--- title: "Frequently Asked Questions | CARMAhealth" description: "Answers to common questions about psychiatry, insurance, appointments, and treatment at CARMAhealth. Board-certified psychiatrists in Austin, TX." canonical: https://carmahealth.com/faq source: https://carmahealth.com/faq mirror_of: carmahealth.com content_hash: sha256:5887ac76aee72c44c6c71158a50e571060ccc8e01c3ef8537fefea65713cc10a generated_at: 2026-07-08T23:20:17.555Z robots: noindex, follow --- Help Center # Frequently Asked Questions Find answers about appointments, insurance coverage, and the treatments we offer. If you don't see what you're looking for, our team is just a phone call away. [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:+15122124670) Browse by Topic ## Explore Common Questions Looking for answers about a specific treatment? Visit one of our dedicated FAQ pages. [ ### TMS Therapy FAQ Cost, insurance, candidacy, side effects, and what to expect during TMS sessions. Learn more ](/faq/tms-therapy)[ ### Ketamine Therapy FAQ How ketamine therapy works, safety, session details, and payment options. Learn more ](/faq/ketamine-therapy)[ ### General Psychiatry FAQ Questions about psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing care. Learn more ](/faq/psychiatry) Getting Started ## Your First Visit No. You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment. Call us at [(512) 212-4670](tel:+15122124670) or use our [online scheduling](https://healow.com/apps/practice/carmahealth-19331) to get started. New patients can also reach our scheduling team directly at [(512) 212-5858](tel:+15122125858). Bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications (including dosages), and any relevant medical records or prior psychiatric evaluations. CARMAhealth uses Phreesia for intake paperwork, which you can complete online before your visit. An initial [psychiatric evaluation](/services/psychiatric-evaluation) typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. This gives your practitioner time to review your history, conduct a thorough assessment, discuss findings, and begin outlining a treatment plan. Yes. CARMAhealth offers secure video visits for patients in Texas and Florida through our [patient portal](https://health.healow.com/carma). Psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and follow-up visits are all available via telehealth. Insurance & Cost ## Coverage and Payment We accept Aetna, Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Curative, Harbor Health, Scott and White, Sendero, Seton, and United Healthcare, among 15+ plans. Coverage varies by plan and service. Contact our team at [(512) 212-4670](tel:+15122124670) to verify your benefits before scheduling. Out-of-pocket costs vary by visit type and practitioner. We recommend calling our billing team at [(512) 522-1870](tel:+15125221870) for current self-pay rates. CARMAhealth also partners with Be Well, TX to provide no-cost medication-assisted treatment for patients with financial barriers. Many major insurance plans cover [TMS therapy](/services/tms-therapy) for treatment-resistant depression, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is FDA-approved and commonly covered. Generic ketamine administered by IV or injection is typically not covered by insurance. Our team handles prior authorization and benefits verification on your behalf. Call our office at [(512) 212-4670](tel:+15122124670) and our team will verify your specific plan benefits. We confirm coverage, copay amounts, and any prior authorization requirements before your first appointment so there are no surprises. Treatment Options ## Understanding Your Care A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) with residency training in psychiatry as a subspecialty of medicine. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in psychiatry is a nurse practitioner who is licensed to practice psychiatry under a delegation agreement with a licensed physician. Both practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, order lab work, and refer for advanced treatments such as [TMS](/services/tms-therapy), [Spravato](/services/spravato), and [ketamine therapy](/services/ketamine-therapy). The APRNs at CARMAhealth are supervised and able to consult with a physician at all times. Your practitioner will recommend a personalized plan based on a comprehensive [psychiatric evaluation](/services/psychiatric-evaluation). Factors include your symptoms, medical history, prior treatment response, and personal preferences. Many patients benefit from a combination of medication management and advanced modalities like TMS or ketamine therapy. Our team treats a range of psychiatric conditions including [depression](/conditions/depression), anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, and co-occurring substance use disorders. Visit our [conditions page](/conditions) for a complete list and detailed information about each. Absolutely. Treatment is collaborative, and your comfort matters. If your current medication, practitioner, or treatment approach is not working, talk to your care team. CARMAhealth's practitioners span multiple specialties, so your care team can adjust your plan, try a different approach, or refer you to a colleague within the practice. Get in Touch ## We're Here When You're Ready Reach out by phone, email, or schedule online. Our team is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. [ (512) 212-4670 Call Us ](tel:5122124670)[ info@carmahealth.com Email Us ](mailto:info@carmahealth.com)[ Central Austin, TX Visit Us ](https://maps.google.com) [Schedule an Appointment](/)