Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
-
We are driven by the belief that you are the expert on your own brain. Our job is to learn about you and use our education to provide you with options on how to help you feel better.
We start with a thoughtful discussion about your symptoms, life experiences, medical history, and goals for treatment.
We explore possible contributors to what you're experiencing — including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, sleep issues, and neurodivergence.
Together we decide what makes sense for you. That might include medication, therapy referrals, lifestyle strategies, or further assessment.Not everyone leaves our office with a diagnosis or a prescription. We are thoughtful and intentional about prescribing (especially for the littles) and happy to explore all the options.
-
Genna Long sees ages 8 and up.
Erin Klender sees ages 13 and up.
Monica Bentley and Debbie Granick see 18+
-
Yes. Many of our patients are high school students, college students, and young adults navigating the challenges of school, work, relationships, and life transitions.
Common concerns during this stage of life include anxiety, ADHD, depression, sleep issues, academic stress, and burnout.
-
This is more common than many people realize.
Mental health symptoms can overlap in complex ways. For example, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, sleep problems, and autism-related traits can sometimes look similar on the surface.
Many patients come to us after trying treatments that helped only partially or not at all.
Our evaluation process is designed to look deeper and consider the full picture so that treatment decisions are based on a clearer understanding of what may actually be going on.
Sometimes the diagnosis stays the same but the treatment approach changes. Other times, we uncover pieces of the puzzle that had been missed before.
-
Yes. Some patients find it helpful to have a trusted person join part of the visit, especially during the first appointment.
For children and teens, we typically meet with both the parent and the child during the evaluation and may spend some time speaking with each individually. Our goal is to understand everyone’s perspective while ensuring the patient also has space to speak openly.
-
That’s completely normal.
Many people feel unsure about their first psychiatric visit. Our goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where you can talk openly about what you’ve been experiencing and ask questions.
There is no pressure to have everything figured out before you arrive.
TELEHEALTH
-
Yes, we offer online sessions through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform (which means that your confidentiality is protected in an online environment). We can see clients throughout the state of North Carolina via telehealth!
Telehealth visits have many benefits and have been proven to be just effective as in-person sessions. You can see your provider on a lunch break, close the door to your office, or wherever is most comfortable for you. Our clients can also choose an in-office visit and if they find their day quite busy, have the option to easily convert their appointment to telehealth.
-
A few minutes prior to your telehealth visit please open your Spruce app.
Message your provider 'Ready'
Your provider will call you via video on the Spruce app when they are available to start the visit
Please note, due to licensing laws you must be physically located in NC at the time of your visit.
FOR PARENTS
-
Parents often notice changes such as increased anxiety, mood changes, school struggles, irritability, or difficulty focusing.
A psychiatric evaluation can help clarify what may be contributing to these challenges and guide families toward appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, school supports, lifestyle changes, or medication when appropriate.
-
An ideal psychiatric provider is one that your child feels that they can relate to who also has the specialized training to help them navigate the really hard stuff. We are board certified in Psychiatric care for adolescents and complete extensive annual training to provide the safest care possible. We can talk about whether medication makes sense and discuss all available options. Ultimately you, the parent make the final decision on treatment.
We work closely with you to get your loved one to get them feeling themselves again. Depending upon the impact of your relationship with your teen or how their struggles might be impacting the family as a system, we may recommend family therapy sessions. Additionally we get to know your teen and can recommend individual therapists we feel they would connect with.
Upon booking, your teen will be sent a comprehensive questionnaire. You are welcome to assist them in adding any pertinent information you would like us to know before the appointment. We ask that at least one adult be present for the session in order to discuss concerns and review the proposed treatment plan at the end.
We have experience partnering with co-parents, Pediatricians, and Child/Adolescent Therapists. Our goal is to advocate on behalf of your child for their improved mental wellbeing and success in life.
-
Absolutely. It’s very common for parents to feel unsure about medication, and those concerns are completely understandable.
