62+ answers before you take the next step

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who complete medical school and psychiatric residency. PMHNPs are nurse practitioners with specialized psychiatric training and board certification (PMHNP-BC). Both can evaluate, diagnose, and manage psychiatric conditions including prescribing medication when appropriate. At Mindful Healing, your care is led by a board-certified PMHNP through telehealth.

Board-certified PMHNP care including psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management when appropriate, and ongoing follow-up — all through secure telehealth. Treatment is personalized, evidence-based, and focused on helping you feel steadier in daily life.

Psychiatry focuses on clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management when appropriate — led by a board-certified PMHNP. Therapy (counseling or psychotherapy) focuses on talk-based treatment with a therapist or psychologist. Many patients benefit from both. We provide psychiatric care and can coordinate with your therapist when helpful.

Yes. Psychiatric medication management and therapy often work well together. With your permission, we can coordinate with your therapist so your care stays aligned. Many patients see a therapist for ongoing counseling while receiving psychiatric evaluation and medication management through our practice.

We commonly support anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, insomnia, OCD, burnout, and related concerns. Each person receives a thorough evaluation so your care plan reflects your specific symptoms and goals.

Yes — all care is provided by secure video telehealth. There are no in-office patient visits. You meet from a private location of your choice in NY, CA, FL, where our provider is licensed. Our registered practice address is in Albany, NY.

We provide telehealth psychiatric care to patients located in New York, California, Florida (NY, CA, FL) at the time of each appointment. You must be physically in a licensed state for every visit. We do not see patients in states where our provider is not licensed.

We treat adolescents (ages 12 and up), adults, and older individuals in NY, CA, FL. We do not provide psychiatric care for children under 12. Teens and adults receive the same thoughtful, individualized evaluation and follow-up through telehealth.

Our practice is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). For non-emergency psychiatric care, submit a confidential inquiry and we will respond within one to two business days.

Submit the confidential inquiry form on our Contact page, call, or email. No referral is required. We respond within one to two business days with clear next steps — no pressure to schedule.

We confirm whether we are a good fit, help with insurance or self-pay questions, send intake paperwork, and schedule your first telehealth psychiatric evaluation with Astrude Charles, PMHNP-BC.

Yes. We accept many major insurance plans, including BlueCross BlueShield, Florida Blue, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Oscar Health, Anthem, Optum, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, CHAMPVA. Coverage varies by plan and state — we verify benefits before your first visit when possible. Self-pay is also available; contact us for current private-pay rates and a Good Faith Estimate before your appointment.

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a written estimate of expected charges for your care, provided before your appointment as required by the federal No Surprises Act. It applies to uninsured and self-pay patients and helps you understand costs upfront. If your final bill exceeds the GFE by $400 or more, you may have the right to dispute it. See our Good Faith Estimate page at /good-faith-estimate or contact us to request a GFE.

Initial psychiatric evaluations typically last 45–60 minutes. This gives your provider time to understand your history, symptoms, and goals — and to outline a thoughtful plan for what comes next.

Most inquiries receive a response within one to two business days. Same-week appointments are sometimes available. Telehealth scheduling is often faster than traditional in-person psychiatry wait times.

Complete intake forms beforehand. Have a list of current medications and supplements, prior psychiatric or medical history, and questions you want to discuss. Find a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection for your video session.

Follow-ups review your progress, address side effects or concerns, and adjust your treatment plan when needed. Visits typically last 20–30 minutes. Ongoing follow-up is an important part of safe, effective psychiatric care.

Yes — when clinically appropriate and aligned with your goals. Medication decisions are made collaboratively; you will understand options, benefits, and risks before anything is prescribed. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy.

Not everyone needs medication — that is determined through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Your provider reviews your symptoms, history, daily functioning, and goals before recommending any treatment. Many patients benefit from medication when symptoms persist despite other support; others may not need it. The decision is always collaborative and explained in plain language.

Yes. Prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy you choose. The process is secure and straightforward through our telehealth platform.

Medication is reviewed during follow-up appointments to ensure it remains effective and well-tolerated. Your provider adjusts the plan based on your response and feedback.

PMHNP stands for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — an advanced-practice nurse with graduate training and board certification in psychiatry. Astrude Charles, PMHNP-BC is a PMHNP-BC who can evaluate, diagnose, and manage psychiatric conditions including prescribing medication when appropriate. PMHNPs provide the same core psychiatric services many patients associate with a psychiatrist, delivered here through secure telehealth.

Yes. All psychiatric care at Mindful Healing is provided by secure video telehealth — there are no in-office patient visits. You attend from a private location in NY, CA, FL, where our provider is licensed. Appointments use a HIPAA-compliant platform; we help you get set up before your first visit.

