FAQ

Psychiatric Medication Management

What is medication management?

We advocate for an integrative approach that combines traditional psychiatric medication management with treatment interventions that recognize the interconnectedness of mind and body.


Our providers recognize the individuality of each person, tailoring treatment plans to address unique responses and needs.


Our collaborative treatment plans prioritize the values and goals of each patient, encompassing medical evaluation, therapy, education, medication management, and behavior modification.

What if I don’t want to take prescription medication?

Our medication providers are happy to talk through your concerns regarding medication and understand hesitancy about taking medication. They complete a thorough evaluation before prescribing medication, ensuring that medication is appropriate. If they do not feel medication is appropriate, they will provide referrals to other services that better fit your situation.

Prescriptions are expensive. What if I cannot afford them?

We understand the cost of medication can be a concern. We are committed to helping you access the medications needed to support your mental health and well-being, regardless of financial constraints.


We encourage open communication and our providers are happy to discuss medication alternatives that work for you or your family member. There are several options and resources available to help mitigate the cost of medications:


Insurance Coverage Review: Reviewing your health insurance coverage for the preferred drug formulary list will help reduce the cost of medication. Our team can assist you in finding medications that are on the formulary list for your insurance plan.


Generic Medications: In some cases, switching to generic versions of medications can significantly reduce your cost while maintaining effectiveness. Your provider can help determine if generic alternatives are available and appropriate for your treatment.

Medication Assistance Programs: Many pharmaceutical companies offer medication assistance programs for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. These programs provide discounts, coupons, or free medications to eligible individuals based on financial need.

At Thrive Collaborative Care, we are committed to working with you to explore all available options and find solutions that align with your medication needs while considering your financial situation. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about affording your medications.

How frequent are medication management follow-ups?

Follow-up appointments for psychiatric medication management vary based on individual needs, treatment response, co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions, and medication regimens. These appointments allow the provider to monitor treatment response, assess for side effects, and make any necessary dosage adjustments. Typically, the frequency of follow-up appointments for psychiatric medication management may include: monthly, every 6-8 weeks, and every 3-6 months.


Open communication with your provider is essential in determining the appropriate frequency of follow-up appointments and ensuring that your medication regimen is effectively addressing your mental health needs. Your provider will work collaboratively with you to establish a follow-up schedule that supports your ongoing care and promotes optimal mental health and well-being.

What is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse with advanced training and education in mental health care. They have typically completed graduate-level education and hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in psychiatric or mental health nursing.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are licensed healthcare professionals who can assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health disorders. They can prescribe medications and offer interventions to manage and alleviate symptoms of various psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others.

How quickly will psychiatric medication start to work?

The timeframe for psychiatric medication to start working can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of medication, the individual's unique physiology, the severity of their condition, and their overall response to treatment. In general, some medications may begin to alleviate symptoms within a few days to a couple of weeks, while others may take several weeks to a few months to reach their full therapeutic effect. Your provider will discuss timeframes with you when selecting medication that is appropriate for you.


It's essential for you to follow your provider's instructions regarding medication dosage and duration of treatment, as abruptly stopping medication or changing doses without medical supervision can lead to adverse effects or a recurrence of symptoms.

Regular communication with your provider is crucial during the early stages of treatment to monitor progress, adjust medication as needed, and address any concerns or side effects that may arise.

What if I have side effects from my psychiatric medication?

If you experience side effects from your psychiatric medication, reach out to your provider and let them know what you are experiencing. This will help the provider evaluate the severity of your side effects and determine the best course of action.

If you experience severe or life-threatening side effects, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reactions, or thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services.

Remember that side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience them. Open communication with your provider is key to finding the most effective and tolerable treatment for your mental health condition.

What can I expect at my initial medication management appointment?

The initial evaluation for psychiatric medications is typically a comprehensive and patient-centered process that takes into account your psychiatric symptoms and your overall health and well-being. This includes thorough physical, emotional, social, and mental health assessment, symptom review, past treatment history, medical work-up, and collaborative treatment planning. We practice open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making in our sessions.

