Establishing yourself as patient

  New Patients: How To Begin

• Initial assessments generally consist of 1-3 consecutive visits that will be split between the patient and if applicable his/her parents. During those first three sessions Dr. Schacter will review your current medical records and could possibly also request additional information from previous patient records, and/or interview spouses, family members, peers, and teachers if permission is granted by the patient. For children & adolescents, Dr. Schacter will also assess the emotional, cognitive, educational, physical, genetic, developmental, family, peer, and social components of the patient's presenting problem.
• The last visit in the assessment process will be used to review the presenting diagnosis and the recommended treatment plan. The treatment plan may or may not include medication. If all parties are agreeable, a long-term patient/doctor relationship will be established.
• Should you be in active treatment with a therapist prior to initiating an evaluation with Dr. Schacter, she will coordinate treatment with that therapist and you.
• Dr. Schacter does not perform psychiatric evaluations for legal purposes such as establishing grounds for a personal injury claim, or for the sole purpose of obtaining social security disability income.
• New patients do not need a referral, unless otherwise stated by your insurance carrier. Initial patient paperwork can be found here or mailed upon request.

  Patients Involved in Adolescent Lap Band Research Study

• Sessions will consist of two visits where parents/legal guardians and patient need to be present.
• The initial visit will be to discuss treatment plan and explore present issues that may affect the adolescent's ability and/or motivation to be in the study.
• The second visit will be to follow up on any concerns we had discussed and to confirm the adolescents understanding of the research trial and its impact on their lifestyle.

  Pre-existing Patients: How to Transfer your care from Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates

Please be aware that the style of practice will be different in this office. After you have reviewed the billing and policies section, if you would like to continue treatment with me, call me and let me know of that intention. You will also need to contact Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates and request a release of information to transfer your records to me and please cancel any psychiatric appointments at that office so that they may schedule those that want to stay with them in a more timely manner.

  For both new and pre-existing patients please download and complete the following forms before your first visit:

• Adult Medical History Form (PDF)
• Child and Adolescent Medical History Form (PDF)
• Physical History Form (PDF)
• Social Development History Form (PDF)
• Communication Form (PDF)
• Authorization for Release of Confidential Information (PDF)
• Office Guidelines and Policies (PDF)