Psychiatric Medication Management FAQ

Psychiatric medication management is like having a GPS for your mental health! Our team of expert psychiatric nurse practitioners, Roni Becker, PMHNP-BC,  Catherine Luko, PMHNP-BC, and Laura Hummel, DNP, APRN, CNS-BC help you find the right medications to feel better and manage your mental health symptoms—whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or more. Think of us as your personal mental health pit crew, making sure you're running smoothly and feeling your best!

Not necessarily! At Psych Alchemy, we specialize in medication management, so you don’t need to have therapy to be prescribed medication. But if you are seeing a therapist, we’re happy to work together to make sure your treatment plan is top-notch. It’s like having a wellness team in your corner—together, we’ve got you covered!

Absolutely! The first appointment has to be in person. But all follow up appointments can be virtual. You can have a cozy chat from the comfort of your own home—PJs encouraged! Our virtual appointments are easy to set up, and you’ll get all the help you need from our psychiatric pros.

During your first appointment, we'll get to know you, your history, and your mental health needs. Think of it like an exciting first date—but without the pressure. We’ll discuss any medications you’ve tried, any challenges you're facing, and come up with a game plan together. Expect a relaxed, non-judgmental space to talk about what’s on your mind!

We wish we had a magic pill that worked instantly—but while medication can start to help pretty quickly, it may take a few weeks, 4-6,  to feel the full effect. Think of it like planting a garden: it takes time, but the results are totally worth it! Our team will check in with you regularly to make sure you're on the right path.

We accept a variety of insurance plans, including Aetna, Meritain, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, Tricare, United Health Care, Ambetter, Wellcare, and DE Medicaid (Health Options, Amerihealth Caritas, Delaware First).  Please note that we DO NOT Accept Traditional Medicaid. If your insurance isn't listed, don't worry—we also offer self-pay options, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of. No insurance hurdles here!

Yes! If you’re a current patient, we’ll help you keep your medication flowin’. Refills are easy to request through our secure system, the MYIO portal, and our team will review your request to make sure everything’s good to go. It's like hitting the 'easy button' for your prescriptions—minus the stress.

We treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and more! Whether you’re struggling with stress or working through past trauma, we’re here to help you get back to being your best self. We're like your mental health all-star team!

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or your mood and anxiety are making life harder than it needs to be, medication could help you get back on track. Our team will help you determine the best course of action—whether that’s medication, therapy, or a combination. It’s about finding what works for you—we’ll figure it out together!

We’re more than just a psychiatric practice—we’re a community. At Psych Alchemy, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported on their mental health journey. We don’t just treat symptoms; we treat people. And we do it with a healthy dose of humor, understanding, and compassion. Plus, our virtual appointments make access to care easier than ever. No long wait times, no judgment, just results.

Becoming a patient is as easy as pie (and way less messy). Just head to the "Becoming a Patient" tab, fill out the Prospective Patient Form, and boom—you’re one step closer to feeling better!

We’re here to help Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (with a well-deserved lunch break from 2-3 PM—we’re human too!). Our first appointment is at 9 AM, and the last is at 5 PM. We’re closed on Fridays and all major holidays—because even mental health pros need a break! As we grow and listen to our amazing patients, our hours might change. Stay tuned for updates!

Right now, we’re not hiring for administrative staff (but keep an eye out—things change!). However, if you’re a PMHNP or therapist who’s passionate about mental health and wants to join our awesome team, we’d love to hear from you! Send your resume to administrator@psychalchemy.org—we’ll review it faster than you can say “medication management” and get back to you. We’re excited to connect with like-minded folks who want to make a real difference!

We don’t. Our focus is on giving our patients the best care possible, and right now that means keeping our attention on them. But we’re cheering on all the future psychiatric nurse practitioners out there—you’ve got this!

Great question! While we don’t have a therapist on staff right now (we’re focusing on that whole "medication management magic" thing), we definitely do some therapy-ish work during your medication appointments. But if you’re looking for full-on therapy, we recommend checking out Psychology Today or reaching out to your insurance to find a therapist who’s accepting new patients.

And hey, check back in the future! As we grow, we’d love to add a therapist to our practice. Who knows—maybe we’ll have a full mental health dream team soon!

Unfortunately, we do not offer MAT (Suboxone, Sublocade, Methadone) at this time. However, we encourage you to reach out to local providers who specialize in MAT for the support you need.

At Psych Alchemy, our psychiatric nurse practitioners provide comprehensive evaluations to diagnose conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more. We do this through in-depth conversations, your history, and a clear look at your symptoms—no giant scan machines or endless bubble sheets required. 📝✨

Here’s the difference: we do not provide full neuropsychological testing. That’s the several-hours-long, puzzle-solving deep dive into brain functioning that’s especially important if you’re exploring conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder or need detailed cognitive testing. For those situations, we’ll connect you with trusted specialists who handle that level of detective work.

