Question 1

How do I book my first appointment with Aura MD?

Accepted Answer

We've streamlined the process for requesting and scheduling an appointment! ✔

Please submit your information here and we will promptly reach out to you (typically the same business day👍) to schedule.

Alternatively, you can call us at +1-866-306-2108 to speak to our staff (with the highest patient satisfaction ratings!) to book directly.

Once you are a current patient at Aura MD, you can conveniently book your follow-up appointments directly on your provider's schedule through your online portal account.

Call our staff or submit an online inquiry through our website

Question 2

What can I expect the first visit?

Accepted Answer

The first visit is typically an online visit with a board-certified mental health expert, which usually lasts 45-60 minutes. Your provider will perform a full initial evaluation likely with a much better patient experience than what you've received from other providers. 🙌

We do not cut corners or skip any important aspects of a full initial evaluation.  We are concise and create individualized treatment plans to help you meet your goals.  That being said, we also do not perform excessive evaluation steps such as requiring all patients to come to multiple visits before making a diagnosis, performing neuropsychiatric evaluations, or use computer-based tests.

Question 3

Are the visits online or in person?

Accepted Answer

All visits with your Aura MD provider are currently performed through a secure online video visit currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aura MD sincerely hopes everyone reading this is staying safe and well both mentally and physically. Currently, all appointments at Aura MD are through telehealth services (online from your computer, tablet, or phone). All of our offices throughout Texas are closed currently to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We do not currently have a specific end date for providing online-only care but will keep this updated regularly to keep our patients up to date on any changes. 

We will continue to offer virtual appointments for patients who prefer that option. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality care in the setting that you are most comfortable.

Question 4

Do I need to have seen a psychiatrist or received treatment in the past?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all 👌

We often see patients who haven't seen a mental health provider previously.  We also accept patients who are wanting to transfer care from their current psychiatrist or mental health provider or patients that have a prior history of seeing a mental health professional consistently in the past.

We can diagnose and treat your current issues without any history of prior treatment.

Question 5

What if I'm in crisis?

Accepted Answer

Your safety is very important to us.

If you are having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency department
Text Contact:   The Crisis Text Line provides 24 hour assistance and confidential. Text HOME to 741-741 to connect with someone immediately
Call Contact:  You can always reach out to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK to reach a live mental health professional 24/7 

There is always help available. We recommend also reaching out to a supportive family member or friend to let them know that you are having these thoughts and ask for their assistance and support.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Life happens, we get it.✌ We are happy to reschedule you when needed.

We never overbook and truly value your time and appreciate that courtesy reciprocated for our provider's time as well.

You will be responsible for the entire out-of-pocket appointment fee if you do not notify us within the designated time frame.

New Patient Appointments:

Please remember to cancel or reschedule at least 48 business hours in advance.

Follow Up Appointments: 

Please be mindful to cancel or reschedule at least  1 full business day in advance.

Question 7

Does Aura MD accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We accept Cigna and Magellan (Blue Advantage HMO) plans only.

If you are out of network or do not have insurance, we are happy to provide you a superbill that you can present to your insurance carrier for out-of-network reimbursement. This percentage varies by your insurance carrier but typically is around 50-70% reimbursement you can expect your insurance company to reimburse you directly for expenses paid for office visits.

We do accept HSA/FSA as forms of payment.

Question 8

What is the cost for visits?

Accepted Answer

For self-pay or out-of-network patients, there are standard rates depending on the provider of whom you choose to see.

Dr. Ashley Toutounchi: Initial consultation: $450
Medication management follow-ups: $159.

Brandon Provost, NP:  Initial Consultation: $350
Follow-up appointments: $129.

Taeler Morris, PA-C:  Initial Consultation: $350
Follow-up appointments: $129.

We typically see patients monthly initially only until your treatment plan is stabilized and then as soon as possible will continue your care typically with visits once every 3 months.  Of course, you can always move up your appointment when needed.

