Frequently Asked Questions
Questions are a good place to start.
Answers to common questions
We have gathered the questions we hear most often and answered them as clearly and honestly as we can. If you do not see what you are looking for here, please reach out. We are happy to help.
Learn more below...
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions are a good place to start.
Answers to common questions
We have gathered the questions we hear most often and answered them as clearly and honestly as we can. If you do not see what you are looking for here, please reach out. We are happy to help.
Learn more below...
Getting Started
What conditions do you treat?
We work with adults and children navigating a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and more.
If you do not see your specific concern listed, please reach out. We are happy to talk through whether we are a good fit for what you are experiencing.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book directly through our online patient portal, call our office at 910-699-4470, or send us a message at admin@rbpw.org.
We will get back to you as quickly as possible and help you find the right starting point.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit is really about getting to know you. We will talk about what brought you in, your history, your goals, and any concerns you have.
It is a conversation, not an interrogation. There are no wrong answers and no expectations beyond showing up honestly. We will take it from there together.
How long is a typical appointment?
Initial evaluations are typically 60 to 90 minutes. We protect that time because we believe real understanding takes real conversation.
Follow-up appointments are generally 20 to 30 minutes depending on your needs and where you are in your care.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. We offer virtual visits for many appointment types. Telehealth is a great option if you have a busy schedule, transportation challenges, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space.
Ask us about availability when you book.
Getting Started
What conditions do you treat?
We work with adults and children navigating a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and more.
If you do not see your specific concern listed, please reach out. We are happy to talk through whether we are a good fit for what you are experiencing.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book directly through our online patient portal, call our office at 910-699-4470, or send us a message at admin@rbpw.org.
We will get back to you as quickly as possible and help you find the right starting point.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit is really about getting to know you. We will talk about what brought you in, your history, your goals, and any concerns you have.
It is a conversation, not an interrogation. There are no wrong answers and no expectations beyond showing up honestly. We will take it from there together.
How long is a typical appointment?
Initial evaluations are typically 60 to 90 minutes. We protect that time because we believe real understanding takes real conversation.
Follow-up appointments are generally 20 to 30 minutes depending on your needs and where you are in your care.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. We offer virtual visits for many appointment types. Telehealth is a great option if you have a busy schedule, transportation challenges, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space.
Ask us about availability when you book.
About Our Practice
What is the difference between psychiatry and therapy?
Psychiatric providers like our team can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medications, and provide certain types of clinical support.
Therapists, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers, focus primarily on talk therapy and typically cannot prescribe medication.
Many of our patients see both a psychiatrist and a therapist as part of their care, and we actively support and coordinate that kind of collaborative approach.
Will I see the same provider at every visit?
Yes. Consistency in care matters deeply to us. You will see the same provider at every appointment and will not be asked to start over with someone new.
Building a real relationship with your provider is part of how good psychiatric care works.
Do you treat children?
We can see patients ages 14 and older for standard psychiatric evaluation and medication management. We can also see children ages 5 to 13 who have completed a psychological assessment prior to their first visit.
Please contact us to discuss whether we are the right fit for your child's specific needs.
About Our Practice
What is the difference between psychiatry and therapy?
Psychiatric providers like our team can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medications, and provide certain types of clinical support.
Therapists, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers, focus primarily on talk therapy and typically cannot prescribe medication.
Many of our patients see both a psychiatrist and a therapist as part of their care, and we actively support and coordinate that kind of collaborative approach.
Will I see the same provider at every visit?
Yes. Consistency in care matters deeply to us. You will see the same provider at every appointment and will not be asked to start over with someone new.
Building a real relationship with your provider is part of how good psychiatric care works.
Do you treat children?
We can see patients ages 14 and older for standard psychiatric evaluation and medication management. We can also see children ages 5 to 13 who have completed a psychological assessment prior to their first visit.
Please contact us to discuss whether we are the right fit for your child's specific needs.
Hours & Scheduling
What are your hours?
Our hours vary by service and provider. General guidelines are below:
Ketamine infusions: Mondays and Fridays
Spravato: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, with some Saturday and evening availability
Medication management: Monday through Friday, with some Saturday and evening availability
Please contact us directly for current availability as hours are subject to change.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens and we completely understand. We simply ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice when possible so we can offer that time to another patient who may be waiting. Please review our cancellation policy for full details
Hours & Scheduling
What are your hours?
