Below are some general clinic policies and guidelines intended to provide clarity and support smooth communication and care.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions or concerns. 

Communication

Patient Portal (Preferred Method)

• Use for non-urgent messages, scheduling, refills, and routine questions. 

• If your question requires more than a brief reply or involves starting or changing a medication, a follow-up appointment may be needed so we can discuss it thoroughly. 

• Replies within 48 business hours (Mon–Fri, excluding holidays).

Text Messages or Phone Calls

• For time-sensitive but non-emergency matters, text (preffered) or call 971-414-4020.

• Messages are monitored 24/7, and replies will be sent as soon as possible. Please note that non-urgent messages may not receive a response until regular business hours. 

Email

• Please be aware that email is not a HIPAA-secure form of communication. To protect your privacy, do not share personal or confidential health information via email.

• For secure communication, please use the TherapyNotes patient portal whenever possible. 

Emergencies

• Do not use portal or text for emergencies.

• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for life-threatening situations.

• Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for urgent mental health support.

Limitations of Electronic Communication

• Messages are not monitored outside business hours.

• Response times may vary during weekends or holidays.

• These methods are not substitutes for urgent or emergency care.

Clinic Policies

Emergencies & Urgent Care

As a solo practitioner, I cannot provide emergency services or urgent care. In case of emergency, call 911, the Multnomah County Crisis Line (503-988-4888, toll-free: 1-800-716-9679), or present to the nearest Emergency Room.  The Cascadia walk in clinic and Unity Psychiatric Emergency Services are helpful resources for urgent psychiatric needs.

If you are a family member or a friend who has safety concerns for my patient- please do not wait for me to call back in case of an emergency. Please call the non emergent police line (503-823-3333) and request to have a welfare safety check for the patient (have name, address, any contact info ready as well as your concerns) if you have concerns or 911 if there are acute safety concerns.

Cancellations & Missed Appointments

I ask that patients provide 48 hour notice advance notice for appointment cancellation. Missed appointments and cancellations may be charged a no show fee (see below). Please be aware that insurance does not cover these fees.  

• 1st occurrence: No charge

• 2nd occurrence: $100

• 3rd occurrence: $150

• 4th occurrence: $200 + possible dismissal from the clinic

Medication Refills

In order to ensure you do not miss doses of medication, when requesting refills outside of appointments, please:

• Check with your pharmacy to see if you have any refills remaining. 

• Please notify me at least 3 business days in advance if a refill is needed between appointments. I typically do not process refill requests on weekends or holidays.

Controlled Substances

While some patients may benefit from medications such as stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) or benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin), these medications carry significant risks that may outweigh the benefits for many individuals.

For this reason, I prescribe controlled substances only in select situations and only for established patients. Patients prescribed these medications may be required to complete periodic urine drug screenings.

Please note that early refills for controlled substances cannot be provided under any circumstances.