Question 9

What is out of network reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

For self pay or out of network patients, we are happy to provide you a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for out of network reimbursement.  This is when your insurance plan will reimburse you directly a portion of your out of pocket fees paid for your appointment.

You can find your specific insurance plan out of network benefit information typically in the Summary of Benefits in your information packet or your insurance company's website. The best way to be absolutely sure of your benefits is to clarify with your insurance company member services line. You can find this phone number on the back of your insurance card.

Question 10

Where do I login to my portal account?

Accepted Answer

We are always available in between appointments if you need to contact us.  You can access your Elation patient portal account here: https://www.app.elationpassport.com/passport/login

Question 11

I forgot my portal password, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

No worries!  It happens to all of us. 😊

You can easily reset your  Elation portal password here: https://www.app.elationpassport.com/passport/password/reset

Question 12

How do I use Elation Passport?

Accepted Answer

It is unusually user-friendly!  And by far the fastest and easiest way to contact your provider between visits.  You can see details about Elation passport and how to download the app for easy access here: https://www.elationhealth.com/patient-passport/#passport-page-faqs-section

Question 13

What is Telemedicine?

Accepted Answer

Aura MD offers a modernized approach focused on flexibility for patients, many of who often have busy work schedules, frequently travel, or live outside of the Houston area making travel to the office in person inconvenient.

Using our online psychiatry services, we can diagnose your symptoms and prescribe treatment options for your specific needs.

We love to see our patients but realize you aren’t always able to make it to our office in person.

Now, our patients can book an appointment online, meet with their provider and receive their prescriptions seamlessly.

Question 14

What technology do I need for a visit?

Accepted Answer

Most laptops, tablets, and smartphones will have the equipment you need for your online visit.

Only things needed for your appointment:

Good Internet Connection
Camera accessible on you phone, tablet or computer
Headphones or speakers on your device

Question 15

Is my information still private?

Accepted Answer

We take all of our patient's security very seriously.  AuraMD is fully HIPAA compliant, and all information is 100% private.

Question 16

Is a psychiatrist better than a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Neither a psychiatrist nor a psychologist is better than the other. A psychiatrist and psychologist both use their knowledge to help patients on the path to remission and better mental health and will often work together.

Question 17

How many years does it take to become a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

From your undergraduate career to medical school and residency, it can take 12 years or more to become a psychiatrist.

Question 18

Do I need to talk to a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

If you feel that you are struggling with your mental health and you are interested in medication or treatment regimens, it may be beneficial to speak with a psychiatrist. As always, a psychiatrist will work to find a specific treatment plan that works for you as an individual.

Question 19

How difficult is it to become a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

It is very difficult to become a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are clinical doctors which means they must complete a bachelor’s degree, medical degree, and several years of residency before they can practice as a psychiatrist.

Question 20

How often should I see my psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

After an initial evaluation, your psychiatric clinician will determine how often it is recommended for you to follow up. This may range from every few weeks to every few months depending on your treatment plan and progress.

Question 21

Is it better to see a psychologist or psychiatrist for anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Depending on what treatment options you are interested in, a psychiatrist may be the right choice for you. A psychologist can be helpful in creating coping mechanisms and helping in other ways to deal with anxiety, however, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help with anxiety and oftentimes will be recommended medication in combination with therapy with a psychologist.

Question 22

Do psychiatrists do therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, psychiatrists can do therapy and will often use many kinds of psychotherapy alongside medication management in treatment regimens depending on the patient.

Question 23

How do psychiatrists treat anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists treat anxiety by determining a successful treatment plan that is unique to each patient. This can include recommending therapy, medications, or a combination of both.

Question 24

Does anxiety mean you're mentally ill?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety and stress are a part of life and having anxiety does not mean you are mentally ill. Occasional stress and anxiety are okay, however excessive worry and stress can negatively impact your day-to-day life. Excessive stress and anxiety can make work near impossible and can be set off by events like family gatherings, social scenarios, and even everyday tasks.

