Frequently Asked Questions
Are you accepting patients?
Yes! Please submit a new patient inquiry and Dr. Spencer will reach out to you for a brief phone consultation to discuss your psychiatric history, the reasons you are seeking care, the fee schedule and appointment time availability. As appropriate, arrangements will be made for an initial appointment.
What appointment times are available?
Dr. Spencer will work with you to find a mutually agreeable time to meet. Generally, early morning, daytime, and evening and most days are available for appointments.
Can we do telehealth visits?
Yes, Dr. Spencer offers telepsychiatry visits through a HIPAA-compliant audio-video platform. During telehealth visits, patients need to be physically located in a state where Dr. Spencer is licensed to practice - Connecticut or Virginia.
Are in person visits an option?
Yes! Dr. Spencer can meet in person at a location that works for you - at your home or another location of your choosing. The location needs to be comfortable to you and provide enough privacy to complete the session. At this time, Dr. Spencer does not have an office.
What does a psychiatric evaluation entail?
The initial diagnostic evaluation includes 1-3 sessions that are each 60-120 minutes long. Before the interview, you will complete and submit paperwork including questionnaires about your symptoms. During the evaluation, Dr. Spencer will complete a comprehensive assessment and review of your history. The evaluation culminates in a discussion about diagnostic impressions and recommendations for treatment, including what care Dr. Spencer can offer. If your treatment needs cannot be met, Dr. Spencer will provide options for other providers and/or programs for recommended treatment.
How is a psychiatric consultation different from a psychiatric evaluation?
The psychiatric consultation is a comprehensive evaluation focused on a specific diagnostic or treatment question. This can be a second opinion requested by another provider or by you, and consultations are always done in collaboration with current physicians, therapists, psychologists and/or other care providers. The consultation includes a review of paperwork submitted ahead of the appointment and a 90-120 minute session.
Where are you located?
Fairfield County, Connecticut. Dr. Spencer is licensed to practice in Connecticut and Virginia and can see patients who are located in either state via telehealth visits. Dr. Spencer does not have an office where he sees patients. If you prefer in person sessions, he is happy to meet with you in your home or another location that is private, comfortable, and works for you.
Do you see patients for psychiatric medication management or therapy?
Both! Dr. Spencer provides evidence-based treatments including pharmacologic (medication) and therapy interventions. He has had in-depth training and stays up-to-date in medication, psychotherapy, and combined treatments. Dr. Spencer would like to be part of a team caring for you and coordinate with your pediatrician, primary care provider, therapist, psychologist, and/or other providers.
What insurance do you take?
Dr. Spencer is out-of-network and does not participate in any insurance plans. If your insurance reimburses for out-of-network providers, a statement of services can be provided for you to submit for a claim.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, and all major credit cards. Payment is due at the time of services unless other arrangements are made.
How do you manage confidentiality and safety with kids, their families, and other providers?
The law protects the relationship between a physician and a patient, and information cannot be shared unless there is permission. There are exceptions, including: suspected abuse or neglect (which physicians are required by law to report to the appropriate authorities); if someone is threatening serious bodily harm toward another person (physicians must notify the police and make every effort to inform the intended victim); if someone intends to harm themselves (Dr. Spencer will make every effort to engage their cooperation in ensuring their safety, and if they do not cooperate, he will take further measures provided by law without their permission to ensure their safety).