Frequently Asked Questions

What insurances do you accept?

Cigna - Blue Cross Blue Shield - Aetna - Mississippi Medicaid - UnitedHealth Care (Commercial Plans Only) - AmeriGroup - Standard Medicare - Meritain - Optum - UBH - UMR - Ambetter - MedBen & BMHG plans

We are not currently in-network with Humana.

You do not accept my insurance, what can I do?

Many insurance plans will reimburse you up to 50% of what you spend on treatment with us, simply by providing them with a superbill. We also offer low monthly payment plans for our private-pay population to help make sure you’re prepared on the day of your appointment. We encourage you to contact the office for more details.

What is a superbill and how can I get one? 

A superbill is an itemized list of all of the services provided to you during your appointment. This is important, because many insurances offer “out-of-network” benefits… meaning your insurance company will reimburse you for a portion of the money you spend on services with us. Reimbursement differs from person to person depending on your individual plan. However, most plans with out-of-network benefits will reimburse you approximately 50%.  

There is a link on the website for patients needing a copy of their superbill. Please note, it may take up to 10 business days to receive your copy.

Can I use my health insurance to cover the costs of my lab work or genetics testing even if the clinic is out-of-network?

Absolutely! We are happy to bill your health insurance to cover the costs of your labs and/or genetics testing.

Can you help me with the disability process?

At DPS, we are happy to help those who we feel may qualify for disability benefits. However, you are required to be under the care of this clinic for a minimum of 12 months before we can start this process with you. Participation in the disability process is at the sole discretion of the provider. Not all patients will qualify for disability services.

What services do you provide? 

Our Practitioners have extensive education and training in the fields of medication management, basic psychotherapy, ADHD testing and genetics consultations, just to name a few. Specialties include: 

Major Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorders,Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Post-Partum Depression, Trauma-Related Disorders, Difficulties with Anger Management, Problem Solving and Time Management, Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, Disordered Eating Patterns, Gene Mapping (does this run in the family?) Parenting Skills, Budgeting & Impulse Control in ADHD

Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA/FSA/HRA) account?

Absolutely!! If you choose to use your HSA, you will be given a receipt on the day of services. This can be written off on your taxes later as a qualifying medical expense. We all love a tax write-off! 

What other methods of payment do you take? 

Cash, Debit/Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). As a preferred client at DPS, you will be required to keep a card of your choosing on file. This is standard procedure in most practices. Your card is used to pay for your services (co-pay, coinsurance, etc.) at the time of treatment and can be changed at any time. 

Do you see children? 

We adore children! Downtown Psychiatric Services specializes in medication services for ages 6 and up. Our kiddos are special and really need specialized care when it comes to medication management, for safety purposes. Typically, we recommend genetics testing for children prior to starting medication, although this is certainly not a requirement for care. The genetics testing gives the parent a clinical, chemical picture of what’s happening in the child’s brain and allows us to see which medications will work best for your child. This takes out the guess work. We don’t want our kiddos to be medication guinea pigs, ya know? We’d LOVE to see pictures of your little ones younger than 6, we just can’t prescribe medication until they are at least 6 years old.

Do you offer telehealth services? 

Telehealth services are available to those who are not currently taking controlled substances and who live within the states of Tennessee and Mississippi. Those taking controlled substances (stimulant medications and benzodiazepines, for example) are required to come into the office. This isn’t our rule, it’s a federal law. Sorry guys. 

Do you offer genetics consultations? 