Question 25

Can you tell your psychiatrist everything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can tell your psychiatrist everything. All psychiatrists and psychiatric clinicians here at Aura MD are 100% HIPAA compliant so all of your information is always kept private.

Question 26

What Causes ADHD?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not fully understood and is complex.  A combination of factors is thought to be responsible with no single identifiable cause.
•	Genetics- Research shows that ADHD does tend to be more common in individuals that have close family members that also have been diagnosed with ADHD.  
•	Anatomical/Biological- Research has shown there are differences typically found when looking at the anatomy, structure, and function of neurotransmitters in the brains of people with ADHD compared to those without. 
•	Medical History- you may be more prone to experience ADHD symptoms or be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a history of head trauma, premature at birth, or seizures

Question 27

What are the behaviors of ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. Some people with ADHD only have problems with one of the behaviors, while others have both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Most children have the combined type of ADHD. In preschool, the most common ADHD symptom is hyperactivity.

Question 28

Can ADHD make you suicidal?

Accepted Answer

There is no direct causality associated between ADHD and suicidal behaviors.  A detailed medical study compared outcomes and limited the analyses to ADHD patients who had received some sort of medication treatment and then compared suicidal risk with periods of no medication treatment for their condition.

This analysis found no increased risk for suicide from non-stimulant medications. More importantly, researchers concluded from their study that patients treated with stimulants actually had a lower risk of suicide than when they were not treated for their condition.

This protective effect of stimulant medication provides further evidence of the long-term effects of stimulant medications which have also been shown to lower the risks for traffic accidents, criminality, smoking, and other substance use disorders.

Question 29

What worsens ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Common triggers include: stress, poor sleep, certain foods and additives, overstimulation, and technology. You can identify the triggers for ADHD symptoms and make lifestyle changes to improve your control.

Question 30

Is Caffeine good for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

It's in coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, and other foods. A few studies have looked at how caffeine can affect ADHD symptoms, but the results have been mixed. Even though caffeine is a stimulant, it's not generally recommended as a treatment for ADHD because it hasn't proved to be as effective as prescription medications.

Question 31

Can ADHD go away?

Accepted Answer

Some individuals can better manage their ADHD symptoms as they age or, more oftentimes, become less severe with time.  Some patients show enough improvement after puberty that medication is no longer needed for them in order to manage their day-to-day routine.

However, the American Academy of Family Physicians reports that two-thirds of children with ADHD continue to deal with symptoms associated with ADHD throughout adulthood.

Question 32

Is ADHD a form of autism?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. Having one condition increases your chances of getting the other.

Question 33

What is the problem with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

Question 34

How does an ADHD child feel?

Accepted Answer

Young children are generally active, impulsive, and rambunctious. They love to run and climb, and they often play loudly. They squirm and fidget and love to be up and out, exploring the world around them. It is not unusual for kids to have trouble listening, remembering, and following directions.

Question 35

Does ADHD shorten lifespan?

Accepted Answer

ADHD has been identified by researchers as a major risk factor for premature death in adults. A study published in The Lancet showed that people with ADHD have a lower life expectancy and are more than twice as likely to die prematurely as those without the disorder.

Question 36

Can ADHD be confused with depression?

Accepted Answer

Both disorders cause mood problems, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, and other symptoms. However, there are some differences. Emotions: ADHD moods are transient, precipitated by a setback. Depression is a common and persistent condition. Motivation: Individuals with ADHD are overwhelmed by deciding what to do first.

Question 37

Are people with ADHD smarter?

Accepted Answer

A popular misconception is that all kids with ADHD are always smarter and have a much higher IQ than children without ADHD. However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence.

Question 38

What foods trigger ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Common foods that can trigger ADHD reactions include chocolate, milk, soy, eggs, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. Talk to your ADHD doctor if you suspect that your child may have a food allergy.

Question 39

Is ADHD a bad thing?

Accepted Answer

Not at all!

