Frequently Asked Questions

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, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, Tricare, United Health Care, and DE Medicaid (Health Options, Amerihealth Caritas, Delaware First).  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. 🧠🔍