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SOUL HEALTH PSYCHIATRY, LLC Dr. Starr Montalvo
Services
(Adults 18 & Up)

DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
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During our first appointment, An initial 60-minute appointment will be conducted to determine diagnosis and treatment plan. An initial evaluation begins with an accurate assessment and diagnosis.
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Detailed description of your current symptoms, life circumstances, and concerns that have compelled you to seek out treatment for a potential mental illness.
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Extensive review of past mental health treatment, including prior psychotherapy, medication trials, hospitalizations, and substance use history.
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Special attention is paid to the description of any patterns in behavior, coping styles, and mood changes that have evolved from childhood to the present and may have had an impact on your mental health.
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Medical history is obtained including a detailed family history of any mental illness treatment.
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Based on the evaluation, a diagnosis is formed and treatment options are presented. If medication is indicated, I will explain why a medication is being prescribed, potential side effects and risks/benefits of the treatment.
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Depending on the condition/illness, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep aids or other psychotropic medications may be prescribed.
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At the conclusion of the initial evaluation, if medication is indicated, medications will be electronically ordered to your pharmacy.

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
(Psychopharmacology)
Ongoing management of prescription medications, with up to 25 minute follow-up appointments.
With follow-up appointments, we will spend that time reviewing response to treatment and make adjustments as indicated. Additional changes may be recommended depending on your circumstances. We will continually work together to create a treatment plan that is safe and effective for you.
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Follow-up appointments can vary from weekly to monthly for established patients.
Part of my role is to advise you about medications, how and when they might be helpful, what the risks or side effects might be, and to ensure that your experience with them is safe and effective. If at any time you decide to discontinue psychotropic medications, I will support you in doing this safely. Additionally, I may order lab studies to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, and may refer you to other specialists, when indicated.
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BRIEF/SUPPORTIVE-THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
Brief/Supportive psychotherapy is integrated into the 25 minute medication management visits. However, some people benefit from and require more frequent follow up and/or more in depth therapy sessions.While medication management plays a distinct and important role in the treatment of varying mental health issues, Soul Health Psychiatry strongly believes in the importance of adjunct therapy and the behavioral changes that can be utilized to effectively live a healthy and productive life.
This is ideal for those who are seeking to take a deeper dive into the root cause of their behaviors and thinking patterns. Patients seeking such longer psychotherapy visits will need to obtain an outside referral for more intensive psychotherapy.

MEDICAL CANNABIS CONSULTATION
Professional and private evaluations are provided for patients seeking to legally obtain a Medical Cannabis card in NY only for patients who are well established with Soul Health Psychiatry.
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I am a certified medical cannabis provider in the state of New York. You may be eligible for medical cannabis if you have one or more of the following conditions: epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, post-traumatic stress disorder, pain that degrades health and functional capability as an alternative to opioid use, substance use disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, autism, or any other condition, at the discretion of your health care provider.
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I perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to determine whether the medical use of cannabis is appropriate for your condition.
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For further information about the NYS Medical Cannabis program, please click on the link below;
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https://cannabis.ny.gov/medical-cannabis-program-faqs
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EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL LETTER
Emtional Support animal letter will be provided to well established patients of Soul Health Psychiatry for a fee.

WHAT WE TREAT
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We treat a broad range of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, sleep-wake disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders for patients aged 18 and older

DISCLAIMER
Please note that we do not provide:
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neuropsychological testing
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treatment services to children or adolescents under age 18
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any legal advice or legal consultation
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any court-mandated psychiatric evaluations or forensic reports on your mental status or return to work evaluations
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any FMLA, short-term or long-term disability assessments or endorsements, on a first visit or with new patients
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Any detailed forms that patients request that the provider fill out are charged $200.
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Simple notes or letters confirming a diagnosis or treatment are free of charrge. Providers will not fill out disability paperwork unless treatment has been established for at least 2 months, and it is still at the discretion of the doctor.
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If you are on a controlled substance, there is no guarantee that I will prescribe, continue or refill any of your meds on a first visit. I would need a full assessment, comprehensive history/interview, review of your past records from prior prescribers and medical providers, and then discussing together my recommendations and a safety-focused treatment plan.

EMERGENCIES
Soul Health Psychiatry Services does not provide emergency care. If you are having thoughts to imminently hurt yourself or anybody else, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. We additionally recommend calling the national suicide hotline: 1-800-273-8255
