most clients successfully join appointments from a smartphone or tablet. On iPhone or iPad, tap the 'Open in Safari' button in your portal's Telehealth tab — iOS requires Safari for reliable camera and microphone access. On Android, the session loads embedded inside the portal in Chrome. For the best experience, prop your phone up so your face is clearly visible and you're in good lighting. A hands-free stand makes a big difference for longer appointments.

Question 34

How much internet speed do I need for a telehealth visit?

Accepted Answer

A stable connection with at least 5 Mbps upload and download is sufficient for a smooth video session. Most broadband, cable, and 4G/5G connections exceed this easily. If your connection is slow or unstable, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, closing other bandwidth-heavy apps, or switching to a wired connection. You can test your connection speed at fast.com before your appointment. If bandwidth is a recurring issue, we can switch to an audio-only call — just let us know.

Question 35

What if I have technical problems during my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you experience technical issues, first try refreshing your browser or switching to a different device. If problems persist, call our office at (360) 342-6445 and we'll switch to a phone consultation or reschedule without penalty. Technical difficulties are never held against you — they happen.

Question 36

How do I test my camera and microphone before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can test your audio and video setup at doxy.me/test — it will check your camera, microphone, and connection quality and flag any issues before your appointment. Make sure to allow camera and microphone access when your browser prompts you. If you've previously denied permission, you'll need to re-enable it in your browser settings (look for the camera icon in the address bar).

Question 37

Is telehealth as effective as in-person care for psychiatric services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Research consistently shows that telehealth psychiatric care produces outcomes equivalent to in-person treatment for the vast majority of conditions. Many clients actually prefer the convenience and comfort of being seen from home, and some find it easier to open up in a familiar environment.

Question 38

How do I join my telehealth appointment when it's time?

Accepted Answer

When your appointment time arrives, sign in to your client portal and go to the Appointments tab. You'll see a 'Today's Session' banner at the top — click the 'Join Session' button and you'll be taken directly to the Telehealth tab, where the Doxy.me video room loads right inside the portal. No new browser tab, no separate download. On desktop and Android, the video session appears embedded in the page. On iPhone or iPad, tap the 'Open in Safari' button that appears — iOS requires Safari for camera and microphone access. Your provider will admit you from their virtual waiting room once you've checked in. If you want to test your camera and microphone beforehand, visit doxy.me/test.

Question 39

How do I get access to the client portal?

Accepted Answer

You can create a portal account at northwestpsychiatry.org/portal/signup — no invite code needed. Enter your email address and a password (minimum 12 characters), then verify your email with a 6-digit code to complete setup. If you run into any trouble, call (360) 342-6445 or email Nicholas.Eddy@northwestpsychiatry.org.

Question 40

What can I do in the client portal?

Accepted Answer

The portal is organized into sections across the sidebar. My Care: Appointments (upcoming and past sessions with a booking link), My Treatment (Evals & Care Plan with consent forms and diagnoses, plus Treatment Tracker for goals), Medications (current prescriptions with side effect tracking, pharmacy, and allergy management), Clinical Notes (Visit Summaries and Progress Notes), My Insights (AI-generated health summary), Documents (My Records, Lab Results, and My Locker). Requests: Refill Requests (submit and track status), Release of Information (ROI requests). Wellness: Screenings (PHQ-9, GAD-7, MDQ, ASRS, PCL-5, ISI, AUDIT, and more), Mood Tracker (daily mood with trend charts), Symptom Tracker (multi-symptom logging), Safety Plan (personal plan + provider-assigned structured templates), Wellness Journal (private), Worksheets (interactive therapy worksheets), Resources & Videos (handouts and educational videos assigned by your provider). Connect: Messaging (end-to-end encrypted), Telehealth (join Doxy.me directly — embedded on desktop/Android, opens in Safari on iPhone/iPad). Practice: Practice Policies, Crisis Support (24/7 resources). Account: My Profile, Settings (including Billing & Insurance — shows your insurance on file or self-pay status). If you are enrolled in the Myndlift neurofeedback program, a Neurofeedback tab also appears in your Wellness section.

