Question 1

How do I book a first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Call us at 301-710-4218 or use the contact form. Most new patients are seen within the week. We verify your insurance before your first visit so there are no surprises.

Question 2

Do I need a referral to book an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

No. You can book a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation directly, no referral from a primary care doctor is required.

Question 3

How long is the first visit?

Accepted Answer

Plan for 60 to 90 minutes. The evaluation is longer than a typical appointment because it is the foundation for everything that follows. You leave with an initial diagnosis where one is warranted and a plan you understand and agree with.

Question 4

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of any medications and doses you currently take, and any prior records or test results if you have them. If a loved one helps you keep track of your history, you are welcome to bring them.

Question 5

What is the difference between a free screening and a full evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A screening is a short, focused check, often a validated questionnaire such as the PHQ-9 or GAD-7, that flags whether a concern is worth a closer look. A comprehensive evaluation is the full 60 to 90 minute visit: your history, your current concerns, screening tools where they help, and an initial diagnosis with a plan.

Question 6

Which insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept 13 plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, UMR, Kaiser Permanente, Tricare, Priority Partners, Wellpoint, and GEHA. See our /insurance page for the full list.

Question 7

Will I know my costs before my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We verify your benefits before your first visit and explain what your plan covers, so you can make a decision with accurate information.

Question 8

What if I do not have insurance, or my plan is not listed?

Accepted Answer

Call us at 301-710-4218. We also offer free mental health screenings, which are a low-pressure way to take a first step, and we will talk through your options before you commit to anything.

Question 9

Is telepsychiatry covered the same as an in-person visit?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Maryland insurers generally cover telepsychiatry the same way they cover in-person care, and we accept the same 13 plans whether you are seen in our Waldorf office or by secure video anywhere in Maryland.

Question 10

Is online psychiatry as effective as an in-person visit?

Accepted Answer

For most psychiatric care, yes. Research on telepsychiatry shows outcomes comparable to in-person visits for evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management across conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Question 11

Which Maryland counties do you serve by telepsychiatry?

Accepted Answer

All of them. We see many patients across Southern Maryland, Charles, St. Mary's, Calvert, and Prince George's counties, and we provide telepsychiatry statewide. Our only physical office is in Waldorf, MD.

Question 12

What technology do I need for a video visit?

Accepted Answer

A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and a stable internet connection. The platform runs in any modern browser, there is no app to install. A quiet, private space where you can speak freely helps too.

Question 13

Do you offer evening telehealth appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Evening telehealth slots run from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily, so you can schedule around work or school.

Question 14

Can I switch between online and in-person visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients mix the two: an in-person visit at our Waldorf office when it helps, and secure video for routine follow-ups.

Question 15

What ages do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We evaluate and treat patients ages 6 and up, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. For a younger patient, a parent or guardian takes part in the evaluation.

Question 16

What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Both assess, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medication. A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO); a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced-practice nurse with graduate training in psychiatric care. In Maryland, a certified nurse practitioner practices under their own license. See /psychiatric-nurse-practitioner for more.

Question 17

How long before my medication starts working?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Some medications used for sleep or acute anxiety can help within hours or days. Antidepressants often take several weeks to reach their full effect, with smaller changes sometimes appearing sooner. We tell you what to expect for your specific medication and check progress at your early follow-ups.

Question 18

Should I start with therapy or with medication?

Accepted Answer

There is no single right answer. We assess what brings you in first, then talk through whether therapy on its own, medication, or a combination fits your situation best. The decision is made with you.

Question 19

What if the first medication does not help?

Accepted Answer

That is common and not a setback. We can switch medications, adjust the dose, or add a second one that works alongside it. We expect to adjust, so a medication that does not work on the first try is a reason to keep going.

Question 20

Is what I say in therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sessions are confidential and protected by law, with narrow exceptions when there is a risk of serious harm.

Question 21

How can I request my medical records?

Accepted Answer

Call us at 301-710-4218 to request a copy of your records. We follow HIPAA standards for release of information. See our HIPAA Notice for the full Notice of Privacy Practices.

Question 22

What if I am in crisis right now?

Accepted Answer

Oasis of Hope is not an emergency service. If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or call 911. Once you are safe, we are here to help you get ongoing care.

Does Maryland Medicaid (and Priority Partners) Cover Therapy and Psychiatry? A Southern Maryland Guide

Frequently asked questions.

Insurance plans we accept

Getting started.

Insurance & cost.

Telepsychiatry.

Care & medication.

Privacy, records & crisis.

Your first step is a single phone call.