Patients with ADHD tend to flourish in interpersonal interactions, adapt well in fast-paced environments or jobs that are hands-on and tend to be extraordinarily creative and engaging!

 It is true that untreated ADHD can potentially hinder your ability to appropriately manage your time and prioritize tasks without distractions.  However, there are various medications options and strategies proven to minimize and manage your symptoms and help you flourish academically or professionally.
You don’t have to feel alone with your ADHD struggles!  The most important thing is finding the right provider to discuss with you the best treatment options to help you feel your best and achieve your goals.

Question 40

Are you born with ADHD or do you develop it?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is that ADHD does not happen suddenly in adults. To be eligible for ADHD diagnosis, you must have several symptoms in childhood that cause impairment. Specifically, signs of ADHD need to be evident before age 12. 2 Technically, ADHD doesn't develop in adulthood.

Question 41

At what age does ADHD peak?

Accepted Answer

What is the worst age for ADHD symptoms? The symptoms of hyperactivity are typically most severe at age 7 to 8, gradually declining thereafter. Peak severity of impulsive behavior is usually at age 7 or 8.

Question 42

At what age is ADHD diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Is it too early to determine if your preschooler or toddler has ADHD? Most children don't get ADHD tested until they reach school age. However, AAP guidelines state that ADHD can be diagnosed as early as 4 years old. Many children are active and impulsive at this age.

Question 43

Does ADHD worsen with age?

Accepted Answer

Is ADHD worsened with age? ADHD does not usually get worse with age, if the person is aware of the symptoms and knows how they can be managed.

Question 44

Can ADHD cause anger?

Accepted Answer

While ADHD has been linked to a somewhat increased incidence of other common mental health issues, it is not directly related to anger.  However, untreated ADHD symptoms often can lead to frustration and irritability that can lead to a lower frustration tolerance.  ADHD has been associated with higher rates of impulsivity which could possibly, at times, be displayed as anger in certain instances- however anger is generally not a trait typically directly associated with ADHD.

Question 45

Is ADHD a disability?

Accepted Answer

Under the ADA, for some patients if determined by your psychiatrist you are an appropriate candidate, you do have certain rights that allows for reasonable accommodations to be requested from your employer or academic institution.  These often can include extended time for test taking or work tasks, having a designated area that has minimal external distractions to help you perform at your best.

If your employer fails to cooperate or denies an accommodation request, you have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

ADHD is not considered any type of a learning disability and there have been shown no consistent lower scores in IQ for patients that have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Question 46

Are people with ADHD smart?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that there is no connection between ADHD and intelligence. There are no known links between ADHD intelligence. Some people still dispute this. ADHD can impact a person's ability at work and school.

Question 47

Does sugar make ADHD worse?

Accepted Answer

But years of medical research have shown that eating sugar doesn't cause ADHD or make kids more hyperactive. In one study, kids ate either sugar or a non-sugar substitute. Adults rated the children's activity by rating their food intake without knowing what they had eaten.

Question 48

Can a child with ADHD sit and watch TV?

Accepted Answer

This is a simple question without a very straightforward answer in this case. 

Oftentimes individuals with ADHD do struggle to keep their attention on one thing at a time and are observed to be restless or fidgety during times they are expected to sit still. 

However, ADHD can also cause individuals to hyperfocus on a specific task (such as becoming overly fixated on watching TV) but can lead to issues with the ability to also process other external sensory stimuli such as someone asking them a question while they are watching TV and in these instances, children with ADHD don’t answer as they are unable to focus on multiple stimuli at once.

Question 49

Can Aspergers look like ADHD?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot of overlap between ADHD and Aspergerâ€™s symptoms. My experience shows that between 60 and 70 percent of Asperger's Syndrome children have symptoms that are compatible with an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD symptoms in PDD are so common that it technically subsumes ADHD.

Question 50

Can ADHD cause speech delay?