Question 41

What is the Appointments tab in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Appointments tab is located under 'My Care' in your portal sidebar. It shows all of your upcoming scheduled appointments and a full history of past sessions with Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP. Each entry displays the date, time, and visit type (Initial Evaluation, Follow-Up, Medication Management, etc.) along with a status label. You can also submit a new appointment request directly from the portal — your provider will review and confirm it.

Question 42

What is the My Treatment tab in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The My Treatment tab is located under 'My Care' in your portal sidebar and contains two sub-tabs. Evals & Care Plan: holds consent agreements, intake documents, and other forms your provider needs you to review and sign, plus your current diagnoses with ICD-10 codes. When a new form is ready, it will appear here — read the document carefully and add your electronic signature at the bottom to submit. Treatment Tracker: shows the goals you and your provider have agreed to work toward, with milestones and progress notes for each goal. Signed forms are saved automatically and visible to your provider.

Question 43

What is a Release of Information (ROI) request?

Accepted Answer

A Release of Information authorizes Northwest Psychiatry to share your medical records with a third party — such as another provider, an insurance company, or a family member you designate. You can submit a new ROI request directly from the ROI tab in your client portal. Your provider will review the request and update its status (pending, approved, or declined). Once approved, records will be shared only as specified in your request.

Question 44

Is the client portal secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The portal is HIPAA-compliant. Your data is encrypted in transit and at rest. All sessions are protected by email-based two-factor verification, and your account automatically signs out after 30 minutes of inactivity to protect your privacy — especially on shared devices. You'll see a warning 5 minutes before the session ends, giving you a chance to extend it. Passwords are required to be at least 12 characters. Only you can access your own records.

Question 45

Can I download or print my records from the portal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Click 'Documents' under 'My Care' in the sidebar, then select the 'My Records' sub-tab. Click the document icon next to any file to open it in your browser or save it to your device. You can then print from your browser as needed. If you need a specific record not available in the portal, contact us at (360) 342-6445 or Nicholas.Eddy@northwestpsychiatry.org.

Question 46

Where do I find my diagnoses in the portal?

Accepted Answer

Your diagnoses are listed under the My Treatment tab in 'My Care'. Select the 'Evals & Care Plan' sub-tab to see your current psychiatric diagnoses as documented by your provider, including the clinical name and ICD-10 code for each condition. This information is kept up to date as your care evolves and is useful to have on hand when coordinating with other providers or completing insurance paperwork. If you have questions about any listed diagnosis, bring it up in your next appointment or send a message through the portal.

Question 47

What is the Safety Plan tab in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Safety Plan tab contains two types of plans. Your Personal Safety Plan is a freeform document developed collaboratively with your provider — capturing your personal warning signs, healthy coping strategies, trusted support contacts, and emergency resources in your own words. You can review and update it anytime. Provider-Assigned Plans are structured templates your provider assigns based on your clinical needs — for example, a Suicidal Ideation Safety Plan, a Violence/Aggression Safety Plan, or a Psychosis Safety Plan. Each template guides you through standardized sections (warning signs, coping strategies, means safety, emergency contacts, professional resources) with fields you can fill in and save. Both types are designed to be a resource you can return to during difficult moments. If you would like to review or update either plan, bring it up at your next appointment or send a message through the portal.

Question 48

What is the Home tab in the client portal?

Accepted Answer

The Home tab is the default landing page of your client portal. It shows your upcoming appointment (with a direct 'Join Telehealth' button), any pending forms that need your signature, recent messages from your provider, and a quick summary of your latest mood and symptom log entries. Think of it as your at-a-glance dashboard — it surfaces what's most urgent so you don't have to navigate through each section manually.

Question 49

I created a portal account but I only see limited access — why?

Accepted Answer

Full portal access is activated once you are an established client with an active care relationship at Northwest Psychiatry. If you created an account while on the waitlist or before your first appointment, you'll see a limited view until your provider activates your full profile. In the meantime, you can use the portal to complete your biopsychosocial intake assessment, which helps your provider prepare for your first visit. If you believe your access should already be active, call (360) 342-6445.