Can I do online medication management appointments?

At Thrive Collaborative Care, we offer online medication management appointments to accommodate our clients' preferences and needs. However, due to federal regulations, we require that clients attend their first medication management appointment in person. This initial in-person appointment allows us to establish a therapeutic relationship, conduct a comprehensive assessment, and ensure that all necessary paperwork and protocols are completed in accordance with regulatory requirements.


Following the initial in-person appointment, clients have the option to attend medication management appointments online or in person, depending on their preference and convenience. Our team of providers is available to see patients through telehealth, in-person visits, or a hybrid approach that combines both modalities.


We strive to offer flexible and accessible mental health care services that meet the diverse needs of our clients. Whether you prefer the convenience of online appointments or the in-person experience, our goal is to ensure that you receive high-quality, personalized care that supports your mental health and well-being.


If you plan to use telehealth, it's important to check with your own insurance provider to verify the coverage and benefits for telehealth services. By checking with your insurance provider to verify the coverage and benefits for telehealth services, you can make informed decisions about your mental health care and minimize any potential financial surprises.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner intern?

A psychiatric nurse practitioner student intern is a graduate-level nursing student enrolled in a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program who is completing clinical training as part of their degree requirements. These individuals are pursuing advanced education and training to become psychiatric nurse practitioners, qualified to provide mental health care services to individuals across the lifespan.


During their clinical internship, psychiatric nurse practitioner student interns work under the supervision of licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals. They gain hands-on experience in assessing, diagnosing, and managing mental health disorders, as well as prescribing psychiatric medications and providing psychotherapy.


Psychiatric nurse practitioner student interns may engage in a variety of clinical activities, including conducting psychiatric evaluations, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, providing therapy or counseling, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.


It's important to note that psychiatric nurse practitioner student interns are not yet licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners. They are supervised by licensed professionals throughout their internship and are expected to adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines as they prepare for their future role as advanced practice psychiatric nurses. Upon completing their education and fulfilling licensure requirements, psychiatric nurse practitioner students can become licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners eligible to practice and provide mental health care services to individuals and communities.

Therapy

What can I expect at my initial medication management appointment?

Your therapist will review any paperwork completed and answer any initial questions you may have. You will be invited to share your story as you feel comfortable. You are encouraged to express any current concerns or challenges you are experiencing and if you have any specific goals in regards to therapy. If you don’t know what you need or what to say, no worries! We understand this is often difficult for individuals. Your therapist will ask questions to guide you in order for them to get to know you.

Oftentimes your therapist will use the next few sessions continuing to get to know you, identifying treatment goals, and establishing strengths and personal values. You may be given rating scales to complete in order to establish a baseline measure. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and providers welcome questions and feedback along the way. We want to ensure the highest standard of care, utilize evidence-based treatment measures, and help you meet your goals in a way that is meaningful to you.

How will therapy benefit me?

Therapy offers a supportive, collaborative, and empowering process that fosters self-discovery, personal growth, and emotional well-being. It provides the tools, insights, and resources you need to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Benefits include: emotional support, insight and self-awareness, development of coping skills, sustainable behavior change, healing trauma, enhanced self-confidence, and improved relationships.

How frequent are therapy appointments?

The frequency of therapy follow-up appointments varies depending on individual needs, treatment goals, and progress in therapy. In general, therapy follow-up appointments may occur: Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly, or quarterly

Ultimately, the frequency of therapy follow-up appointments is determined collaboratively between the therapist and the client based on the individual's needs, preferences, and progress in therapy. Open communication with your therapist about your treatment goals, progress, and preferences for session frequency can help ensure that your therapy experience is tailored to meet your specific needs and support your ongoing mental health and well-being.

Is therapy confidential?

We prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of our clients as fundamental components of our therapeutic practice. Here's how we ensure therapy remains confidential:

Legal and Ethical Standards: Our therapists adhere to legal and ethical standards that protect the confidentiality of client information. We strictly abide by state and federal laws, as well as professional codes of ethics, to safeguard your privacy.

