Question 1

How do I schedule my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (702) 604-2498 or email info@meridianbehavioral.com to schedule your initial evaluation. Our staff will ask a few basic questions about your needs, check your insurance coverage, and find an appointment time that works for you. We serve clients ages 12 and above.

Question 2

What should I bring to my first visit?

Accepted Answer

All documents are electronic and uploaded to our EHR. Please complete intake paperwork online before your first appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card(s), and a list of current medications. For minors (ages 12-17), legal guardianship documentation is also required.

Question 3

Do you accept new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We welcome new patients at both our Southwest Las Vegas locations. We typically schedule new patient appointments within 1-2 weeks.

Question 4

What should I expect during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Your provider will review your history, discuss symptoms and concerns, explain possible diagnoses, and collaboratively develop an initial treatment plan.

Question 5

What's the difference between psychiatry and therapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatry focuses on diagnosis and medical treatment (medication management), while therapy involves talking with a professional to address thoughts and behaviors. At Meridian, Amy Wise, PMHNP-BC provides both medication management and therapy, while Derek Wise, MA, LCPC provides therapy.

Question 6

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Initial evaluations are 45-60 minutes. Follow-up medication management is 30 minutes. Therapy sessions are 50-60 minutes. EMDR Intensives are 3-6 hours.

Question 7

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to accommodate urgent needs when possible. Call us at (702) 604-2498. For emergencies, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Question 8

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are in-network with many commercial and government plans including Aetna, Cigna, Carelon, Anthem Medicaid, First Health, SilverSummit Healthplan, Medicare, Medicaid, and more. Please call us at (702) 604-2498 to verify your specific plan.

Question 9

What if I don't have insurance?

Accepted Answer

We offer private cash-pay options. Self-pay rates: Therapy (55 min) $150, Psychiatry Initial Evaluation $250, Psychiatry Follow-up $150.

Question 10

Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept Medicare, AARP Medicare, and Medicaid FFS. Please call our office at (702) 604-2498 to verify your specific plan.

Question 11

How much does treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on whether you're using insurance or paying out-of-pocket, the type of service, and your specific insurance plan's coverage.

Question 12

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We work with patients to make mental health care accessible. Please discuss concerns with our staff.

Question 13

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mental health services typically qualify for Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) reimbursement.

Question 14

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We evaluate and treat Anxiety disorders, Depressive disorders, PTSD, Bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and more.

Question 15

What is EMDR therapy?

Accepted Answer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy for treating trauma and PTSD. It helps your brain reprocess distressing memories.

Question 16

How does medication management work?

Accepted Answer

Medication management involves initial evaluation, shared decision-making, monitoring effectiveness and side effects, and ongoing adjustments.

Question 17

Do you prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

We may prescribe controlled substances when clinically appropriate and after careful evaluation, following strict guidelines and monitoring.

Question 18

Can I do telehealth appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer secure telehealth appointments for clients throughout Nevada.

Question 19

Do you treat children?

Accepted Answer

We serve ages 12 and above. We can provide referrals for children under 12.

Question 20

How long does treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Treatment duration varies based on condition and goals. We'll discuss realistic timelines during your evaluation.

Question 21

What if treatment isn't working?

Accepted Answer

If not seeing improvement, we'll reassess diagnosis, consider alternatives, or adjust treatment. Communication is key.

Question 22

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Las Vegas (5510 South Fort Apache Road) and Las Vegas ().

Question 23

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Question 24

Do you have weekend appointments?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we do not offer weekend appointments. extended weekday hours (8 AM – 8 PM) are available.

Question 25

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both locations have ample free parking available for clients.

Question 26

Are your locations wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both locations are fully accessible.

Question 27

Do you serve clients outside Las Vegas?

Accepted Answer

We primarily serve Las Vegas and Clark County. Telehealth is available for clients anywhere in Nevada.

Question 28

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a fee.

Question 29

Can I see the same provider every time?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Continuity of care is important. You'll work with the same provider throughout your treatment.

Question 30

How do I get my medical records?

Accepted Answer

Contact our office at (702) 604-2498 or info@meridianbehavioral.com to request your records.

Question 31

Can I bring a family member to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

For adults (18+), yes. For minors (ages 12-17), a parent or legal guardian must be present for the initial evaluation.

Question 32

What if I need to reach you in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Life-threatening emergencies: Call 911. Mental health crises: Call 988. Urgent clinical questions: Call (702) 604-2498.

Question 33

Is my information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We follow HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy.

Question 34

Will my employer find out I'm in treatment?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not communicate with employers about your treatment unless you provide written authorization.

Question 35

If I use insurance, who sees my information?

Accepted Answer

Insurance companies receive limited information needed to process claims (diagnoses, dates, treatment types). They do not receive session notes.

Question 36

Do you treat addiction or substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

We treat co-occurring conditions but do not provide specialized addiction treatment or detox. We provide referrals.

Question 37

Do you provide disability or FMLA paperwork?

Accepted Answer

We can provide documentation when clinically appropriate. Please discuss with your provider.

Question 38

Do you provide emotional support animal (ESA) letters?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not provide support for ESA letters for animals.

Question 39

Do you perform psychological testing?

Accepted Answer

We provide ADHD assessments. For comprehensive testing, we provide referrals.

Question 40

Do you offer parent-child therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer parent-child and family therapy with Derek Wise, MA, LCPC.

Question 41

How long has Meridian been in practice?

Accepted Answer

Meridian Behavioral Health has been serving Las Vegas since 2019.

Question 42

Are your providers licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Derek Wise, MA, LCPC and Amy Wise, PMHNP are fully licensed.

Question 43

What makes Meridian different from other practices?

Accepted Answer

We emphasize thorough evaluations, collaborative treatment planning, evidence-based care, clear communication, consistent follow-up, and whole-person focus.

Therapy & Psychiatric Services

Conditions We Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Insurance & Payment

Services & Treatment

Locations & Hours

Appointments & Policies

Privacy & Confidentiality

Specific Treatment Questions

About Meridian

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