Offering personalized care to help you reach your goals.

1. Do you take insurance?

• No. The use of certain weight loss medications are often considered "Not medically necessary" or "Off-label" and therefore are not covered by many insurances. Additionally, 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?

• Ascend Mind & Body provides services at our Reno location inside Avionce Aesthetics Medical Spa on the northwest corner of Plumb Lane and Plumas Street. For those who prefer virtual visits or are located outside of Northern NV, we continue to offer telemedicine appointments.

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 secure video conferencing. Patients can connect with their Ascend Mind & Body healthcare provider from the comfort of their homes or any location with internet access within the state of Nevada.

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. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department and seek immediate care. For those experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 for support, 911 for emergency services, or seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department. 

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

• No. Providers at Ascend Mind & Body are solely focused on medication management and psychotherapy for mental health wellness, medical weight loss, BHRT, and thyroid optimization. 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 medications do you offer to help with weight loss?

• GLP-1 medications are prescribed for medical weight loss in obese patients. These medications aid in weight management by reducing appetite and food intake.

2. How do they work?

• GLP-1 medications mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and promote feelings of fullness.

3. What are some common side effects?

• Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. Some people may experience injection site reactions or changes in appetite.

4. Are GLP-1 medications safe for everyone with type 2 diabetes?

• GLP-1 medications are generally safe but may not be suitable for everyone. Your Ascend Mind & Body Provider will assess your individual health status and medical history to determine if these medications are appropriate for you.

5. How are GLP-1 medications administered?

• GLP-1 medications are typically self-administered via subcutaneous injection once a week.

6. Can these medications cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?

• GLP-1 medications are less likely to cause hypoglycemia compared to some other diabetes medications. However, the risk of hypoglycemia can increase when combined with other diabetes drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas.

7. Do GLP-1 medications actually help with weight loss?

• Yes, GLP-1 medications are often associated with weight loss due to their effects on appetite suppression, early satiety, and reduced food intake.

8. How long does it take for GLP-1 medications to start working?

• GLP-1 medications may start to show effects on blood sugar levels and appetite within a few weeks of starting treatment, although individual responses may vary.

9. Can GLP-1 medications be used in combination with other diabetes medications?

• Yes, GLP-1 medications can be used in combination with other diabetes drugs under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

10. What should I do if I miss a dose?

• If you miss a dose of your GLP-1 medication, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose.

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 BHRT?

• 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 to BHRT 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 BACHRT or its potential risks and benefits, discuss them with your Ascend Mind & Body provider to make an informed decision about treatment options.

1. What is thyroid optimization?

• Thyroid optimization involves ensuring optimal thyroid hormone levels to support metabolism, energy production, and overall well-being.

2. Why is thyroid function important?

• The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital functions. 

3. What are common symptoms of thyroid imbalance?

• Symptoms of thyroid imbalance include fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, mood changes, and irregular menstrual cycles.

4. How is thyroid function tested?

• Thyroid function is evaluated through blood tests measuring levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T4, T3) and thyroid antibodies.

5. What conditions can benefit from thyroid optimization?

• Thyroid optimization is beneficial for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), thyroid nodules, and autoimmune thyroid disorders (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

6. What are the treatment options for thyroid optimization?

• Treatment options may include thyroid hormone replacement therapy, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, managing underlying thyroid disorders, and, in women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

7. How long does it take to see improvements with thyroid optimization?

• The time to see improvements varies depending on individual factors and the underlying cause of thyroid imbalance. It may take several weeks to months for symptoms to improve with treatment.

8. Are there risks or side effects associated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy?

• Risks of thyroid hormone replacement therapy include over-treatment leading to hyperthyroidism, heart palpitations, and bone loss. Proper monitoring by your Ascend Mind & Body provider is essential.

9. Can thyroid optimization impact weight management?

• Optimizing thyroid function can support healthy metabolism and contribute to weight management, especially in individuals with hypothyroidism.

10. How often should thyroid function be monitored?

• Thyroid function should be monitored regularly through follow-up blood tests and clinical assessments to ensure optimal hormone levels and treatment effectiveness.