Our goal during the first appointment is to understand what your child is experiencing, discuss possible causes, and review the different options that may help. Medication is only one possible tool, and it is not always necessary.
Many families come simply to ask questions, gain clarity, and understand their options before making any decisions about treatment.
Our role is to provide thoughtful guidance so you can make the choice that feels right for your child and your family.
-
Parent Participation in Appointments
Parents of minor children are always welcome to attend their child’s appointment and participate in the discussion. Most follow-up visits are scheduled for 25 minutes, which allows time to check in with both the patient and parent when appropriate.
If the visit extends beyond the scheduled 30-minute appointment time, any additional time may be billed as self-pay in 15-minute increments.
If parents would like to schedule time to talk without their child present, we also offer parent consultation sessions as a self-pay service:
25 minutes – $150
45 minutes – $210
Insurance plans generally require the patient to be present during the visit in order for the appointment to be covered. Offering parent consultations as a self-pay option allows us to make space for these important conversations while remaining compliant with insurance requirements.
If you would like to schedule a parent consultation, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
-
In North Carolina, individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors, and parents or legal guardians generally provide consent for medical treatment.
State law does allow minors to consent to certain types of care on their own, including mental health treatment, substance use treatment, pregnancy-related care, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
While minors may legally seek mental health care independently, our practice believes that parents play an essential role in the safety and well-being of their children. For this reason, our policy is that parents or legal guardians are informed and involved in their child’s care and able to provide informed consent for treatment.
During appointments, we typically meet with both the parent and the teen. We may also spend some time speaking with adolescents privately so they can share concerns openly, while ensuring that parents remain informed and involved in important treatment decisions.
If you have questions about consent, confidentiality, or parental involvement, we are happy to discuss them before scheduling an appointment.
FINANCIAL
-
Common Ground Psychiatry is in-network with the majority of Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna/Meritain plans.
We expect to be contracted with UHC/UMR mid 2026.
We are not in network with Blue Home with Atrium or the Blue HPN Network, Medicare, or Medicaid.
If you have other health benefits we will provide you with a 'Superbill' which you are welcome to submit to your insurance company for consideration for out of network reimbursement. Once approved, they would send the reimbursement directly to you.
Please remember that your insurance contract is between you and your insurer. We do check benefits as a courtesy prior to your first appointment, however insurance companies do not guarantee payment when they quote benefits. It is ultimately your responsibility to understand your plan benefits. You should contact your carrier directly to ensure you are aware of any limitations to your coverage. If your insurance company pays only part of your bill or rejects a claim, you are financially responsible for the remaining balance. Full payment of co-pays and co-insurance are due at the time of service. We do not carry balances. Outstanding balances must be satisfied prior to additional services being scheduled.
-
Self-Pay Pricing
We believe patients should understand the expected cost of care before starting treatment.
The following are typical self-pay fees for services provided at Common Ground Psychiatry. Actual costs may vary depending on the length and complexity of your visit.
Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
$330Follow-Up Medication Management
$185Extended Follow-Up Visit
$210Neurodivergence Screening Options
Some patients choose to complete optional screening tools as part of their evaluation. These are not covered by insurance.
ADHD Screening
$100Autism Screening
$100Combined ADHD and Autism Screening Package
$200Additional Information
If you are not using insurance, you have the right to request a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your care before your appointment.
For more information about Good Faith Estimates, visit:
https://www.cms.gov/nosurprisesIf you have questions about pricing or insurance coverage, our team is happy to help.
Our goal is to provide thoughtful, transparent care so you can focus on getting better, not navigating confusing medical bills.
-
A Superbill is a detailed receipt for healthcare services that includes the information your insurance company may require if you wish to request reimbursement for out-of-network care.
If you choose to pay for services directly rather than use your insurance benefits, you may be able to submit a Superbill to your insurance company to request partial reimbursement, depending on your individual plan.