Think of it like this: we’re the skilled guides who help identify your mental health needs, manage your care, and tailor treatments (including medication management and genetic testing) so you feel better faster. Neuropsych testing is the extra-deep microscope when a closer look at brain wiring is needed. 🧠🔍

Psych Alchemy does not provide emergency or crisis services.

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent psychiatric help, please do one of the following right away:

🚨 Call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.

📱 National Crisis Resources

• 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call anytime)
   
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
   
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
   

📞 Delaware 24-Hour Suicide Intervention Hotlines

• Northern Delaware: 800-652-2929
   
• Southern Delaware: 800-345-6785
   

You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.

We chose Pure Encapsulations because they are known for high-quality, research-backed supplements with clean ingredients and rigorous testing standards. Our providers may recommend supplements to support sleep, stress management, nervous system regulation, brain health, and overall mental wellness when appropriate.

Our virtual dispensary includes provider-recommended supplements for sleep support, stress relief, anxiety support, relaxation, nervous system health, and overall wellness. Some commonly recommended options include Magnesium Glycinate, L-Theanine, and Ashwagandha. Patients also receive 10% off through the dispensary.

Yes! We see kids ages 6 and up — children, teens, and adults all under one (virtual or in-person) roof. We help with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more, with the same warm, judgment-free vibe we bring to everyone. Finding a provider who sees younger kids in Delaware can be tough — so we're really glad to be here for your family. 💙

A parent or legal guardian needs to be present for the whole appointment (in person and virtual). If you're not the child's parent, we're required by law to have guardianship or custody paperwork on file before your child can be seen — so please bring or upload a copy. And just like with adults, the first visit is in person.

We sure do — it's one of the things we see most in younger patients. We'll talk through what's happening at home and school and build a plan together. (Pro tip: teacher notes or a recent report card are super helpful to bring along!)

Yes — we're currently accepting new patients ages 6 and up! Just head to the "Becoming a Patient" tab, fill out the quick Prospective Patient Form, and our biller will verify your insurance before we reach out to get you scheduled.

Watch for noticeable changes that last two weeks or longer: ongoing mood swings, pulling away from family or friends, changes in sleep or appetite, slipping grades, intense worry or anger, frequent physical complaints with no clear cause, or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Any talk of self-harm or hopelessness should always be taken seriously. You know your child best — if something feels off, it's worth a conversation. 

If your child is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or call 911.

Teens often hide what they're feeling, so changes in their usual patterns are the biggest clue: withdrawing from friends and activities, sleeping much more or less than normal, increased irritability or anger, declining grades, changes in eating, or new risky behavior. Occasional moodiness is normal — but a shift that sticks around or keeps getting worse is worth checking out with a professional.

It's a conversation, not a test — and nothing to be nervous about. We'll talk with you and your child about their history, school, friendships, mood, sleep, and what's been going on. For children and teens, a parent or guardian is part of the visit. From there, we build a plan together, at a pace that feels comfortable. No judgment, no rushing.

Look for a provider who specifically treats teens, accepts your insurance, and offers telehealth for convenient follow-ups. You can search your insurance directory or Psychology Today, or simply call a local practice and ask. At Psych Alchemy, we care for ages 6 and up — in person in Smyrna and by telehealth across Delaware — and we verify your insurance before your first visit.

Psychologists typically focus on therapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are medical providers who can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe and manage medication. At Psych Alchemy, our team are board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners specializing in medication management for ages 6+. We're not a talk-therapy practice, but we coordinate closely with therapists when that's the right fit.

We're accepting new patients (ages 6+), in person in Smyrna and via telehealth across Delaware. Most insurance and Delaware Medicaid accepted. Call or text (302) 592-2479 or fill out our Prospective Patient Form — a real person answers.

The most powerful thing you can do is simple: listen more than you try to fix. You don't need the perfect words — showing up, staying calm, and taking their experience seriously means everything. Ask "How can I support you?" instead of telling them what to do, and respect their privacy and their choices about their own care. Offer practical help (a ride to an appointment, a check-in text) and remember to take care of yourself too — supporting someone is easier when you're not running on empty. If your loved one is ever in immediate danger, call or text 988.

Stigma fades when we treat mental health like physical health — because it is health. Talk about it openly and without shame, the way you'd talk about seeing a doctor for any other reason. Use kind, person-first language, and say it out loud when it counts: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. When families normalize getting support, it gives everyone — especially kids and teens — permission to reach out before things get harder.