Mindful Healing is registered in Albany, NY, and Astrude Charles, PMHNP-BC provides care exclusively through telehealth. Patients are not seen in person at the office address. You connect from home or another private location in New York, California, Florida for each appointment.

No. Our provider is not licensed in Colorado, and we cannot provide psychiatric care to patients located there at the time of an appointment. We currently serve patients in New York, California, and Florida only. If you are relocating, contact us to confirm whether we can continue care in a licensed state.

Yes. We provide full psychiatric telehealth services to patients physically located in Florida and California, as well as New York, at the time of each visit. You need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. The same evaluation, medication management, and follow-up care available in NY applies in FL and CA.

Yes. PTSD is commonly evaluated and managed through our telehealth practice, including medication management when clinically appropriate. Your provider reviews trauma-related symptoms, daily functioning, and treatment goals during a thorough evaluation. Care is personalized and evidence-based, with follow-up to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Yes. Panic disorder — including recurrent panic attacks and related avoidance — is within the scope of our psychiatric practice. Treatment may include medication when appropriate, along with education and a coordinated plan you can discuss with your therapist. We focus on reducing attack frequency and helping you regain confidence in daily activities.

Yes. Adjustment disorder and stress-related reactions to life changes are conditions we commonly evaluate and support. Your provider considers how recent stressors affect your mood, sleep, and functioning before recommending a plan. Treatment may include short-term medication management when symptoms are significant and not improving with other support alone.

OCD is evaluated through a detailed review of obsessions, compulsions, and their impact on your life. Medication management — often alongside therapy with an OCD-informed therapist — can be part of your plan when clinically appropriate. We monitor response over follow-up visits and adjust treatment based on your progress and feedback.

Yes. We treat adolescents ages 12 and older in NY, CA, FL through secure telehealth. Teen visits include developmentally appropriate evaluation, collaboration with parents or guardians when indicated, and careful discussion of treatment options. A parent or guardian typically participates in scheduling and consent for patients under 18.

Yes. Adults of all ages, including older adults, are welcome in our practice across NY, CA, FL. We account for medical history, medication interactions, and life transitions that can affect mental health later in life. Care is thoughtful, individualized, and delivered through the same secure telehealth platform used for all patients.

Yes. A second-opinion evaluation is available for patients who want an independent review of their diagnosis or medication plan. Bring records from your current provider when possible, including medication lists and prior notes. We will share our clinical perspective and recommendations; you decide whether to make changes with us or return to your existing provider.

We follow HIPAA and applicable state privacy laws to protect your health information. Telehealth visits use a secure, encrypted platform, and records are stored in compliant systems with access limited to your care team. Information is shared with other providers or family members only with your permission, except where law requires disclosure.

No referral is required to request a consultation with Mindful Healing. You may contact us directly through the inquiry form, phone, or email. Some insurance plans ask for a referral for coverage purposes — we can help you check your plan's requirements during insurance verification.

Yes. Many patients transfer psychiatric care when moving, changing insurance, or seeking telehealth. Share your current medication list and, if available, records from your prior provider so we can continue safely. We do not prescribe controlled substances on the first visit without appropriate documentation and a full evaluation.

After you reach out, we collect your insurance details and verify benefits before your first visit when possible. Verification confirms whether your plan is in-network, your copay or coinsurance, and any deductible or authorization requirements. You receive a clear summary so you know what to expect financially before scheduling.

Cost depends on your insurance plan and whether you are using in-network benefits or self-pay. We do not publish fixed rates online because coverage varies widely by plan and state. Contact us for current private-pay rates and a Good Faith Estimate; insured patients receive benefit details after verification.

Your first telehealth visit with Astrude Charles, PMHNP-BC is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, typically 45–60 minutes. You will discuss your symptoms, history, medications, and goals; your provider will ask clarifying questions and outline initial recommendations. Intake forms are completed beforehand, and you receive next steps — which may include labs, follow-up timing, or a treatment plan — before the session ends.

We accept Medicare and Medicaid for eligible patients, subject to plan and state participation rules. Coverage details vary — we verify benefits before your first appointment when possible. Contact us with your member ID and plan name so we can confirm acceptance and your estimated out-of-pocket cost.

Yes. Self-pay is available for patients without insurance or who prefer not to use their plan. Contact us for current rates and a Good Faith Estimate before your appointment. Self-pay patients receive the same telehealth psychiatric evaluation and follow-up care as insured patients.