A Superbill typically includes:
Date of service
Type of visit
Diagnosis and procedure codes used for billing
Amount paid for the visit
Provider information
How to Request a Superbill
If you would like a Superbill for services you received at Common Ground Psychiatry, you can request one by emailing:
billing@commongroundpsych.com
Please include:
Your name
Date of birth
The dates of service you would like included
Our billing team will generate the Superbill and send it to you securely.
How to Submit a Superbill to Your Insurance
Once you receive your Superbill, you can submit it to your insurance company as an out-of-network claim.
Many insurance companies allow claims to be submitted through their member portal, mobile app, by mail, or by fax. You can contact your insurance provider directly to ask whether your plan includes out-of-network benefits and what portion of the visit may be reimbursed.
Important: A Superbill is not a bill and does not guarantee reimbursement. It simply provides the documentation your insurance company may require if you choose to request reimbursement.
Some insurance plans do not include out-of-network benefits, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider if you have questions about potential reimbursement.
Please have this handy if you request information on coverage from your insurance carrier:
Our NPI is 1902417488
Our TAX ID is 85-2430124
CPT codes used for our services may include 99204, 99214, and 90833
NEW PATIENTS
-
Getting started is simple. Click on Book an Appointment.
-
1. Your appointment request will be forwarded to your clinician.
2. Within 24 hours you will receive a text and email confirming your appointment.
3. You will receive a link to a 'New Client Questionnaire and Consents' which can be completed on your desktop, laptop, or mobile phone. Our questionnaire was thoughtfully designed to ensure we leave no stone unturned in learning about you and your unique needs. Please allow around twenty minutes to complete this.
3. Check your texts for an invite to Spruce Health which is our secure messaging app. Please accept this invite! Going forward all communication between you and your provider will be secure through this HIPAA compliant app.
-
When you book an appointment, you will receive a text message from SPRUCE HEALTH. This is our HIPAA secure messaging which allows you to communicate directly and securely with your provider. You can download the Spruce health app to your phone and quickly request refills, ask questions about the plan, or request follow up appointments.
-
Appointment frequency depends on your needs and treatment plan.
When starting or adjusting medications, visits may be more frequent. Once symptoms are stable, many patients are seen every 3-4 months for follow-up care.
Please note that clients prescribed controlled substances must be seen at least every three months and once per year for an in-office visit.
MEDICAL
-
At Common Ground Psychiatry we understand that humans are not all the same. We tailor medication plans based on a thorough understanding of all the things (genetics, environment, lifestyle) that make you YOU. For some genetic testing is not needed, for others it uncovers insights about their body’s blueprint that is useful in guiding medication decision making.
You can trust your provider to have an honest conversation if this is a tool that will be useful for you. If you decide this is service you would like to pursue we will guide you through the process, helping to interpret the results and translate them into actionable steps for your unique wellness journey.
-
You do not need to have a primary care provider in order to receive care with us, but we strongly recommend having one.
Sometimes medical conditions can contribute to symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, depression, or sleep difficulties. If you have not had a medical check-up recently, we may suggest scheduling one and are happy to provide recommendations.
-
We know our new patient questionnaire can feel long.
We ask these questions because every patient’s story is different, and an hour-long appointment is often not enough time to fully understand everything that may be contributing to your symptoms.
By gathering this information ahead of time, we can spend more of your appointment listening, clarifying details, and discussing a thoughtful treatment plan rather than rushing through basic questions.
Sometimes when important details are missed, treatment plans end up being incomplete or ineffective. Our goal is to avoid that by starting with a clearer picture of who you are and what you’ve experienced.
You are always welcome to skip questions that do not feel relevant or that you would prefer to discuss in person.
-
Our practice is designed to provide thoughtful outpatient psychiatric care for many common mental health concerns. However, some conditions are best treated within programs that offer more intensive, team-based support.
For this reason, we typically refer patients with active eating disorders or moderate to severe substance use disorders to specialized treatment programs.
These conditions often benefit from a multidisciplinary care team, which may include medical providers, therapists, dietitians, and structured treatment programs. Because our practice is small, we do not have the resources to provide the level of comprehensive care these situations often require.
