Frequently asked questions.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

YES! We take Aetna, Cigna and Optum.  At this time, we are in-network with commercial plans administered by the following companies.

Optum

  • UnitedHealthcare

  • UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS)

  • GEHA - UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS)

  • Oscar

  • Harvard Pilgrim

  • Oxford

  • UHC Student Resources

  • UMR

  • All Savers (UHC)

  • Health Plans Inc

  • Medica (Eligible if policy is commercial only)

  • Surest (Formerly Bind)*

Aetna 

  • Meritain

  • Nippon

  • Allied Benefit Systems

  • GEHA - United Healthcare Shared Services (UHSS)

  • Trustmark

  • Trustmark Small Business Benefits

  • Health Scope

  • Christian Brothers Services

Cigna

At this time, we do not take Medicare or Medicaid.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A VISIT?

The cost will depend on your insurance benefits. If you do not have Aetna, Cigna or Optum insurance and are out-of-network, the initial psychiatric evaluation and therapy visits are $400 for 60 minutes with Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda. Follow-up visits for medication management are typically 30 minutes and are $200.

Please note that coaching and mentoring services are generally not covered by insurance.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE PATIENT PORTAL?

The patient portal is a HIPPA-compliant medical platform where you can communicate safely with Dr. Ssemanda and the practice staff. Our patient portal is called Simple Practice.

We use Simple Practice to chart and maintain the health records of patients and to manage our medical practice. The Simple Practice Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is designed specifically for mental health providers and is fully compliant with all HIPAA regulations concerning patient privacy. The system also stores payment information and is PCI Complaint as well.

The Simple Practice patient portal enables the patient to log in online and fill out all required forms: consent for treatment, disclosures of information, HIPAA privacy notices, demographic information forms, clinical questionnaires, etc.

Once you request a consultation for your initial visit with Dr. Ssemanda, you will receive an email from the staff during business hours giving you access to the Simple Practice patient portal and document completion instructions. We ask that you complete documentation online before your appointment so that you can make the most of your visit.

For established patients, you can use this link to login into the Simple Practice patient portal. On Simple Practice, you will find information regarding your upcoming appointments, billing information, documents, a link to your telehealth visit, and secure email for messaging Dr. Ssemanda.

For all inquiries about appointments please contact us through Simple Practice.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE INITIAL EVALUATION?

Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda will connect with you on a secure video platform on Simple Practice to discuss your concerns. The video platform on Simple Practice is compatible with smartphones and computers.  Instructions for joining Dr. Ssemanda’s telehealth visits can be found on your Simple Practice patient portal. Dr. Ssemanda will ask questions to understand you better, including any previous treatments. She will then discuss the diagnosis, possible treatments, and prevention strategies to optimize your mind, body, and spirit. 

WHAT IS PERSON-CENTERED CARE?

This type of care means treating you with respect and dignity, focusing on your unique background (family/social/medical/spiritual history), honoring your values, building on your strengths, and optimizing your goals. This approach focuses on creating an individualized plan that works specifically for you. While we may use medications, we incorporate other techniques to promote your mental wellness like therapy, improving skills, behavioral optimization techniques, and more. We are your partner in the treatment planning process.

DO YOU COMPLETE DISABILITY, FMLA EVALUATIONS AND FORMS?

If we determine that you may benefit from such services, we can generally address these after the 90-day mark when you established care. (Patients must also keep follow-up appointments as scheduled, and there is no guarantee that Dr. Ssemanda will complete forms at any time). Remember, too, that anything a provider completes is simply one piece of the process; your disability insurance company is responsible for addressing your concerns. We also write emotional support animal (ESA) letters.

DO YOU OFFER MAT (MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT) SERVICES?

We currently do not.

ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

Due to the Federal Ryan Haight law, we do not prescribe any controlled substances this includes stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta) or benzodiazepine medications (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc.). We also do not complete a full diagnostic assessment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Finally, we do not perform any forensic evaluations.