Our hours vary by service and provider. General guidelines are below:
Ketamine infusions: Mondays and Fridays
Spravato: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, with some Saturday and evening availability
Medication management: Monday through Friday, with some Saturday and evening availability
Please contact us directly for current availability as hours are subject to change.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens and we completely understand. We simply ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice when possible so we can offer that time to another patient who may be waiting. Please review our cancellation policy for full details
Medications & Treatment
Do I have to take medication?
No. Medication is one tool, not a requirement.
We discuss all available options with you, including non-medication approaches, and work together to develop a plan that fits your specific situation and goals. If medication is recommended, we will explain our reasoning clearly and answer every question you have before anything is prescribed.
What if a medication causes side effects?
Side effects are one of the most common concerns people bring to us, and rightly so.
If you experience side effects that are difficult to tolerate, we want to know immediately. We do not dismiss those concerns or tell you to wait it out indefinitely. We adjust, try a different approach, and keep working until we find what is right for you.
Our secure patient portal means you can reach us between appointments when something comes up.
What is the difference between ketamine and Spravato?
Ketamine is administered as an intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection in our clinic and is typically a self-pay service.
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray form of esketamine, administered in our office under medical supervision, and is covered by most major insurance plans for patients who qualify.
Both work on the glutamate system in the brain and can produce rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression.
Visit our Ketamine and Spravato page for full details.
Medications & Treatment
Do I have to take medication?
No. Medication is one tool, not a requirement.
We discuss all available options with you, including non-medication approaches, and work together to develop a plan that fits your specific situation and goals. If medication is recommended, we will explain our reasoning clearly and answer every question you have before anything is prescribed.
What if a medication causes side effects?
Side effects are one of the most common concerns people bring to us, and rightly so.
If you experience side effects that are difficult to tolerate, we want to know immediately. We do not dismiss those concerns or tell you to wait it out indefinitely. We adjust, try a different approach, and keep working until we find what is right for you.
Our secure patient portal means you can reach us between appointments when something comes up.
What is the difference between ketamine and Spravato?
Ketamine is administered as an intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection in our clinic and is typically a self-pay service.
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray form of esketamine, administered in our office under medical supervision, and is covered by most major insurance plans for patients who qualify.
Both work on the glutamate system in the brain and can produce rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression.
Visit our Ketamine and Spravato page for full details.
Insurance & Payment
What insurance do you accept?
Katie Macaluso, PA-C is in network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medcost, Tricare, and UHC/UMR/Optum, with Ambetter pending.
Kristi Barr, PA-C is in network with Aetna, BCBS, UHC/UMR/Optum, BCBS, and Cigna, with Ambetter pending.
Please contact us before your first appointment to verify your specific benefits.
Do you offer self-pay rates?
Yes. Self-pay rates are available for patients without insurance or with out-of-network plans.
We can also provide a detailed receipt called a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Contact us for current self-pay pricing.
What if you do not accept my insurance?
We can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
We also offer competitive self-pay rates.
Please contact us and we will work with you to figure out the best option for your situation.
Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Spravato is covered by most major insurance plans for patients who meet qualifying criteria, including a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation.
Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins so you know exactly where you stand financially before your first session.
Insurance & Payment
What insurance do you accept?
Katie Macaluso, PA-C is in network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medcost, Tricare, and UHC/UMR/Optum, with Ambetter pending.
Kristi Barr, PA-C is in network with Aetna, BCBS, UHC/UMR/Optum, BCBS, and Cigna, with Ambetter pending.
Please contact us before your first appointment to verify your specific benefits.
Do you offer self-pay rates?
Yes. Self-pay rates are available for patients without insurance or with out-of-network plans.
We can also provide a detailed receipt called a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Contact us for current self-pay pricing.
What if you do not accept my insurance?
We can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
We also offer competitive self-pay rates.
Please contact us and we will work with you to figure out the best option for your situation.
Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Spravato is covered by most major insurance plans for patients who meet qualifying criteria, including a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation.
Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins so you know exactly where you stand financially before your first session.
Safety & Privacy
Is my information kept private?
Yes. All of your information is managed through our HIPAA-compliant electronic medical records system. Your privacy is protected in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
What if I am in crisis between appointments?
Our office is not equipped to handle after-hours emergencies. If you are in crisis, please view the following crisis resources.
Safety & Privacy
Is my information kept private?
Yes. All of your information is managed through our HIPAA-compliant electronic medical records system. Your privacy is protected in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
What if I am in crisis between appointments?
Our office is not equipped to handle after-hours emergencies.
If you are in crisis, please view the following crisis resources.
Have Other Questions?
We are happy to help
Please contact us by phone, email, or through our patient portal and we will get back to you as soon as we can.