Frequently Asked Questions & Practice Information
The information below addresses common questions about appointments, payment, telehealth, and scope of care at Pax Mentis Psychiatry. Detailed financial and administrative policies are provided separately during the intake process.
If you do not see your question addressed below, you may reach out through the secure contact form.
Getting Started
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Pax Mentis Psychiatry offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing care for adults, adolescents, and children ages 4 and up. Areas of focus include perinatal mental health, child and adolescent psychiatry, attention and executive-functioning concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, integrative psychiatry, and second-opinion consultations.
Clinical services in Texas are provided through Pax Mentis Psychiatry, PLLC. Clinical services in California are provided directly by Dr. Niiang Mung.
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You can begin by clicking on “Get Started” and filling out the brief, secure screening form. This allows us to determine clinical fit and ensure that your needs align with the scope of services offered at Pax Mentis Psychiatry.
If appropriate, you will be invited to schedule an initial consultation. A comprehensive intake packet will be provided through a HIPAA-compliant system prior to your first appointment.
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The initial evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that explores symptoms and history, as well as your values, strengths, priorities, and areas of concern. In addition to detailed clinical history-taking, laboratory testing may be recommended when clinically appropriate to better understand contributing medical factors.
Depending on the complexity of the case, diagnostic clarification and treatment planning may occur during the initial evaluation or extend into one to two follow-up visits. For children and adolescents, caregiver input and developmentally appropriate assessment are included.
Self-Pay & Reimbursement
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No. Pax Mentis Psychiatry is a self-pay (cash-based) practice and is not in-network with insurance plans.
This model supports greater privacy, more flexible scheduling, and treatment decisions guided by clinical judgment and your individual goals—rather than insurance requirements.
If you have a PPO plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. Upon request, we can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network benefits.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network mental health benefits, including deductible and reimbursement rates.
Please note that Pax Mentis Psychiatry does not bill insurance directly, complete prior authorizations, or communicate with insurance companies regarding coverage determinations.
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Reimbursement varies widely depending on your specific insurance plan. Some patients receive partial reimbursement for out-of-network care, while others may not have out-of-network benefits.
Most PPO plans offer some level of reimbursement after you meet your out-of-network deductible. The amount reimbursed is typically a percentage of what your insurance considers the “allowed amount,” which may be lower than the practice fee.
To better estimate your benefits, we recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?
What percentage is reimbursed after the deductible?
What is the allowed amount for psychiatric services?
If helpful, we can provide billing codes commonly used for our services.
Many patients find it helpful to contact their insurance provider before their first visit so there are no surprises.
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Fees vary depending on the type and length of visit.
Initial psychiatric evaluations start at $495, and follow-up visits start at $225. Fees are based on the type and length of visit.
A detailed breakdown of fees will be provided prior to scheduling so you can review options before confirming your appointment.
As a self-pay practice, payment is due prior to your appointment. Superbills are available upon request for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
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Payments are processed securely through Spruce Health. Accepted payment methods include credit and debit cards, ACH bank transfers, and Zelle.
HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Eligibility and reimbursement are determined by your individual plan. We can provide a receipt or superbill upon request. Patients are responsible for submitting documentation to their HSA, FSA, or insurance plan.
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Payment is required 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. This confirms your appointment time and allows for appropriate clinical and administrative preparation.
Appointments & Care
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Yes. Medications may be recommended when clinically appropriate and are always discussed through shared decision-making. Treatment may also include lifestyle guidance, behavioral strategies, psychoeducation, and faith-informed considerations if desired.
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Controlled substances (such as stimulant medications) may be prescribed when clinically indicated, following a thorough evaluation and in accordance with federal and state regulations. Ongoing monitoring and follow-up are required. Certain controlled substances may not be prescribed via telehealth depending on regulatory requirements.
Pax Mentis Psychiatry emphasizes evidence-based, safety-focused prescribing and does not routinely initiate certain high-risk medications. Some medications may be continued, adjusted, or tapered when clinically appropriate, including medications that were prescribed prior to establishing care.
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Appointments may include brief therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and supportive guidance. Pax Mentis Psychiatry does not offer weekly or long-term psychotherapy. Many patients choose to work with a separate therapist while receiving psychiatric care.
Logistics & Policies
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Yes. All services are provided via secure, HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry. Patients must be physically located in Texas or California at the time of their appointment.
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No. Due to licensing regulations, patients must be located in Texas or California during their appointment.
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Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance. Late cancellations or missed appointments are billed at the full session fee. Appointment times are reserved exclusively for you.
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No. Pax Mentis Psychiatry does not provide emergency, crisis, or on-call services. If you are in crisis, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Special Topics
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Yes. Dr. Mung is fellowship-trained in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) and subspecializes in the psychiatric care of children and adolescents. Services are available for children ages 4 and up, with a developmentally informed and family-guided approach that includes parent and caregiver involvement.
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Basic clinical documentation such as treatment summaries or return-to-work/school notes may be provided when clinically appropriate. Long-term disability forms, academic accommodation packets, or legal documentation are not routinely completed unless previously agreed upon.
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No. Pax Mentis Psychiatry does not provide ESA letters.