FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered.
We know you may have questions before reaching out. We have answered the most common ones below. If you do not see what you are looking for, call us at (240) 788-3536 and we will be happy to help.
GENERAL
General Questions
What is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC)?
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is a board-certified advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions. PMHNPs are trained to evaluate patients, diagnose psychiatric conditions, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. Board certification (PMHNP-BC) indicates that the provider has met rigorous national standards for psychiatric care.
Do you offer both medication management and therapy?
Yes. At Cornerstone, both services are available in one place. You can choose one or both — and because your care is managed under one roof, there is no need to coordinate between separate providers.
How can I reach Cornerstone Behavioral Care?
You can reach us by phone at (240) 788-3536 during business hours, by email at info@cornerstonebehavioralcare.com, or by submitting a message through our Contact page. For existing patients, the quickest way to reach us is through the Client Portal. We do our best to respond to all inquiries within one business day
Do you offer services in languages other than English?
Yes. Services are available in both English and French. This is especially valuable for francophone patients who prefer to discuss sensitive mental health topics in their native language.
SCHEDULING
Appointments and Scheduling
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book an appointment through our secure online booking portal or by calling (240) 788-3536 during business hours. For general inquiries you are welcome to contact us by email.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is a comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluation lasting approximately 60 minutes. During this visit we will review your personal and family mental health history, discuss your current symptoms and concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan. There is no pressure, no judgment, and you are welcome to ask as many questions as you need. Please complete your intake forms through the patient portal before your visit so we can make the most of your time together.
Do you see patients in person?
Yes. In-person appointments are available at our Frederick, Maryland office located at 7100 Guilford Dr, Suite 2012, Frederick, MD 21704. All in-person visits are by appointment only.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. We offer HIPAA-compliant telehealth appointments across Maryland and Colorado. Telehealth sessions are conducted via a secure video platform and are available for most of our services including medication management and psychotherapy. You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.
How long are appointments?
Initial psychiatric evaluations are approximately 60 minutes. Medication management follow-up appointments are typically 30 minutes. Psychotherapy session length is determined based on your treatment plan and needs.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours advance notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or missed without prior notice will result in a $75 cancellation fee. This fee is a patient responsibility and is not billable to insurance. We offer a one-time courtesy waiver for a first late cancellation. Please see our full Cancellation Policy for details.
BILLING
Insurance and Billing
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA Community Care Network, GEHA, Oxford, and many more. Please visit our Insurance and Fees page for the complete list. If you do not see your plan listed, contact us to verify your coverage before your appointment.
Do you accept self-pay patients?
Yes. We welcome self-pay patients. Please contact us for current self-pay rates. Payment is due at the time of service. We accept all major credit and debit cards, HSA, and FSA.
Does my insurance cover telehealth appointments?
Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, now cover telehealth psychiatric services. However, coverage varies by plan and state. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your telehealth benefits before your first appointment. You can also contact our office, and we will do our best to help you understand your coverage.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for appointments?
Yes. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards are accepted for all services, including self-pay appointments and any out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs before receiving services. This estimate is provided to self-pay and uninsured patients and includes the expected charges for your appointments. You can request a Good Faith Estimate at any time by contacting our office. If the actual charges are significantly higher than the estimate, you may be able to dispute the bill.
CLINICAL
Clinical Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral health conditions across teens, adults and seniors including anxiety and panic disorders, depression and mood disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma and PTSD, sleep disorders, grief and loss, and stress management. If you are unsure whether your concern falls within our scope, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you."
Do you prescribe medication?
Yes. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, our provider is licensed and trained to evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, and manage psychiatric medications. Medication is always discussed as part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan and is never prescribed without a thorough evaluation. You will always be an active participant in decisions about your care.
What is the difference between medication management and psychotherapy?
Medication management involves evaluating your symptoms, determining whether psychiatric medication is appropriate, prescribing the right medication at the right dose, and monitoring your response over time with regular follow-up appointments. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves structured sessions that help you explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to develop healthier coping strategies and work through challenges. At Cornerstone, both services are available under one roof. You can choose one or both — and if you access both, your care is always coordinated without the need to see separate providers
How long does treatment take?
Treatment length depends on your individual needs, diagnosis, and goals. Some patients benefit from a few months of focused support. Others prefer ongoing care as part of a long-term mental health maintenance plan. We will regularly assess your progress together and adjust your treatment plan as your needs evolve. There is no fixed timeline, and you are always in control of your care decisions.
Do you have a client portal?
Yes. Existing patients have access to a secure client portal where you can complete intake forms, view appointment details, access documents, and communicate with our office. Click the Client Portal link in the navigation bar to log in.