Privacy Agreement: You and your provider will establish a privacy agreement outlining the limits and exceptions to confidentiality. This agreement clarifies how information shared in therapy will be kept confidential and under what circumstances confidentiality may be breached (e.g., imminent risk of harm to self or others).

Professional Boundaries: Our therapists maintain professional boundaries to ensure the confidentiality of client information. They do not disclose confidential information to third parties without your explicit consent, except in situations where disclosure is mandated by law or necessary to prevent harm.

Secure Environment: Sessions take place in a confidential and secure environment where you can feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics without fear of judgment or disclosure. Our therapists create a safe space for open and honest dialogue, fostering trust and respect in the therapeutic relationship.

Protected Health Information (PHI): We take measures to safeguard your protected health information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Your PHI is stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel involved in your care.

How many therapy sessions will I need?

This is dependent on you and your symptoms being treated. While some individuals may achieve their goals in a relatively short period of time, others may require longer-term therapy to address complex or deeply ingrained issues.

Ultimately, the goal of therapy is to empower you to develop the skills, insights, and resources needed to thrive in your daily life. Your therapist will regularly assess your progress, discuss treatment goals, and collaboratively adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure that therapy remains effective and beneficial for you. It is our goal that all individuals are able to progress out of therapy, using the skills and insights they have gained in their daily life, enabling them to truly thrive.

Can I do therapy online?

Absolutely! We offer confidential and convenient sessions for those who prefer online sessions. We encourage you to check with your insurance carrier prior to sessions to ensure telehealth coverage.

Please note in order for online sessions, you as the patient, must be physically located in the state your provider is licensed in.

What is a therapy intern?

Therapy interns are graduate-level students pursuing degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related mental health field who are completing supervised clinical training as part of their degree requirements. These individuals typically work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, to gain practical experience and develop their therapeutic skills.

Therapy interns may engage in a variety of clinical activities under supervision, including conducting therapy sessions with clients, administering assessments, developing treatment plans, and participating in case consultations.

Internship experiences provide therapy interns with valuable hands-on training and exposure to diverse client populations and therapeutic approaches. They receive feedback, guidance, and support from their supervising clinicians as they navigate the challenges and complexities of working in the mental health field.

It's important to note that therapy interns are not yet licensed mental health professionals, and their clinical work is conducted under the supervision and oversight of licensed professionals. As they progress through their graduate programs and gain experience, therapy interns work toward fulfilling the requirements for licensure in their respective disciplines, which typically include completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours and passing licensing exams.

General Office Information

Do you provide online services across state lines?

Providers must be licensed in the state services are rendered. Currently law dictates that wherever the PATIENT is physically located is the state in which services are occurring. Some providers do hold licenses in more states than Nebraska. Please contact us if you plan to conduct sessions in a state other than Nebraska so we can ensure your provider is licensed in that state.

Can I use my insurance? How does that work?

Yes, we do accept insurance! We currently accept the following insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, Cigna, Midlands Choice, Anthem, Aetna, United Health Care, Tricare, and Medicaid. This can vary by provider. We encourage you to check the name of your provider with your insurance company to ensure coverage is available.

For other insurers we are out-of-network and you may be able to receive reimbursement for sessions depending on whether your plan offers out-of-network coverage. The best thing to do is to check with your insurance carrier. Most insurances put their customer service phone number or webpage directly on the insurance card. Some questions that may help you understand your coverage includes:

  • Do I have HMO or PPO coverage?
  • Do I have out-of-network benefits?
  • What is my deductible? Have I met it?
  • Do I have co-insurance?
  • Do I have a copay?
  • Is there a limitation on the number of sessions?
Do you accept HSA/FSA payments?

Yes we do!

Where are you located?

We are conveniently located just off Dodge Street, and have convenient access to I-680. Our

address is:

11717 Burt Street

Ste 203

Omaha, NE 68154

What are your hours of operation?

We have a wide range of scheduling options available for therapy and medication providers. Our administrative staff are available to help, Monday-Friday from 8 am- 5 pm.

