=== ABOUT OUR SERVICES ===

Q: What is telepsychiatry?

A: Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric care through secure video technology. You can receive the same high-quality mental health treatment from board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners from the comfort of your home or any private location with internet access.

Q: What conditions do you treat?

A: We provide comprehensive mental health care for a wide range of conditions including: • Depression and Anxiety • ADHD (adults and children) • Bipolar Disorder • PTSD and Trauma • Addiction and Substance Abuse • Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia) • OCD and Phobias • Schizophrenia • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Grief Counseling • Insomnia and Sleep Disorders • Postpartum Depression • Anger Management • Self-Injury and Suicide Prevention • Tourette Syndrome • Weight Management • Marriage Counseling • Medication Management

Q: Do you treat children and adolescents?

A: Yes, we provide mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults. Our providers are experienced in treating ADHD, autism, and other conditions in younger patients.

Q: Who are the providers at Pinnacle Behavioral Health?

A: Our team includes: • Afi Kpakossou, PMHNP-BC ( Lead Provider) • Fred Amematsro, PMHNP-BC Both are board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners with extensive experience in mental health care.

=== APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING ===

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

A: You can schedule appointments in several ways: • Online at www.pinnaclebhw.com • Through Vosita or Zocdoc • Call us directly at 336-828-2599 • Access our patient portal

Q: Do you offer same-day appointments?

A: Yes! We understand that mental health needs can be urgent. We offer same-day appointments when available. Call 336-828-2599 or book online to check availability.

Q: What is the free 10-minute consultation?

A: We offer a complimentary 10-minute consultation to help you understand our services, discuss your needs, and determine if telepsychiatry is right for you. This is a great way to meet our providers and ask any questions before scheduling your first full appointment.

Q: How long are appointments?

A: Initial appointments typically last 45-60 minutes, while follow-up appointments are usually 15-30 minutes, depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

A: We understand that schedules change. Please call us at 336-828-2599 or use our patient portal to cancel or reschedule. We ask for at least 24 hours notice when possible.

=== TECHNOLOGY AND SETUP ===

Q: What technology do I need for telepsychiatry? A: You'll need: •

A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone • Reliable internet connection • A quiet, private space for your appointment • Our secure video platform (we'll provide instructions)

Q: Is telepsychiatry secure and private?

A: Absolutely. We use HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video technology to ensure your privacy and confidentiality. Your sessions are completely secure and protected.

Q: What if I have technical difficulties during my appointment?

A: Our team can help troubleshoot technical issues. We'll provide you with setup instructions before your first appointment, and we're available to assist if problems arise during your session.

Q: Can I use my phone for appointments?

A: Yes, you can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer for your telepsychiatry sessions. We recommend using a device with a larger screen when possible for the best experience. === INSURANCE AND PAYMENT ===

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Please call us at 336-828-2599 or check with your insurance provider to verify coverage for telepsychiatry services.

Q: What if my insurance doesn't cover telepsychiatry?

A: We offer competitive self-pay rates and can discuss payment options during your consultation. Many insurance plans now cover telepsychiatry services, especially after recent healthcare policy changes.

Q: How do I know if my insurance covers mental health services?

A: Contact your insurance provider directly or call us at 336-828-2599. We can help verify your benefits and explain your coverage options.

Q: Do you offer payment plans?

A: We understand that mental health care is an investment. Please discuss payment options with our team during your consultation or by calling 336-828-2599.

=== TREATMENT AND MEDICATION ===

Q: Can you prescribe medication through telepsychiatry?

A: Yes, our board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications through telepsychiatry, just as they would in traditional in-person visits.

Q: How do you monitor medication effectiveness?

A: We schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your response to medications, adjust dosages as needed, and address any side effects or concerns.

Q: What if I need immediate help or have a crisis?

A: For psychiatric emergencies, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For urgent but non-emergency situations, call our office at 336-828-2599. We also provide crisis resources and can help you develop a safety plan.

Q: How long does treatment typically take?

A: Treatment duration varies depending on your individual needs, condition, and treatment goals. Some patients see improvement in a few weeks, while others may need longer-term care. We'll discuss your treatment timeline during your initial consultation.

=== LOCATION AND COVERAGE ===

Q: What areas do you serve? A: We provide telepsychiatry services throughout North Carolina, including: Raleigh, Charlotte, Thomasville, Lexington, Welcome, Archdale, Mebane, Rocky Mount, Harrisburg, Oak Ridge, Kernersville, Fullerdale, Asheboro, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Hampstead, Cornelius, Salisbury, Clemmons, Burlington, Elkin, Reidsville, and surrounding areas.

Q: Do I need to be in North Carolina for my appointment?

A: Yes, due to licensing requirements, you must be physically located in North Carolina during your telepsychiatry appointment.

Q: Can I travel and still receive care?

A: As long as you're in North Carolina during your appointment, you can receive care from any location with internet access. Please let us know if you'll be in a different location for your appointment.

=== GETTING STARTED ===

Q: What should I expect during my first appointment?

A: Your first appointment will include: • Review of your medical and psychiatric history • Discussion of current symptoms and concerns • Mental health assessment • Development of a personalized treatment plan • Discussion of treatment options and goals • Scheduling of follow-up appointments

Q: What should I prepare before my first appointment?

A: Please have ready: • List of current medications and dosages • Insurance information • Brief summary of your mental health history • List of current symptoms or concerns • Any questions you'd like to ask

Q: How is telepsychiatry different from in-person care?

A: The quality of care is the same - you receive the same comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and medication management. The main difference is the convenience of receiving care from your own space without travel time or waiting rooms.

Q: What if telepsychiatry isn't right for me?

A: While most patients find telepsychiatry convenient and effective, we understand it's not for everyone. During your free 10-minute consultation, we can discuss whether our services are a good fit for your needs and preferences.

=== CONTACT INFORMATION ===

Q: How can I contact Pinnacle Behavioral Health? A: You can reach us: • Phone: 336-828-2599 • Website: www.pinnaclebhw.com • Patient Portal: Available for existing patients • Online booking: Through our website, Vosita, or Zocdoc

Q: What are your office hours?

A: Please call 336-828-2599 for current office hours and availability. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs.

Q: Do you have a patient portal?

A: Yes, we provide a secure patient portal where you can access your health information, schedule appointments, and communicate with our team between visits.

=== ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ===

Q: Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person treatment?

A: Research shows that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person care for most mental health conditions. Many patients prefer the convenience and comfort of receiving care from their own environment.

Q: What if I'm not comfortable with video calls?

A: We understand that video calls can feel unfamiliar at first. Our providers are experienced in making patients feel comfortable with telepsychiatry. We'll work with you to ensure you feel at ease during your sessions.

Q: Can family members participate in sessions?

A: With your permission, family members can participate in sessions when appropriate for your treatment. This is often helpful for family therapy or when treating children and adolescents.

Q: Do you provide letters or documentation for work/school?

A: When medically appropriate, we can provide documentation for work accommodations, school needs, or other legitimate purposes. Please discuss your specific needs with your provider. Still have questions? Call us at 336-828-2599 or schedule your free 10-minute consultation to speak with one of our providers directly.