Frequently Asked Questions - Pinnacle Behavioral Health and Wellness

Getting Started

Q: What is telepsychiatry? A: Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric care through secure video technology. You'll meet with our board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners via video call from the comfort and privacy of your own home or preferred location.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment? A: You can book appointments three ways:

• Online at pinnaclebhw.com

• Through Vosita or Zocdoc platforms

• Call us directly at 336-828-2599 We offer same-day appointments for urgent needs.

Q: Do you offer a consultation before starting treatment? A: Yes! We provide a free 10-minute consultation to discuss your needs and explain how our telepsychiatry services can help you.

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

Technology & Setup

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

• A smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera and microphone

• Stable internet connection

• Quiet, private space for your appointment

• Updated web browser or our secure app

Q: Is telepsychiatry secure and private? A: Absolutely. We use HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video technology that meets all healthcare privacy standards. Your sessions are completely confidential and secure.

Q: What if I have technical difficulties during my appointment? A: Our team can help troubleshoot before your session. If technical issues arise during your appointment, we can switch to a phone call or reschedule at no additional cost.

Services & Treatment

Q: What conditions do you treat? A: We provide comprehensive mental health care for 20+ conditions including:

• Depression and Anxiety

• ADHD (adults and children)

• Bipolar Disorder

• PTSD and Trauma

• Addiction and Substance Abuse

• Eating Disorders

• Autism Support

• Medication Management

• And many more specialized areas

Q: Do you treat children and adolescents? A: Yes, we provide telepsychiatry services for children, adolescents, and adults. Our providers are experienced in age-appropriate treatment approaches.

Q: Can you prescribe medications through telepsychiatry? A: Yes, our board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe and manage medications as part of your treatment plan, following all North Carolina regulations.

Q: How long are appointments? A: Initial consultations typically last 45-60 minutes, while follow-up appointments are usually 15-30 minutes, depending on your individual needs.

Insurance & Payment

Q: Do you accept insurance? A: We work with most major insurance plans. Please contact us at 336-828-2599 to verify your specific coverage before your appointment.

Q: What if I don't have insurance? A: We offer competitive self-pay rates and can discuss payment options during your free consultation.

Q: How much does treatment cost? A: Costs vary based on your insurance coverage and treatment needs. We'll provide transparent pricing information during your consultation.

Appointments & Scheduling

Q: How quickly can I get an appointment? A: We offer same-day appointments for urgent needs and typically have availability within 24-48 hours for routine appointments.

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule? A: Please give us at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can contact us by phone, through our patient portal, or via our website.

Q: Do you offer evening or weekend appointments? A: We strive to accommodate various schedules. Please contact us to discuss available appointment times that work for your schedule.

Providers & Credentials

Q: Who are your providers? A: Our team includes:

• Afi Kpakossou, PMHNP-BC (Owner)

• Fred Amematsro, PMHNP-BC Both are board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners with extensive experience in mental health care.

Q: Are your providers licensed in North Carolina? A: Yes, all our providers are fully licensed and certified to practice in North Carolina.

Patient Portal & Communication

Q: Do you have a patient portal? A: Yes, our secure patient portal allows you to:

• Access appointment information

• Review treatment plans

• Communicate with your provider

• View test results and documents

Q: How can I contact you between appointments? A: You can reach us through:

• Phone: 336-828-2599

• Patient portal messaging

• Website chat

• Email through our secure system

Q: What if I have a mental health emergency? A: For immediate emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For urgent but non-emergency situations, contact us at 336-828-2599, and we'll provide same-day support when possible.

Treatment Process

Q: Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person care? A: Research shows telepsychiatry is equally effective as in-person treatment for most mental health conditions. Many patients find it more convenient and comfortable.

Q: How long does treatment typically take? A: Treatment duration varies based on your individual needs and goals. Some patients see improvement in weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll discuss your treatment timeline during your consultation.

Q: Can I switch from in-person therapy to telepsychiatry? A: Yes, many patients successfully transition to telepsychiatry. We can coordinate with your current providers to ensure continuity of care.

Still have questions? Contact Pinnacle Behavioral Health and Wellness at 336-828-2599 or schedule your free 10-minute consultation at pinnaclebhw.com.