A: We specialize in providing comprehensive mental health care for adolescents, teens, and young adults. We also accept younger children and older adults on a case-by-case basis, ensuring a broad range of age-specific care. Our expertise covers various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, trichotillomania, psychosis, sleep issues, ADHD, behavioral issues, school avoidance, grief, family conflict, life transitions, PTSD, ASD, childhood trauma, and mood disorders.

Alongside traditional medication management, we use integrative and functional medicine, focusing on each patient's unique biochemical, genetic, and environmental factors. This approach allows for tailored treatment plans that address the root causes of mental health issues. Our goal is to provide personalized care, recognizing your unique needs and helping you achieve clarity and balance in your life.

A: At WellMinds MD, we believe in a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health for adolescents, teens, and adults. You are the expert on your mind, and we help decode your experiences while managing your neurological makeup. We begin by understanding your unique life context—your experiences, challenges, and aspirations—and combine this insight with evidence-based treatments, including medication management and integrative approaches, to create a tailored plan for your well-being.

While we strive to select the most effective treatment, not every patient responds successfully to initial treatment. We may need to try multiple approaches or, if necessary, refer you to services outside of our practice to ensure the best possible care tailored to your needs.

A: Absolutely! At WellMinds MD, we understand the importance of integrating care with your current therapist, primary care doctor, or other healthcare providers. With your permission, we are more than willing to work alongside your healthcare team. This collaborative approach allows us to create a cohesive and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs, enhancing your overall mental health and well-being. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, integrated care that supports you at every step of your journey

At WellMinds MD, your privacy is our utmost priority. We strictly comply with all HIPAA regulations to ensure your health information remains secure. All medical records are maintained confidentially according to legal and professional standards.

Confidentiality Policy:

• What you share in our work together is kept in strict confidence. We cannot disclose any information about you, including the fact that you are in treatment, unless you give us permission to do so.

Exceptions to Confidentiality:

There are a few circumstances where we are ethically and legally bound to break confidentiality, as outlined by Washington State law (RCW 70.02.050):

• Reporting to authorities if we have reasonable cause to believe any minor, developmentally disabled person, or elderly adult has suffered physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.

• Informing authorities if you or your child communicate substantial intent to physically injure another person, and taking measures to protect that person by calling the police if necessary.

• Taking steps to save your or your child's life if we have strong reason to believe there is a danger of suicide or serious self-injury, including sharing this information with parents/guardians, recommending an emergency psychiatric evaluation, or calling 911/the police if necessary.

• Complying with a court order that requires us to release records about you or your child, and informing you of this order.

• Providing information necessary for our defense if you waive privilege by bringing ethical or legal charges against us.

• Referring your account to a collection agency for unpaid bills, with information disclosed in a manner consistent with ethical and legal requirements.

• Speaking with another healthcare provider to ensure adequate continuity of your care, per Washington State law (RCW 70.02.050).

Privacy Policy:

• We only share your information with your explicit consent or under legally mandated circumstances as above/per WA law..

Please be aware that if you choose to use your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement, the billing information will include the type of service and diagnosis codes. Rest assured, we handle all details with the utmost care and privacy. Your mental health and safety are paramount to us.

A: In accordance with Washington State mandate, mental health and substance use treatment for adolescents aged 13 and above are personal and confidential, even from parents and caregivers, except in cases of danger to self, others, abuse/neglect, or medical emergencies. We encourage families to maintain open communication and support regarding mental health and substance use issues

.

Chapter 71.34 RCW permits parents of adolescents aged 13-18 to request assessment and treatment (up to 12 sessions in a 3-month period) without the adolescent's consent, provided the providers agree this approach is effective. This allows parents access to certain treatment records.

If you have concerns or questions about this process, please feel free to speak with us further. Your teen's mental health and well-being are our top priorities.

A: At WellMinds MD, we prioritize the well-being and mental health of our young patients, and we also understand the complexities that can arise from divorced co-parenting situations. If the parents of a child are divorced, we require several pieces of documentation to ensure a smooth and compliant treatment process:

1. Legal Custody Agreement: This document helps us understand the custody arrangement and the extent of each parent's decision-making authority regarding the child's medical care.

2. Consent Forms: Both parents need to sign consent forms for the child's treatment, especially in cases where custody is shared. This ensures that all parties are in agreement about the proposed psychiatric care.

3. Relevant Court Orders: Any court orders that impact the child's medical care or specify which parent has decision-making authority must be provided. These documents help us comply with legal requirements and honor court decisions regarding the child's care.

4. Updated Contact Information: We require the most current contact details for both parents. Effective communication with both parents is crucial for providing consistent and coordinated care for the child's mental health needs.

Providing these documents helps us deliver the best possible care for your child while respecting the legal frameworks in place. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us at WellMinds MD.

A: Both psychiatrists and psychologists are committed to mental health care, but their educational backgrounds and roles in treatment differ significantly.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have graduated from medical school and completed a four-year residency, often followed by additional specialized training. This extensive medical training allows them to prescribe medications and provide psychotherapy, offering a comprehensive approach to treatment.

On the other hand, psychologists hold advanced degrees in psychology and are focused on offering therapeutic services. The primary difference between the two lies in their treatment methods: psychiatrists have the capability to combine medication with therapy, while psychologists primarily concentrate on talk therapy and behavior modification.