If this type of care may be helpful, we are happy to assist in connecting patients with trusted specialists and treatment programs that focus on these areas.
Our goal is always to help patients receive the most appropriate level of care for their needs.
CONTACT US
-
Current patients- Message us via your Spruce Health app
Prospective patients- Once you book an appointment and it is confirmed you will receive an invite to the Spruce app where you may request a benefit check or ask questions about your upcoming appointment.
Our wonderful administrative director Chrislyn Kate can be reached at admin@commongroundpsych.com with any non-clinical questions.
Corrine is our billing and insurance specialist and can be reached at billing@commongroundpsych.com
-
If you are in North Carolina and experiencing a psychiatric emergency or crisis, there are several options you can consider:
1. Call 911: If you believe the situation is life-threatening or an immediate emergency, call 911. They can dispatch emergency personnel to assist you.
2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. They can provide support and connect you to local resources.
3. Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741. This is a free, 24/7 crisis support service that connects you with a trained crisis counselor via text message.
4. Charlotte area mobile crisis: 704-566-3410 Option 1
Raleigh area mobile crisis: 877-626-1772
They offer immediate and intensive support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, including de-escalation techniques and emotional support. They can assess to determine the severity of the crisis and the appropriate level of care needed, which may include referrals to other mental health services or hospitals if necessary.
5. Emergency Room: If you are in immediate danger or crisis, you can go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Hospitals are equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies.
Please note that as stated in our policies our office is not equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies. If you find yourself or a family member under emergency care please request your provider notify us by calling 704-237-0752. It is important that we have the opportunity to collaborate with them.We work closely with you to get your loved one to get them feeling themselves again. Depending upon the impact of your relationship with your teen or how their struggles might be impacting the family as a system, we may recommend family therapy sessions. Additionally we get to know your teen and can recommend individual therapists we feel they would connect with.
Upon booking, your teen will be sent a comprehensive questionnaire. You are welcome to assist them in adding any pertinent information you would like us to know before the appointment. We ask that at least one adult be present for the session in order to discuss concerns and review the proposed treatment plan at the end.
We have experience partnering with co-parents, Pediatricians, and Child/Adolescent Therapists. Our goal is to advocate on behalf of your child for their improved mental wellbeing and success in life.
-
Please encourage your friends, family members, and clients to self schedule on our website CommonGroundPsych.com.After requesting an appointment they will receive a 'New Client Questionnaire' which will allow them to specify who referred them.
We love collaboration with therapists, primary care providers, and specialists. Please leave a voicemail or text @ 704-237-0752 if you'd like to collaborate on a mutual client. We do not require an ROI for medical providers (as this is considered continuity of care) but if you are a therapist you may attach an ROI to your email (which is secure). You can directly email us at admin@commongroundpsych.com
-
We understand that life sometimes gets in the way. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice, and there will be no fee.
Each appointment time is reserved specifically for you, and short-notice cancellations make it difficult to offer that time to another patient who may be waiting to be seen. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, will be charged a cancellation fee equal to the session rate.
You may cancel by phone or through the Spruce Health app. Insurance companies do not cover missed or cancelled appointments..
-
Our medication policy is designed with your health and safety as our utmost priority. We aim to provide you with the highest standard of care in managing your medications effectively.
Medication Management During Office Visits: To ensure the best possible care, we kindly request that requests for medication changes and prescription refills be handled during your scheduled office visits. Please make it a practice to bring your current medication list to each appointment. Typically, our provider will prescribe medications to cover your needs until your next scheduled visit. We strongly recommend scheduling your follow-up appointment before leaving your current visit to prevent any interruptions in your medication regimen.
Requesting Medication Refills: When requesting medication refills check with your pharmacy first, as many refills can be authorized with a simple request to your pharmacist. If needed please message your provider on Spruce.
-
The Charlotte office is located at 903 Northeast Dr #102 Davidson, NC 28036
The Raleigh office is located at 280 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609