Downtown Psychiatric Services offers psychiatric genetics consultations with a genetics professional for those who are struggling to find medications that are effective. Genetics testing can also identify which chemicals in the brain are causing the problem and how the receptors in the brain are working to alleviate your symptoms. Some people are unable to make enough chemicals to naturally regulate their emotions. Some people can make them but can’t move them around the brain. Some people store up stress hormones. Some people break down too much dopamine. Some of us have genes most widely studied in Bipolar Disorder, others have genes that make them more like to suffer neuro-cognitive decline, as in dementia. In either case, it will be a challenge for you to get the full benefit of your medication if the genes are mutated. Why take a bunch of medications that may never work? Our clients rave about the genetics experience here at DPS and we are grateful to be able to help those who felt helpless before.  Many insurances cover the cost of genetic testing, others do not. Five years ago, genetics testing averaged around $6,000. At DPS, it is extremely important that every patient has the opportunity to afford this type of testing and not just the wealthy. For this reason, if your insurance will not cover your genetics test, we will cover it for $295 OR LESS. There is even financial assistance for those who qualify. 

How do you feel about holistic, natural supplements and remedies?

At DPS, we know that the decision to start a medication can be scary. We also know it’s not for everyone. Our practitioners fully support naturopathic care in individuals we believe will benefit from it. The genetics testing can also help identify deficiencies in your neurotransmitters that may be improved and replaced using supplements and vitamins versus psychotropic medications.

Do you prescribe controlled substances? 

Controlled substances are prescribed in MODERATION and on a case-by-case basis only. Restrictions apply. We are bound within the laws and regulations set forth by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy and the Tennessee Board of Nursing. 

Do you prescribe Suboxone/Methadone? 

No. We do not provide medication-assisted-treatment for substance use disorders. We strive for mental wellness for everyone and that isn’t always easy, so that means you will need to show us you are ready and invested in treatment. For that reason, DPS requires those individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol / substance addiction to be sober from all substances for 1 year. DPS does not provide or co-treat those undergoing detoxification services or addiction management.

What are your office hours? 

Monday - Thursday 8am–4:30pm Closed on Fridays
We are closed on weekends and all major holidays. 

How can I become a new patient? 

Simply click the “Schedule New Patient Appointment” at the top of the screen and complete the information section. Once submitted, one of our staff will contact you in the next 48 hours to schedule your appointment on your preferred day. Easy Peasy.

What happens if I am late to my appointment? 

Did you lock your keys in the car? Was traffic a nightmare today? Family emergency? We get it. Life happens. Fortunately, we allow a 15-minute grace-period for all appointments. Be aware that individuals arriving after the grace period will be asked to reschedule their appointment and will incur a no-show fee that will need to be addressed prior to rescheduling the appointment. This is in consideration for the person whose appointment comes after you. Nobody likes to wait, right? 

What is your policy for missing my appointment? 

There is a $100 fee if you fail to cancel your appointment the day before. This fee must be paid before you are able to reschedule your next appointment. We have many people waiting for an appointment spot to open. If we know ahead of time you are not going to be able to make your appointment, someone else may be able to receive the care they need today. Moral of the story: always cancel if you can’t be here. 

Do I have to pass a drug screen to be a patient?

All patients are subject to urine drug screening on admission and intermittently afterwards, depending on your plan of care. Our Practitioners reserve the right to issue random drugs screens as well, to ensure medication compliance. The state of Tennessee requires each patient participating in a drug screen to also have a confirmation. This is performed by out lab. The cost of the point-of-care drug screen is $25 and must be performed 2 - 4 times per year, depending on your medication regimen. 

*You must pass the drug screen or have active prescriptions / medical marijuana card justifying the content your drug screens to receive a prescription for controlled substances.

I don’t have insurance. How much can I expect to pay to join the DPS family? 

Please visit our “Services” page for up-to-date fees of all services provided.

Can I have a genetics consultation if I already have another provider managing my medications?

Absolutely! These services are open to everyone, at any age! You do not have to be a current patient and you are not required to continue treatment afterwards. At DPS, we believe knowledge is power. Our goal is to give you as much information as we can gather about what you’re going through and how best to treat. We want you to feel empowered to take charge of your own mental health. If you already have a trusted provider to manage your medication regimen, you do not have to give that up! DPS provides detailed reports following each testing experience. These reports and recommendations can be taken back to your current provider to help assist in your treatment.