How do I schedule an initial appointment?

To make an initial appointment you can:

  1. 1
    Click on the “Contact Us” below and complete the inquiry form.
  2. 2
    Email us at admin@thrivetogether365.com
  3. 3
    Call us at 402-302-2775
How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and schedules may need to be adjusted from time to time. We're here to support you in managing your mental health needs, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping our appointment schedule organized and efficient. To cancel or reschedule:

  1. 1
    Message your provider through your patient portal (click on “Patient Portal” on top right of page)
  2. 2
    Email us at admin@thrivetogether365.com
  3. 3
    Call us at 402-302-2775

Please make sure and include the patient’s name, patient’s DOB, and provider the patient is scheduled with. If you have a time or day preference for rescheduling, please let us know in your message!

Why do you charge a no-show or late cancellation fee?

We have a no-show or late cancellation fee policy to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of mental health services to all our clients. Here are the reasons why we charge a no-show or late cancellation fee:

Respect for Therapists' Time: Our therapists dedicate their time and expertise to providing quality care to our clients. When appointments are missed without notice or canceled at the last minute, it can result in wasted time and resources that could have been allocated to other clients in need.

Maintaining Appointment Availability: By enforcing a no-show or late cancellation fee policy, we aim to encourage clients to honor their scheduled appointments and respect the availability of our providers' schedules. This helps ensure that appointments are utilized effectively and that clients in need of services can access timely care.

Accountability and Responsibility: The imposition of a fee for missed appointments or late cancellations encourages responsibility for your appointments and prioritizes your commitment to your mental health treatment.

Supporting Practice Operations: No-show and late cancellation fees contribute to the sustainability of our practice by helping offset the costs associated with missed appointments, such as overhead expenses and lost revenue. This allows us to maintain high-quality services and resources for our clients.

While we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellations or rescheduling, contact us as soon as possible to avoid any fee. We also offer the option to switch to telehealth if that enables you to keep your appointment.

Why do you charge a no-show or late cancellation fee?

Prior to your first appointment at THRIVE!!! Collaborative Care, we kindly request that you reach out to our office via phone, email, or website inquiry. This initial contact allows us to gather some basic demographic information and begin the process of verifying insurance eligibility. Here's what you can expect:

Contact Our Office: Our friendly staff will assist you in getting started and answer any questions you may have about our services or appointment scheduling process.

  1. 1
    Click on the “Contact Us” below and complete the inquiry form.
  2. 2
    Email us at admin@thrivetogether365.com
  3. 3
    Call us at 402-302-2775

Provide Demographic Information: As part of the intake process, we will ask for some basic demographic information, including your name, date of birth, address, email address, phone number, preferred contact method, and treatment preferences. This information helps us create your client profile.

Insurance Verification: To determine your insurance coverage and benefits, we will request a picture of the front and back of your insurance card. This allows us to verify eligibility and submit claims on your behalf to your insurance company.

Consent to Treat Paperwork: We will also ask you to complete consent to treat paperwork, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a client, as well as our policies and procedures regarding confidentiality, billing, and treatment. This paperwork ensures that you have a clear understanding of what to expect during your journey with us.

By completing these initial steps prior to your first appointment, we can streamline the intake process and ensure that your transition into our care is as smooth and efficient as possible. Our team is dedicated to providing you with personalized, compassionate, and high-quality mental health services, and we look forward to supporting you on your path to wellness.

Do you complete the following paperwork: ESA, Disability, or FMLA Paperwork?

At Thrive Collaborative Care, we want to clarify our policies regarding documentation for:

Emotional Support Animal Documentation: We do not offer emotional support animal documentation.

Social Security Disability Forms: We do not complete Social Security disability forms. These forms typically require extensive medical documentation and evaluation, which may be beyond the scope of our services. We do release your medical records that contain necessary information regarding your mental health when requested.

FMLA Paperwork: We are able to provide complete FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) paperwork if it is deemed medically necessary by your provider.

Take the First Step

Click below to request your appointment