Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you take insurance?

• For psychiatric care, we currently accept those under Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nevada, Carelon Behavioral Health, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and Quest Behavioral Health, and we are currently working on establishing contracts with United Healthcare, Oscar, Oxford, and Hometown Health. 
• For those seeking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and/or medical weight loss, we do NOT accept insurance since the use of GLP-1 medications and BHRT are often considered "Not medically necessary" or "Off-label" and therefore are not covered by many insurances. 
• Ascend Mind & Body does NOT provide care to clients receiving Medicare or Medicaid benefits.

2. What payments do you take?

• Ascend Mind & Body currently accepts any credit or debit card payment utilizing Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. To keep our prices low and competitive, we do not charge a sales tax. However, there is a 3% surcharge for all credit or debit card transactions to help cover the processing fees.

3. Do you offer in-person appointments?

• Yes. Our office is located on the NW corner of Plumb Lane and Plumas Street inside Avionce Aesthetics Medical Spa & Salon Suites for those who live in the Reno/Sparks area.
• Telemedicine visits are also available to those not in the immediate area or those who prefer seeking care in the comfort of their own home.

4. What services can I receive through telemedicine? How does it work?

• Medical consultations, diagnosis, treatment planning, prescription refills, and follow-up care can all be done via telemedicine.

5. How does it work?

• Appointments are conducted via a HIPAA compliant, secure video conferencing platform. Patients can connect with their Ascend Mind & Body healthcare provider from the comfort of their homes or any location with internet access.

6. Is video conferencing for a healthcare appointment secure/private?

• Telemedicine platforms use encryption and secure technology to protect patient confidentiality and comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA. 

7. Do I need any special equipment for a telemedicine appointment?

• You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, as well as a stable internet connection for your appointment. That's it.

8. How do I schedule an appointment?

• For new patients, Contact Us with the day(s) and time(s) that work best for you, and we'll reach out. For existing patients, please log into your Personal Health Portal and send us a message or request an appointment via the Spruce Health app.

9. Can telemedicine be used for emergencies?

• No. Ascend Mind & Body does not provide emergency care for any condition.
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department and seek immediate care. 
• If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988, call 911 for immediate help, or visit the nearest emergency department and seek immediate care.

10. Does Ascend Mind & Body also provide primary care?

• No. Providers at Ascend Mind & Body are solely focused on psychiatry, medical weight loss, BHRT, and TRT. We strongly recommend that patients continue care and seek preventative services with their current primary care provider.

1. What is medication management for mental health?

• Medication management involves the careful evaluation, prescription, and monitoring of psychiatric medications to help manage mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. It ensures that medications are effective and tailored to your unique needs.

2. What is psychotherapy and how does it help?

• Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a collaborative treatment where individuals work with a licensed provider to explore thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life challenges. It can help reduce symptoms, improve coping skills, and enhance emotional well-being.

3. Who might benefit from medication management and psychotherapy?

• Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or other mental health concerns may benefit from one or both approaches. Your Ascend Mind & Body provider will help determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

4. Can I receive medication management and therapy at the same time?

• Yes. Many people benefit from a combination of medication and therapy. While medication can help balance brain chemistry, therapy addresses the underlying thoughts, behaviors, and life stressors contributing to mental health concerns.

5. What are the potential side effects of psychiatric medications?

• Side effects vary by medication and individual but may include fatigue, weight changes, nausea, sleep disturbances, or changes in mood. Your provider will discuss potential side effects and adjust your treatment as needed.

6. How long will I need to take psychiatric medication?

• The length of time varies based on the condition being treated and your response to medication. Some individuals need medication short-term, while others benefit from longer-term support. This is a decision made collaboratively with your provider.

7. What types of psychotherapy are available?

• Ascend Mind & Body offers a combination of evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques, all tailored to your individual goals and needs.

8. How do I know if my treatment plan is working?

• Your provider will regularly check in with you to assess progress, side effects, and overall well-being. Adjustments can be made to your medication or therapy plan to ensure the best outcomes.

9. Do I have to be on medication to receive psychotherapy?

• No. Some individuals may benefit from therapy alone. Medication is just one tool in a comprehensive mental health treatment plan and is only recommended when clinically appropriate. The two approaches together are often ideal in helping optimize one's mental health wellbeing.

10. What should I do if I have concerns about my medication or therapy?

• Open communication is key. If you’re experiencing side effects, feel uncertain about your treatment, or simply have questions, your Ascend Mind & Body provider is here to listen and work with you to adjust your plan as needed.

1. What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?

• BHRT involves taking medications containing hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) to supplement declining hormone levels, commonly used to manage symptoms of menopause.

2. What symptoms can BHRT help relieve?

• BHRT can help alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

3. Who is a candidate for BHRT?

• Women who experience bothersome menopausal symptoms and are in good health overall may be candidates for BHRT. Your Ascend Mind & Body provider will assess your individual risks and benefits.

4. What are the different forms of HRT?

• BHRT can be administered as oral tablets, transdermal patches, vaginal creams or tablets, or through injections or implants.

5. What are the potential risks or side effects of BHRT?

• Risks may include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, breast cancer (with long-term use), and other side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, or headaches.

6. How long should I use BHRT?

• The duration of BHRT varies for each individual and depends on factors such as symptom severity and overall health.

7. Can BHRT be used for purposes other than menopause symptoms?

• Yes, BHRT may be used in certain cases to help prevent conditions like osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease. Discuss with your Ascend Mind & Body provider for appropriate use.

8. What are the benefits of BHRT beyond symptom relief?

• BHRT may provide benefits such as improved bone density, reduced risk of fractures, and potential cardiovascular protection in certain women.

9. Are there alternatives toB HRT for managing menopause symptoms?

• Yes, lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, herbal supplements) can be considered for managing menopausal symptoms though their efficacies differ.

10. What should I do if I have concerns or questions about BHRT?

• If you have concerns about HRT or its potential risks and benefits, discuss them with your Ascend Mind & Body provider to make an informed decision about treatment options.