Psychiatric Care FAQs in Houston, TX
At Synergique Healing, PA, we want every patient and family to feel informed and confident before, during, and after each visit. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often about appointments, billing, refills, and clinic policies. If you do not see your question here, please call (713) 840-7956 or email admin@synergiquehealing.com and our team will be happy to help.
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Helpful Resources for Our Patients
New to our practice? Start with our Patients page, complete your patient forms before your visit, and review the plans we accept on our Insurances & Fees page. Current patients can request a refill, request medical records, update patient information, or make a payment online. To learn more about the care we provide, explore our psychiatric services, the conditions we treat, and the providers on our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Appointments, Cancellation & Late Policy
What should I bring to my first psychiatric appointment?
Please bring your completed new patient consent forms, your insurance card, a government-issued photo ID, cash or a credit card for payment, a list of all current medications and dosages (including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements), copies of previous mental health records, and a list of any psychiatric medications you have used in the past with the dates used. Forms that are not completed before your visit must be completed during your appointment time.
When should I arrive for my appointment?
All patients should arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in and payment. Your appointment will end at its scheduled time regardless of any time lost due to late arrival.
What happens if I arrive late to my appointment?
If you arrive 10 minutes late, you may choose to wait for another available appointment that same day with the same or a different provider, or be charged the late fee and reschedule for another day. Wait times may be considerable, as priority is given to patients who arrive on time.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 48 business hours in advance to avoid a late cancellation fee. Patients with 2 late cancellations or 2 no-shows during the course of treatment will be discharged from the practice.
Am I responsible for a no-show fee if I did not receive an appointment reminder?
Yes. Reminders by text, email, and phone are a courtesy only, and patients are responsible for their appointments whether or not a reminder was received. Our automated system sends reminders 3 business days, 2 business days, 1 business day, and 1 hour before your appointment.
Why do I need to attend follow-up appointments?
Follow-up appointments help ensure your safety while you are on medication maintenance therapy. How often you are seen depends on your treatment plan and medications. Patients who fail to follow up for more than 4 to 6 months past their recommended time frame may be discharged.
Billing, Fees & Payment
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We are in network with carriers including Aetna, Ambetter EPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, ComPsych, Magellan, Optum and UnitedHealthcare plans, Oscar, and Humana Tricare East. We do not accept Medicaid or Medicare. Please visit our Insurances and Fees page for the full list.
What if I am unable to pay for my appointment in full?
Payment is due in full at the time of service. If you are unable to pay, you may qualify for a payment arrangement. Account balances are not allowed to accrue, and you will not be able to check in for your next appointment until balances are paid or a payment plan is arranged.
Why did I receive a balance after paying my copay?
Your insurance carrier only provides a general quote of benefits before your visit. This estimate can change until your carrier processes the claim and issues an Explanation of Benefits.
Who should I notify if I change insurance plans?
It is your responsibility to notify our office at least 3 business days before your appointment if your coverage changes. Otherwise, your visit may be processed as self-pay.
Prescriptions & Refills
How and when should I request a refill?
Please request refills by email or fax at least 3 business days before you run out of medication, including the patient’s full name, date of birth, medication and strength, and pharmacy. Refill requests are reviewed at the end of the business day, and medications are never refilled after hours, on weekends, or on holidays.
Can I get a refill if I am overdue for a follow-up appointment?
Medications are only refilled for current patients who keep their regularly scheduled appointments. If you are overdue, please call to schedule. Your clinician may authorize a temporary refill, but temporary refills are not granted for controlled substances.
What should I do if my pharmacy is out of stock of my medication?
Call nearby pharmacies to find your medication in stock and confirm with that pharmacy first. Then contact our office with the patient’s full name, date of birth, medication name and strength, and the new pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number.
Will my clinician complete a prior authorization?
Yes. Prior authorizations are a courtesy, and we make every effort to secure coverage. It is ultimately your responsibility to confirm which medications your insurance covers or to request appeals.
Contacting the Clinic & Emergencies
I reached voicemail. How can I get in touch with the clinic?
Please leave a message with your name, date of birth, a brief description of your request, and the best number to reach you. Allow up to 24 to 48 business hours for a return call.
What should I do in a psychiatric emergency?
In a life-threatening emergency, or if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Our office is not an acute or inpatient facility, so please do not delay care by waiting for a response from us.
Do you offer an after-hours answering service?
We do not currently offer an after-hours answering service. You may leave a message on our after-hours voicemail, and non-urgent matters such as refills, scheduling, and billing will be addressed during regular business hours.
Forms, Letters & Controlled Substances
Can my clinician complete forms or write a letter for me?
All requests must be discussed during your appointment. Our clinicians do not complete FMLA or short-term disability forms or write service animal letters. When a document is approved, a fee applies and completion takes an average of 7 to 14 business days.
Do your clinicians provide legal testimony or custody evaluations?
No. Our clinicians do not provide forensic services, custody or parental evaluations, CPS evaluations, or disability or medical leave evaluations. If a clinician is subpoenaed on your behalf, you are responsible for court fees, which must be paid upfront.
Are there special policies for patients taking controlled substances?
Yes. Controlled medications such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, and hypnotic sleep aids are closely regulated. Patients must follow our Controlled Substances Agreement, early refills are never granted for lost or stolen medication, and urine toxicology screens may be required before and during treatment.