Frequently asked questions

The simplest place to start is a 15-minute call with our intake team. You don’t have to know what’s “wrong” or have a specific request. We’ll listen, ask a few questions, and help you figure out whether seeing one of our clinicians makes sense. Book a call →

If something has been wearing you down for more than a couple weeks — whether it’s mood, anxiety, sleep, focus, relationships, or just feeling stuck — that’s enough reason to reach out. You don’t need to be in crisis. Most of the people we see came in because something just wasn’t getting better on its own. If a self-check would help, try our 2-minute version.

Most new patients are scheduled within 1 business day of their intake call.

The intake call is 15 minutes with our intake team to verify your insurance and get you on the schedule. Your first actual visit is 60 minutes with one of our clinicians for a comprehensive evaluation.

We’re in-network with most major commercial plans in Connecticut: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and ConnectiCare. See the full list →

We offer transparent self-pay rates and can provide an itemized superbill you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. Many people get partial coverage that way.

With commercial insurance, you typically pay your specialty co-pay (usually $30–$60) plus any unmet deductible. We verify your specific benefits before your first visit and provide a written cost estimate.

Not currently. Adding both is on our roadmap.

Both. You can come into our East Lyme office or meet by secure video from anywhere in Connecticut. Most patients use a mix.

Yes. Continuity matters. The only exception is brief coverage during a clinician’s vacation.

Absolutely. Many of our medication-management patients have a therapist outside Northline, and that’s fine. With your consent, we can coordinate care.

It happens. Tell us — we’ll switch you to someone else without making it weird. The fit between you and your clinician matters and we want it to be right.

First visit: 60 minutes. Follow-up medication-management visits: usually 20 minutes. Standalone therapy: 50–60 minutes.

Yes. Many people bring someone they trust to their first visit, especially when they want help remembering what was discussed. Just let us know in advance.

Existing patients can typically reach a clinician within 24–48 hours through the patient portal or by phone. For mental health emergencies, please call or text 988.

Not necessarily. Some people benefit from medication; some benefit from therapy alone; some benefit from both. We’ll have a real conversation about what makes sense for what you’re working on.

For most antidepressants and anxiety medications, you’ll start to notice changes within 2–4 weeks, with fuller effect by 6–8 weeks. We’ll be checking in regularly.

We’ll talk about this before starting anything. Some side effects are temporary and worth waiting through; others are signals that we should adjust or switch. Just call or message us — you don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no — depends on the condition, the severity, and your history. For some people, medication is a tool for getting through a difficult period. For others, it’s longer-term. We’ll talk through what’s reasonable for your situation.

Yes, when clinically appropriate and following Connecticut and federal requirements. We’re not a stimulant or benzodiazepine clinic, though — we don’t prescribe these casually or as the entry point to care.

No. We don’t share information with your employer. The only exception is if you ask us to (e.g., for FMLA paperwork). Health insurance billing is private — your employer can’t see what conditions you’re being treated for, just that you used your insurance.

Only with your written consent. Most patients opt to share for coordinated care, but you choose what’s shared and with whom.

Yes. We follow all HIPAA Privacy and Security requirements. There are narrow legal exceptions (imminent danger to self or others, child abuse) where clinicians are required to act, but day-to-day clinical information is private. Read our full Privacy Policy →

Yes. Request anytime through the patient portal or by contacting us. We provide them within 30 days.