Accepted Answer

Another speech issue connected with ADHD is speaking too quickly. This will sound almost as if the child's speech is slurred. This can be due to the cognitive impulsivity related to ADHD. This can be treated in a therapy session or a speech session. The child should draw slow, wavy lines while speaking.

Question 51

Can ADHD mask autism?

Accepted Answer

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may mask autism in children who have both conditions. Many of these children receive their autism diagnosis an average of four years later than those who have autism alone, suggests a new study.

Question 52

Can a child outgrow ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood.

Question 53

How do ADHD brains develop differently?

Accepted Answer

There are alterations in blood flow to various areas of the brains in people with ADHD compared to people who do not have ADHD, including decreased blood flow to certain prefrontal areas. A decreased blood flow means that brain activity is decreasing.

Question 54

What does undiagnosed ADHD look like?

Accepted Answer

Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms are commonly reported as failing to pay attention to details, making careless mistakes, or having difficulty organizing tasks and activities. Ongoing issues with procrastination and prioritization are common such as avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort. 

Other commonly reported ADHD symptoms are forgetfulness, being easily distracted by your surroundings, restlessness, or feeling fidgety.

Question 55

What do adults with ADHD struggle with?

Accepted Answer

ADHD adults may have difficulty focusing and prioritizing, which can lead to missed deadlines, forgotten meetings, or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Question 56

Can a child with ADHD live a normal life?

Accepted Answer

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which affects people's behavior, can cause them to have difficulty living a normal life.  However after an appropriate diagnosis by an ADHD specialist and an appropriate treatment plan, which typically includes medications most children and adults with ADHD find themselves thriving academically, professionally, and socially and performing at their best.

Question 57

How are you tested for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

There's no simple test to determine whether you have ADHD, but your specialist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. A physical exam may be part of the assessment, which can help rule other possible causes. a series of interviews with you or your child.

Question 58

How long can ADHD last?

Accepted Answer

ADHD is a disorder that can last throughout a person's life. You can also read our companion article about adult ADHD. Research indicates that up to 60% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms of restlessness and distractibility throughout the teen years and into adulthood.

Question 59

Does caffeine help ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Some studies have found that caffeine can boost concentration for people with ADHD. It is a stimulant drug and mimics some of the stimulants used to treat ADHD. However, caffeine is not as effective as prescription medications.

Question 60

Why is math hard for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Math requires constant attention to remember facts and the sequence of steps. It also requires self-monitoring and checking for answers. Students with ADHD may find it difficult to focus or lose their way when trying to solve multiple math problems.

Question 61

What does anxiety feel like in your body?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety can manifest in many ways depending on the person, however, some of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety include feeling a sense of restlessness, upset stomach, feeling tense, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, headaches, feeling sweaty/shaky, and nervousness.

Question 62

What is the best medication for test anxiety?

Accepted Answer

It is common for many individuals to have anxiety prior to a stressful event, one of which is commonly taking an exam. There are various medications that can be prescribed to help minimize the physical effects of anxiety. These medications are called beta-blockers and they typically work to decrease common anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, feeling shaky, or sweaty. The most common beta-blockers used include propranolol, atenolol, or metoprolol.

Question 63

What is test taking anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Test anxiety and stress is a sense of distress or anxiousness that is associated with taking an exam. It can impact your ability to carry out the examination and perform to your full ability, even if you felt prepared beforehand. Some anxiousness is natural and can help keep you alert, however too much may can result in symptoms of anxiety and even affect concentration

Question 64

How do I train my brain to stop anxiety?

Accepted Answer

There are a few ways to work to train your brain to stop anxiety. For some, it can help to list out your concerns out loud or on paper to help clear your mind, hoping to help you feel less stressed. It may also be beneficial to think about what is worrying you can try to understand where that anxiety comes from. However, sometimes even if you work to train your brain to stop anxiety, it is possible you may still experience it.

Dr. Ashley Toutounchi, MD

Board-Certified Physician and Psychiatrist

Meet Our Team

Brandon Provost, NP

Taeler Morris, PA

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