FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is A.D.H.D.?
- Do the doctors only diagnose and treat ADHD?
- Do children need to attend the initial appointment?
- What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- Does a significant amount of psychological and neuropsychological testing need to be completed before a diagnosis of ADHD can be made?
- Is diagnostic testing required if the patient was previously tested by another doctor?
- How do I request prescription refills and when can I expect to receive them?
- How often do patients need to be seen in the office to keep getting refills on their medications?
- Why are prescriptions not considered an emergency?
- Why are the doctors not contracted with or providers of any insurance companies?
- Why are “No Show“ and “Late Cancellation“ appointments billed in full?
- Do the doctor’s write letters to acquire support animals?
A.D.H.D. or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common disorder affecting up to 15% of children. Its clinical presentation is variable, often making the diagnosis difficult. Accompanying problems of oppositionality, depression, anxiety, conduct problems, peer problems, and learning disabilities often make A.D.H.D. difficult to treat.
No, each doctor is able to diagnose and treat all mental illnesses and disorders within their field of training and license. Anything outside of their field of training and license will be referred appropriately.
Yes, the child needs to attend the initial appointment and testing in order for the doctor to diagnose and recommend treatment. Parents may ask for some time alone with the doctor if there are concerns are question that they would like addressed in private.
The short answer is that a Psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor and can prescribe medications, a Psychologist holds a Ph.D and cannot prescribe medications.
No. However, psychological and possibly some neuropsychological testing may be needed to help understand more about learning/processing disorders, significant emotional/personality disorders, and may be required to document the functional weaknesses of ADHD on educational performance. Some statutes and/or policies may require this documentation before modifications and support for the student’s individual education plan can be provided. These factors will be discussed with parents and students.
If previous testing was performed by another doctor within the last 3 years, please fax the report to our office (210-496-2804) to determine if additional testing is required.
Refill requests can be made on our website, under the tab RX Requests and Concerns. Prescription requests will be processed 48 business hours after they are received.
After each appointment, your therapist or psychiatrist will let you know when he or she would like you to schedule a follow up session. Please note that most follow up appointments with psychiatrists may be as soon as one to two weeks, when medications are first prescribed, and further apart once medications are stable.
It is the patient’s responsibility to monitor the prescription prior to depletion and to request a prescription during hours of operation.
This allows the doctors to focus on what is best for their patients without limitations set by the insurance companies.
The ADHD Clinic does NOT double book appointment blocks to ensure every patient is seen in a timely manner. By not canceling the appointment 24 business hours in advance, there is not adequate time to fill the appointment block which could have been issued to another patient waiting for an appointment.
Letters for support animals should be written by the therapist that you are currently seeing to manage your anxiety. The psychiatrists in our office do not write letters for support animals.