If we are out-of-network with your plan, you may still have out-of-network benefits depending on your policy. We can provide a superbill (itemized receipt) after your visit for you to submit for reimbursement. Reimbursement amounts are determined by your insurer, not by our practice.

The No Surprises Act is a federal law that protects patients from certain unexpected medical bills and requires transparent cost information. Uninsured and self-pay patients may request a Good Faith Estimate before care. If your final charges exceed the estimate by $400 or more, you may have the right to dispute the bill. See our Good Faith Estimate page or contact us for details.

Our provider is licensed to practice psychiatric telehealth in New York, California, Florida (NY, CA, FL) only. You must be physically located in one of these states at the time of every appointment. We cannot see patients in other states, including Colorado, even temporarily.

Initial psychiatric evaluations are typically 45–60 minutes. Follow-up medication-management visits are usually 20–30 minutes. Appointment length may vary slightly based on complexity, but we allow enough time for your questions and a thorough review at each visit.

Follow-up visits are generally 20–30 minutes. This time is used to review symptoms, medication response, side effects, and any life changes affecting your care. Shorter visits keep care efficient while still allowing meaningful adjustments to your treatment plan.

Follow-up frequency depends on your clinical needs. New medication starts or dose changes often warrant visits every two to four weeks initially; stable patients may be seen every one to three months. Your provider recommends a schedule based on your symptoms, medication type, and response.

Contact our office by phone or email as soon as you know you need to change your appointment. We ask for at least 24–48 hours' notice when possible so the time can be offered to another patient. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee per our office policies, which are shared at scheduling.

If you miss a scheduled visit without notice, contact us to reschedule as soon as possible. Repeated missed appointments may affect scheduling priority or incur a fee per office policy. Consistent follow-up is important for safe medication management, so we work with you to find a time that fits your schedule.

Limited evening appointment times may be available on select days. Availability changes based on the current schedule — submit an inquiry or call to ask about open times that fit your needs. All visits remain telehealth, so you can attend from home after work or school.

You need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection. We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform; a link is sent before your appointment. A quiet, private space — such as a bedroom or home office — helps you speak openly and get the most from your visit.

Yes — when clinically appropriate after a thorough evaluation. This may include stimulant or non-stimulant medications for ADHD in adolescents and adults. Controlled substances require an initial evaluation, appropriate documentation, and ongoing follow-up per federal and state telehealth rules.

Stimulant medications may be prescribed when indicated by evaluation and aligned with your goals. Because stimulants are controlled substances, prescribing follows strict telehealth and state regulations — including an adequate evaluation, follow-up monitoring, and pharmacy e-prescribing. We do not prescribe stimulants on the first visit without proper assessment.

Yes. Anxiety disorders are commonly treated with medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or other agents when clinically appropriate. Your provider discusses options, expected benefits, and possible side effects before starting treatment. Benzodiazepines are prescribed only in limited circumstances with careful monitoring due to dependence risk.

Yes. Antidepressants — including SSRIs, SNRIs, and other classes — are frequently part of treatment for depression and related conditions when medication is indicated. Selection depends on your symptoms, history, and prior medication trials. We monitor response and side effects through scheduled follow-up visits.

Yes, within federal and state rules that apply to psychiatric telehealth. Controlled substances — including some ADHD and anxiety medications — require an appropriate evaluation, established patient relationship, and ongoing follow-up. Prescribing decisions are made case by case; we follow current DEA and state board guidance.

Yes. Sleep difficulties related to anxiety, depression, or primary insomnia can be evaluated and treated, including medication when appropriate. Your provider also reviews sleep hygiene and whether an underlying psychiatric condition is contributing. Certain sleep aids are controlled or habit-forming and are used cautiously with close follow-up.

Yes. Bipolar disorder is within our scope of practice, including mood stabilizers and other medications when clinically indicated. Accurate diagnosis and medication history are essential, so the initial evaluation is thorough. Ongoing follow-up monitors mood symptoms, side effects, and medication levels when applicable.

Some psychiatric medications can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but risks and benefits vary by medication and trimester. Your provider reviews your symptoms, current medications, and reproductive plans to guide shared decision-making. Coordination with your OB-GYN or midwife is encouraged when you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Contact our office if you notice bothersome or concerning side effects — do not stop medication abruptly without guidance. Many side effects lessen with time or dose adjustment; others may warrant switching medications. Follow-up visits are designed to catch problems early and keep your treatment as tolerable as it is effective.

Prescriptions are sent electronically (e-prescribed) to the pharmacy you choose, including controlled substances when permitted. The process is secure and typically completed the same day as your visit. Tell us your preferred pharmacy before or during your appointment so there are no delays.