📌 Suburban Psychiatric Specialists – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Welcome to our FAQ page. We’ve organized common questions by topic so you can quickly find what you need.

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🗓️ Appointments & Scheduling:

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Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule by calling our office at 508-206-8578 or by clicking here. New patients will need to provide insurance information and complete intake forms.

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Q: How soon can I get an appointment?
We currently have openings within 1-2 weeks for new patients and spravato consults.

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Q: What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
We ask for at least 24 business hours’ notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments may result in a fee. Clinic policies can be reviewed here.

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💻 Telehealth & Virtual Visits

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Q: How do telehealth appointments work?
Telehealth visits take place via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform linked with our EMR. You’ll receive a link before your session. Please download Zoom on your device.

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Q: What equipment do I need?
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and reliable internet connection. We recommend using Chrome or Safari browsers.

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Q: Are telehealth sessions confidential?
Yes. All visits are encrypted and meet HIPAA standards to ensure your privacy. More information here

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💳 Insurance & Billing

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Q: What insurance plans do you accept?
We currently accept BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Tufts Commercial, MGB, Commonwealth Care Alliance and Medicare. Please confirm copays and deductibles with your insurance before scheduling. More information here

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Q: Do you offer self-pay options?
Yes. We provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) for patients without insurance or those paying out-of-pocket.

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Q: Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale?
We can discuss payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our office.

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💊 Spravato (Esketamine) Treatment

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Q: What is Spravato?
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression.

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Q: Who qualifies for Spravato?
Typically, adults who have tried two or more antidepressants without sufficient improvement may be eligible. A consultation with one of our doctors is required.

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Q: How often are treatments?
Treatments usually occur twice a week for the first month, then taper to weekly or biweekly depending on progress.

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Q: What happens during a session?
You’ll self-administer the nasal spray in our clinic under supervision, then remain for monitoring (about 2 hours). You do need a ride home. We can help arrange rides if your insurance covers them.

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Q: Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Most insurers cover Spravato with prior authorization. Our staff will help with the approval process.​

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🔐 Patient Portal & Records

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Q: How do I access the Patient Portal?
Click the “Patient Portal” link on our homepage. You’ll recieve an email from Charm EHR with login information when you become our patient.

Q: What can I do in the portal?
You can request appointments, send secure messages to your doctor or treatment team, view lab results, and manage billing.

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Q: I forgot my login. What do I do?

You can use the OTP feature and a one time password will be emailed to you.

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❓ What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist, a Nurse Practitioner, and a Therapist/Psychologist?

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• Psychiatrist (MD/DO) – A medical doctor who has had several years of medical school training before completing a 4 year residency specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and understand how mental health issues related to your physical health and conditions.

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP, PMHNP) – An advanced practice nurse with specialized training in psychiatry. NPs can diagnose, prescribe medications, and manage treatment, often working closely with psychiatrists. 

• Therapist/Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, LMHC, LICSW, etc.) – Mental health professionals trained to provide talk therapy and evidence-based counseling (such as CBT, EMDR, DBT). Therapists and psychologists do not prescribe medication but focus on helping patients manage emotions, behavior, and thought patterns through therapy.