Policies

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Treatment Goals
Desert Ridge Psychiatry focuses on restoring—and when possible, improving—your level of functioning. Treatment works best when guided by clear goals, consistent follow-through, and active collaboration.

Medication Policy
Treatment emphasizes evidence-informed medication management focused on safety, functioning, and long-term wellbeing.

Controlled substances are generally not prescribed in this practice. This includes benzodiazepines, stimulants, and similar medications.

In rare situations where a controlled medication is clearly indicated and clinically appropriate, treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis with careful assessment, documentation, and coordination with the patient’s primary care physician.

Most patients benefit from non-controlled options, collaborative care, and structured follow-up.

If concerns arise regarding substance misuse, safety, or interactions with prescribed medications, additional evaluation may be recommended. This may include a urine drug screen or involvement of family members when appropriate to ensure safe and coordinated care. 

Primary Care Coordination
All patients are expected to maintain an active relationship with a primary care physician for medical coordination, necessary labs, and broader health oversight. Psychiatric treatment works best when medical issues are simultaneously monitored by a clinician familiar with your overall health.

Medication Safety
Medication concerns may be sent through the patient portal. Messages are not monitored continuously.

Common side effects (such as mild nausea, headache, or insomnia) are usually not dangerous; you may stop the medication if needed and review it at your next appointment.

Seek immediate care at an urgent care clinic or emergency department for:
– rapidly spreading rash
– blistering or mucosal involvement
– fever or swelling
– trouble breathing
– feeling significantly unwell

If you experience symptoms of activation (agitation, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior), stop the medication and seek prompt evaluation with your primary care physician or a nearby urgent care clinic.

If symptoms escalate or you feel unsafe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Clinical Changes Between Visits
If your symptoms worsen between scheduled appointments—including increased depression, anxiety, agitation, or psychotic symptoms—please seek evaluation with your primary care physician, a nearby urgent care clinic, or the nearest emergency department.

Non-Working Days
Messages sent on non-working days are reviewed at the next clinic day.
The patient portal should not be used for urgent or time-sensitive concerns.

Technology Use and AI Assistants
Many patients use LLMs, health apps, or wearables to understand their symptoms. You are welcome to bring a brief summary of any information you have gathered.

These tools may support insight and tracking, but they do not provide clinical evaluation, diagnostic confirmation, or medical decision-making.

Professional Environment
This practice maintains a respectful, civil, and professional setting for clinical care. Behavior or communication that interferes with this standard may result in referral to an alternative provider.

Shared Responsibility and Medical Variability
Treatment effectiveness varies among individuals and depends on factors such as medical comorbidities, adherence, and environmental stressors. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Clinical Documentation
Documentation reflects clinical assessment, medical decision-making, and treatment rationale. It cannot be altered based on patient request.

Therapeutic Fit and Continuity
Ongoing treatment depends on stability, clinical fit, and appropriateness of care. Referrals may be offered if a different treatment structure better serves a patient’s needs or expectations.

Other Policies
Appointment cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to the full session fee. Communication outside appointments is limited to brief administrative coordination only.
All communication occurs through formal clinical or administrative channels.