Throughout time, individuals have defined themselves by their minds, and its loss can feel like the loss of self. This sense of self and the fear of “going out of my mind” is an old one. John Ruskin, an art critic and individual who suffered from depression, exemplifies in his autobiography just how powerful the mind is on one’s perspective of life.

Languidly, but not idly, I began to draw it; and as I drew, the languor passed away: the beautiful lines insisted on being traced, – without weariness. More and more beautiful they became, as each rose out of the rest, and took its place in the air. With wonder increasing every instant, I saw that they “composed” themselves by finer laws than any known’of men. At last, the tree was there, and everything I had thought about trees, nowhere ...

Praeterita (1885-1889)
John Ruskin

Today, the stigma of mental illness is slowly changing. Psychiatry combines both the science and art of medicine in helping to treat both brain and mind.

How will I be treated as a patient?
The goal of the practice is not only treating your illness but also providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Treatment decisions are made together between doctor and patient, and questions and concerns are welcomed.

Whom do you treat?
Adults over 18 years old with varying psychiatric disorders.

What kinds of services or help do you provide?
Dr. Rashti believes in a comprehensive treatment plan. Managing medications and working with patients in some forms individual therapy are two of her areas. She refers patients to trusted colleagues for couples counseling and other forms of psychotherapy. If a medical question presents, she may recommend a patient see his primary care physician or refer him to a medical specialist. Recommendations for social services, support groups, or appropriate organizations are possible other parts of a treatment plan.

What diseases do you treat?
Dr. Rashti has been trained in general adult psychiatry and treats many different illnesses. She sees a lot of mood and anxiety disorders, like Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. She also has an interest in helping women struggling mentally during pregnancy or the postpartum period afterwards.

Do You take Insurance and Medicare?
No. However, the office will give you an insurance HCFA form, which has your diagnosis and office visit codes so you can file for out of network benefits.

Dr. Rashti is not a Medicare provider so your visit will not be covered through it. If you have an additional secondary insurance, an “opt out letter” will be provided with a HCFA form so you can file with your secondary insurance.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
No, however, if your physician has recommended seeing Dr. Rashti, any labs, x-rays, or medical records can be helpful.

What should I bring with me when I come for a scheduled office appointment?
You will find the New Patient forms on the Patient Portal that you can reach directly from the website. If you are unable to reach the portal, please arrive about 30-45 minutes prior to the initial appointment to complete the forms in the office. Additionally, please have your pharmacy and its phone number so Dr. Rashti can prescribe medications if necessary.

You should bring any medical records, lab results, and imaging studies that you have and feel would be important for your care. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of any doctor or therapist with whom you wish the doctor to communicate would also be helpful.

What should I expect during the first visit?
Prior to the evaluation, Dr. Rashti will go over your initial paperwork. The initial evaluation takes around 1½ to 2 hours. At the time of the interview. She will take as complete a history as possible. Diagnosis, treatment options, and recommendations will be discussed. If a patient decides to start treatment, then follow up, side effects, and expectations will be addressed. She will try to answer all questions.

If I am taking medicine, how long will it take to get a refill?
As with any doctor and even when your bottle says 0 refills, it is best to call the pharmacy to get your refill. When you call the pharmacy, you will be told that it needs to contact your doctor. The pharmacy will then fax the office for the refill okay. If the office receives the fax during business hours, it normally will be filled the same day. If it is not during business hours, the medicine will not be refilled until the next business day.

How many refills can I get, and can you give me a 90 day supply?
Yes, medicine can be refilled for 30 or 90 days. The number of refills usually reflects when you need a follow up appointment. When you are on the last refill, it will be time to make your appointment. With controlled medications, however, refills are not allowed. In these cases, the patient needs to call the office about 1 week before finishing the medicine so a new prescription can be given.

What do I do if I am traveling out of state or the country?
If a trip is planned and your medication would run out before returning home, most insurance companies will refill your medications with a “vacation override.” Some will refill your prescription early; others will fill for a greater quantity. If medication is needed unexpectedly while away, it can usually be refilled out of state. If you are going out of the country, you will need to get your medication before leaving. Usually having your medication bottle is enough for out of the country travel. However, if a letter is needed, the doctor can provide it to you as proof.

Will I need to have my blood taken or get a XRAY?
Some medications need lab work after you start them to monitor drug levels, while others need labs before and after starting a medication to watch for side effects, e.g. changes in kidney or liver function.

Some medical illnesses can have psychiatric signs and symptoms. Doing blood tests or imaging studies might be done to rule out a medical illness.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements.

Will Dr. Rashti speak to my other doctors or my therapist?
Yes, Dr. Rashti can speak to any doctor or therapist with a written release. It is encouraged for members of a treatment team to communicate with each other.

She cannot speak to anyone without a patient’s permission, which includes other healthcare workers, family members, or friends. Exceptions do exist and are listed below. In cases of emergency, all efforts are taken to maintain confidentiality.

  • A patient may lose mental capacity to care for him or herself or make medical decisions. The capacity can be permanent or temporary. If it is temporary, the patient will regain control of his/her medical information.
  • The patient has a guardian.
  • Another person has medical power of attorney.
  • Patient safety is at risk.
  • The safety to another person is at risk.
  • A patient is so sick that safety is an issue for the patient or another.