Question 50

My family member and I share the same email address — can we each have our own portal account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The client portal supports multiple patient profiles linked to the same email address — for example, two family members in the same household who use a shared email. When you sign in, the portal loads your currently active profile. If more than one profile is linked to your email, an account switcher appears at the bottom of the sidebar (and in the mobile menu) letting you switch between profiles without signing out. Each profile has its own appointments, medications, messages, records, and treatment plan — they are completely separate. To switch, click the account switcher and select the other profile; the portal reloads with that profile's data. If you believe a shared email situation applies to you but you don't see the switcher, contact us at (360) 342-6445 and we can link your profiles.

Question 51

I forgot my portal password — how do I reset it?

Accepted Answer

On the portal sign-in page at northwestpsychiatry.org/portal, click 'Forgot password?' and enter the email address associated with your account. We'll send a 6-digit reset code to that email — enter the code along with your new password (minimum 12 characters) to complete the reset. If you don't see the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you're still having trouble, call (360) 342-6445 or email Nicholas.Eddy@northwestpsychiatry.org.

Question 52

How do I join my telehealth appointment from the portal?

Accepted Answer

In your client portal, navigate to the Telehealth tab in the Connect section of the sidebar. On desktop and Android, your Doxy.me session loads embedded right inside the portal — no new tab needed, no downloads. On iPhone or iPad, the portal will show an 'Open in Safari' button; tap it to launch the session in Safari where camera and microphone access are most reliable on iOS. In all cases, allow camera and microphone access when prompted, then wait in the virtual room — your provider will admit you at your appointment time. If you run into trouble, there's also a 'New tab' button in the session header to open Doxy.me in a separate window. For any technical issues, call (360) 342-6445.

Question 53

What is the Pre-Session Check-In tab in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Pre-Session Check-In tab lets you answer a few short questions about your current mood, sleep, and concerns before each appointment. Your responses are shared with your provider so they can tailor the session to what matters most right now. You'll find it under the Screenings tab in the Wellness section of your portal sidebar.

Question 54

What are Visit Summaries in the portal?

Accepted Answer

Visit Summaries are brief, structured notes added by your provider after each session. They highlight the topics discussed, any medication changes, and next steps — a useful reference between appointments. Find them in the Clinical Notes tab under 'My Care' in your portal sidebar.

Question 55

What is the Wellness Journal in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Wellness Journal is a private space to write freely — only you can see your entries. Use it to process thoughts between appointments, track patterns, or reflect on your progress. You can choose to share specific entries with your provider if you'd like to discuss them at your next visit.

Question 56

What is the Treatment Tracker in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Treatment Tracker tab shows the goals you and your provider have agreed to work toward — such as improving sleep, managing anxiety in social situations, or building a consistent daily routine. For each goal you can see its current status, any milestones your provider has set, and add personal notes as you make progress. Your provider updates goals and milestones from their side, and both of you can see progress in real time. Find the Treatment Tracker under the My Care section of your portal sidebar.

Question 57

What are Assigned Resources in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Assigned Resources tab contains materials your provider has selected specifically for you — psychoeducation handouts, CBT worksheets, relaxation guides, or reading recommendations. Reviewing them between sessions helps reinforce what you discuss during appointments.

Question 58

What is the Worksheets tab in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Worksheets tab contains interactive therapeutic worksheets that your provider assigns directly to your account. You complete them in the portal — there's nothing to download or print. Once finished, you can share your responses with your provider so they can review them before or during your next appointment. Worksheet formats include: Checklist (daily tasks or behaviors to practice), Reflection Prompts (open-ended journaling questions), Pros & Cons (explore both sides of a decision), CBT Thought Record (challenge and reframe automatic negative thoughts), Behavioral Activation (schedule mood-boosting activities), Values Exploration (clarify your personal values and priorities), Safety Plan (your personalized crisis coping plan), SMART Goals (structured goal-setting with specific milestones), Coping Skills Menu (your personalized library of evidence-based coping strategies), Worry Log (track and restructure anxious thoughts), Gratitude Practice (structured daily gratitude reflection), Sleep Log (sleep diary and hygiene improvement guide), Emotion Regulation (DBT-based skills for managing difficult emotions), and Exposure Hierarchy (graduated exposure steps for anxiety or PTSD). Your provider selects the format that best fits your current treatment focus.

