How do I book my first appointment with Aura MD?

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

What can I expect the first visit?

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.

Are the visits online or in person?

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.

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

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.

What if I'm in crisis?

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.

What is your cancellation policy?

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.

Does Aura MD accept insurance?

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.

What is the cost for visits?

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.

What is out of network reimbursement?

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.

Where do I login to my portal account?

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

I forgot my portal password, what do I do?

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

How do I use Elation Passport?

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

What is Telemedicine?

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.

What technology do I need for a visit?

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

Is my information still private?

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

Is a psychiatrist better than a psychologist?

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.

How many years does it take to become a psychiatrist?

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

Do I need to talk to a psychiatrist?

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.

How difficult is it to become a psychiatrist?

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.

How often should I see my psychiatrist?

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.

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

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.

Do psychiatrists do therapy?

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

How do psychiatrists treat anxiety?

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.

Does anxiety mean you're mentally ill?

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.

Can you tell your psychiatrist everything?

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.

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

What are the behaviors of ADHD?

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.

Can ADHD make you suicidal?

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.

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.

Is Caffeine good for ADHD?

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.

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.

Is ADHD a form of autism?

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.

What is the problem with ADHD?

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.

How does an ADHD child feel?

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.

Does ADHD shorten lifespan?

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.

Can ADHD be confused with depression?

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.

Are people with ADHD smarter?

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.

What foods trigger ADHD?

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.

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.

Are you born with ADHD or do you develop it?

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.

At what age does ADHD peak?

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.

At what age is ADHD diagnosed?

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.

Does ADHD worsen with age?

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.

Can ADHD cause anger?

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.

Is ADHD a disability?

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.

Are people with ADHD smart?

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.

Does sugar make ADHD worse?

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.

Can a child with ADHD sit and watch TV?

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.

Can Aspergers look like ADHD?

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.

Can ADHD cause speech delay?

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.

Can ADHD mask autism?

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.

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Finding the right doctor should be easy, shouldn’t it? It’s not like you have to take a test or anything. But when you look up “psychiatrist” on Google there are hundreds of results and they all sound the same! How do you know which one is going to be good for your needs?

Aura MD has been helping people with their mental health issues for years. We offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management services by licensed psychiatrists who specialize in psychiatry. Our doctors will help find the treatment that works best for you so that we can get your life back on track as quickly as possible.

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Texas Psychiatrist Office Locations

Aura MD | Ashley Toutounchi, MD – Psychiatrist Austin – Online Telepsychiatry Texas

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Texas Psychiatrist Office Locations

Aura MD | Ashley Toutounchi, MD – Psychiatrist Austin – Online Telepsychiatry Texas

Best Psychiatrist San Antonio TXTeletherapy, Telepsychiatry, & ADHD Psychiatrist Texas

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