Are appointments in person or via telehealth?

Laurel Psychiatry operates predominantly through telehealth on a HIPAA-compliant platform, offering in-person appointments on an as-needed basis for Louisiana patients. At this time, Arizona patients are seen exclusively via telehealth.

Why choose a psychiatrist who doesn’t take insurance (out-of-network)?

Many psychiatrists in private practice choose not to accept insurance in order to provide care that is more individualized & adaptive to each patient's needs.

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Insurance plans often place restrictions on mental health treatment, such as limiting the frequency of appointments or mandating specific treatment approaches. These limitations can interrupt patient care and may slow the pace of symptom improvement.

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By working outside of insurance, psychiatrists can spend more time with each patient, tailor treatment to individual needs, & make clinical decisions without outside interference or administrative delays—ultimately offering a higher standard of care.

You may also benefit from greater confidentiality, as your medical information is not shared with insurance providers.

What does it mean to have a "board-certified psychiatrist"?

A board-certified psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed four years of medical school and four years of residency training in psychiatry, including over 15,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. This rigorous education meets the high standards set by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), signifying a high level of expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions.

Psychiatrists also receive extensive training in psychotherapy, enabling them to blend medication management with psychotherapy to provide a comprehensive approach to care.

Some psychiatrists choose to pursue additional subspecialty training through fellowship programs. Dr. Laurel completed a two-year fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry to gain specialized expertise in working with younger patients. This advanced training not only prepared her to provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based care to children and adolescents, but also deepens the understanding of adult patients by highlighting how early emotional and behavioral patterns often carry into adulthood.

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When you see a board-certified psychiatrist, you can trust that your doctor has undergone years of specialized training to offer you safe, informed, and compassionate care.

How is a psychiatrist different than a psychologist?

Psychologists, who hold doctoral degrees in psychology—either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)—focus on therapeutic interventions such as talk therapy, behavioral treatments, and psychological testing to support emotional and behavioral change, but do not prescribe medication.

Both psychiatrists & psychologists play important, complementary roles and frequently collaborate to deliver comprehensive mental health care.

Do you complete Long Term Disability forms, FMLA paperwork, or School/Work Accommodations paperwork?

Providing this documentation as a physician is considered on a case-by-case basis. These forms require a thorough evaluation and understanding of a patient's mental health, which requires several appointments (at least 4 months of treatment) in order to provide the most appropriate recommendations and support. Thus, this paperwork will not be completed during an initial evaluation.​

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If this documentation is deemed appropriate for the patient, the paperwork will be fulfilled during a dedicated follow up appointment. There is a $50 fee for expedited requests (<48 hours).

Do you complete fitness for duty or worker's compensation evaluations?

No, these evaluations are not completed due to serving as a clinical practice focused on treatment. If you are looking for any specific evaluations that involve the legal system, please find a Forensic Psychiatrist to work on this with you.

Do you prescribe controlled substances (i.e., stimulants, benzodiazepines?

Stimulants (i.e., Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) and benzodiazepines (i.e., Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) are only prescribed when clinically indicated, following a comprehensive evaluation. This process may involve multiple appointments to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. If appropriate, a negative urine drug screen may also be required for these prescriptions, & is at the discretion of the practice.

What are your cancellation & no show policies?

The practice has a 48 hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled less than 48 hours of start of scheduled appointment time will be charged half of the appointment fee. Patients who do not show up to their appointment will be charged the full amount of the appointment fee.

Should an emergency arise, the fee may be waived as a one-time exception, at the discretion of the practice. These policies help ensure that the practice's time is used meaningfully & effectively, allowing for the best support for patients.

What should I do if I need to contact Laurel Psychiatry after clinic hours or in between appointments?

During clinic hours (Monday-Friday), patient messages are reviewed & responded to within 24 hours. Messages received over the weekend will be reviewed during regular business hours, with a response typically provided within 24 business hours.

What if I am in an emergency or need more urgent services?

Laurel Psychiatry operates within a low-acuity outpatient model and is not designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring a higher level of psychiatric care, case management, intensive treatment, or after-hours support. This practice does not provide urgent, emergent, or crisis services.

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If you are experiencing an emergency—such as suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, life-threatening side effects, or a recent suicide attempt—please seek immediate help. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Additional Crisis Resources:

• Local Crisis Line:

  • New Orleans: 844-568-6473 (MHSD)​

  • Phoenix: 1-844-534-HOPE or 602-222-9444

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741