Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer therapy, medication management, or both?

At Clear View Mentality, we specialize in medication management with a strong emphasis on psychotherapeutic support. We will consider offering therapy sessions on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work together toward your mental wellness.

How do I schedule an appointment?

New Patients
Click “Book Now” and choose your preferred provider. Before scheduling, we’ll send you a short screener to ensure we’re the right fit for your needs.

Returning Patients
Log into the Patient Portal and choose from available appointment times that work for you.

Need to Cancel?
Simply sign into the portal, request to cancel your appointment, and reschedule at your convenience.

What should I expect during the first appointment?

Your first appointment is all about getting to know you. We’ll take time to review your history, current concerns, and goals for care. We’ll also explore any past mental health or medical treatments and discuss what’s worked, or hasn’t worked, for you.

This initial session often includes:

A thorough psychiatric evaluation
Discussion of symptoms, stressors, and lifestyle
An overview of treatment options, including medication
Supportive, coaching-style conversation
Space to ask questions and set expectations moving forward

You can expect a collaborative and judgment-free environment where your story matters. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that feels aligned with your needs and values.

Can I get a prescription without an appointment?

We totally get it, life gets busy. But for safety and legal reasons, we can’t send prescriptions without a scheduled appointment. This includes both first-time prescriptions and refills.

For controlled substances (like stimulants, benzodiazepines, or certain anxiety medications), federal and state laws require regular appointments. These meds have stricter rules and must be closely monitored to make sure they’re safe and effective for you.

What is the Non-Controlled Prescription Refill Policy?

We’ll typically refill medications during your scheduled appointment.
If you’re running low, please request a refill at least 3 business days in advance through the Spruce Health app.
Missed or overdue appointments may delay your refill, especially for controlled substances.

Your safety is our priority, and regular check-ins help us keep the continuity of your care on track.

Can I communicate with my provider between appointments?

Love this question! We use Spruce Health, a HIPAA-compliant platform, to securely communicate with our patients. You can reach us there any time for non-urgent questions or updates.

Please allow 24–72 hours for a response, as our providers are busy caring for patients throughout the day and we receive a high volume of messages.

Office Hours
Patient appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

For medication questions, refills, or to reschedule an appointment, you can:

Call us at (704) 553-8336
Or message us through the secure Spruce Health portal

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We’re here for you and committed to your care!

What should I do in a mental health emergency?

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please don’t wait, help is available:

Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)
If you’re in North Carolina, you can also contact the NC Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-855-587-3463

These resources are free, confidential, and available any time, day or night.

Do you complete disability forms, FMLA paperwork, or ESA letters?

Yes, we do complete disability paperwork, FMLA forms, and ESA (emotional support animal) letters. However, we require that you:

Long-term disability and SSI benefits: the client must be our patient for at least 6 months
Short-term FMLA or ESA letters: the client must have at least two visits to become established patient before the paperwork can be completed.
Schedule an appointment to discuss the request
Paperwork can take up to 14 days to be completed. This helps us ensure everything is thorough, accurate, and submitted on time.

Can I bring a support person to my appointment?

Absolutely! We welcome support people—whether it’s a family member, friend, or partner—if it helps you feel more comfortable and supported.

We know that during times of stress or crisis, it can be hard to explain everything you’re going through. Having someone with you can offer valuable insight and make communication easier.

We also deeply value collaborative care. With your consent, we’re happy to coordinate with your other providers, whether that’s a therapist, psychologist, or primary care doctor, to ensure you’re getting well-rounded support. We’ve seen great results when everyone is on the same page.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and a physician assistant?

Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and physician assistants (PAs) can all diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications (including controlled substances), and provide treatment. The main differences lie in their training backgrounds:

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who complete medical school and a residency in psychiatry.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses with a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing and specialized training in mental health.
Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed medical providers who complete a master’s-level program and can specialize in psychiatry through additional training and supervision.

At Clear View Mentality, you may see a combination of all three. We all work from the same collaborative, patient-centered approach, offering compassionate care backed by clinical expertise.