Frequently Asked Questions
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My practice is designed to offer a more thoughtful and unhurried approach to care.
Rather than brief, medication-focused check-ins, I intentionally limit the number of patients I see so that each appointment allows time for deeper understanding and individualized treatment planning.
I view mental health care through a whole-person lens. I often compare it to caring for a tree, medication can be helpful, like fertilizer, but it is only one part of what supports healthy growth. A tree also needs sunlight, water, strong roots, and time.
In the same way, meaningful change comes from looking at the full context of your life. My goal is to provide care that supports lasting growth, not just short-term symptom relief. At Solas, we strive to bring clarity and light to your path forward.
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Getting started is simple. Use our “Schedule Appointment” link to submit an appointment request. Someone will reach out to you within 48 hours to discuss next steps with you.
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Current patients can reach us through the secure messaging platform on their patient portal account.
New patients can reach out by email at kristi@solasmentalwellness.com.
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We are proud to be in-network with the following insurance plans: Aetna, Cigna, BCBS of NC, Carelon, and Quest!
United Healthcare coming soon.
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In-network insurance plans: We are happy to file claims for you.
Out-of-network insurance plans: We can provide you with a super bill to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Self-pay: Our fees are $275.00 for a new patient evaluation and $175.00 for follow-ups. These fees are subject to change.
I offer limited sliding scale options based on financial need. Feel free to contact me to learn more.
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If you need to cancel an appointment for any reason, please give at least 24 hours notice. First late cancels/no shows may be waived as a courtesy. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice or failing to attend a scheduled appointment without notice, will result in a charge of $100.
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Yes. I truly enjoy caring for children and adolescents and see patients beginning at age 4 and up. Supporting young people and their families through developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
I take a thoughtful, developmentally informed approach and partner closely with parents and caregivers to ensure care feels collaborative, supportive, and aligned with each child’s unique needs.
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Medication decisions are always individualized and made collaboratively. I take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals before recommending treatment, and I only prescribe medication when it is clearly indicated and likely to provide meaningful benefit. My approach is holistic and integrative, which means we will also consider lifestyle factors, behavioral strategies, and evidence-informed supplements when appropriate as part of your overall care plan.
I do prescribe controlled medications, such as stimulants, when clinically appropriate and on a case-by-case basis. These decisions are made thoughtfully, with careful assessment, clear expectations, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Yes. In addition to medication management, I provide supportive psychotherapy during our appointments. This may include helping you process stressors, develop coping strategies, and work through life transitions as part of your overall treatment plan.
If you would benefit from more intensive or specialized therapy, I’m happy to collaborate with or refer you to a trusted therapist to ensure you receive the level of support that best meets your needs.
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Yes. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am trained and qualified to evaluate and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder.
My evaluations are comprehensive and include a detailed developmental history, current functioning, and clinical assessment based on DSM-5-TR criteria. This allows us to determine whether an autism diagnosis is appropriate and, just as importantly, to understand your child (or yourself) more fully and guide next steps.
In some cases, certain services, such as ABA therapy, Medicaid-funded programs, or specific school or workplace accommodations, may require additional formal testing (often completed by a psychologist using standardized tools). If that becomes relevant, I will guide you through exactly what is needed and help coordinate appropriate referrals.
For many individuals and families, a clinical diagnosis is an important and sufficient first step. From there, we will work together to determine the most helpful supports and next steps based on your goals.
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ADHD evaluations at my practice are comprehensive and individualized for each person, whether child, adolescent, or adult. They include a detailed clinical interview to understand symptoms, developmental and medical history, and how challenges are impacting daily life across settings such as home, school, or work. I also use standardized rating scales, such as the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale for children and other validated adult ADHD screening tools when appropriate, along with clinical observations to support diagnostic clarity. In some cases, additional testing may be recommended, but in most situations, a thorough clinical evaluation provides the most accurate and useful information for diagnosis and treatment planning.