Question 59

What is the Video Library in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Video Library is part of the Resources & Videos tab in the Wellness section. It contains short educational videos on mental health topics, including conditions, treatment approaches, and mindfulness techniques. Your provider may assign specific videos as part of your care plan.

Question 60

What is the Symptom Tracker in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Symptom Tracker is a daily logging tool where you can rate the severity of specific symptoms — such as anxiety, low mood, irritability, concentration difficulty, or fatigue — using sliders. Unlike the Mood Tracker (which captures a single overall mood score), the Symptom Tracker lets you log multiple individual symptoms each day and see how each one trends over time. Regular logging builds a data-rich picture for you and your provider to review at appointments. Find it under the Wellness section in your portal sidebar.

Question 61

What is the Progress Notes tab in the portal?

Accepted Answer

The Progress Notes tab gives you direct access to your provider's formal clinical documentation — the detailed notes written after each appointment. These notes include the clinical reasoning behind medication decisions, diagnoses, and treatment adjustments. Under the 21st Century Cures Act (the federal information blocking rule), you have the legal right to access these notes promptly and at no charge. Notes appear in this tab once your provider has shared them with you — your provider controls which notes are made visible, ensuring you always receive the most complete and reviewed version. Find the Progress Notes tab in the Clinical Notes section under 'My Care' in your portal sidebar. You can filter by date and click the document icon to open or save any note. If you have questions about something in a note, bring it up at your next appointment or send a message through the portal. If you believe a note should be available but doesn't appear, contact us at (360) 342-6445.

Question 62

What is the difference between Visit Summaries and Progress Notes?

Accepted Answer

Both are in the Clinical Notes tab under 'My Care' in your portal sidebar, but they serve different purposes. Visit Summaries are brief, structured overviews written by your provider after each session — they highlight the main topics discussed, any medication changes, and your next steps. They're designed to be easy to read and act on between appointments. Progress Notes are the formal clinical documentation written by your provider — significantly more detailed and written in clinical language. They include the full clinical reasoning behind diagnoses, medication decisions, and treatment adjustments. Progress Notes are part of your official medical record and are the documents you would typically share when coordinating care with another provider. Under the 21st Century Cures Act, you have the right to access both.

Question 63

What does an AI-generated Visit Summary include?

Accepted Answer

When your provider finalizes a progress note or initial psychiatric evaluation, an AI-generated Visit Summary is automatically created and added to the Visit Summaries tab in your portal. Each summary includes: a plain-language narrative of the session (2–3 sentences), key takeaways from the appointment, any medication changes explained in everyday language, your next steps before the following appointment, follow-up instructions (what to monitor and when to return), educational facts about your diagnoses or medications (evidence-based and empowering), and quick links to relevant sections of your portal such as your Medications tab, Treatment Plan, Lab Results, or Wellness Journal. The goal is to help you walk away from every appointment with a clear picture of where you stand and what to focus on. You can view, print, or share these summaries from the Visit Summaries tab under Clinical Notes in 'My Care.'

Question 64

Can I see a forensic evaluation in my client portal?

Accepted Answer

Forensic evaluations are legal documents that contain sensitive clinical and psychological findings. By default, they are kept in your provider's clinical record and are not visible in your client portal. However, if you and your provider have discussed it and you have given your consent, your provider may choose to share a completed forensic evaluation directly to your portal. If this has been done, you will find it in the Clinical Notes tab under 'My Care,' listed under your clinical documents. It will display with a purple '⚖️ Shared' badge. You can view or download it directly from the portal. If you believe a forensic evaluation should be available but is not visible, contact us at (360) 342-6445.

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