FAQ
Questions, answered honestly.
If your question isn't here, bring it to your screening call. We'd rather you have what you need before the first visit than wonder.
Working with us
What is a PMHNP, and how is it different from a psychiatrist?
A PMHNP — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — is a registered nurse with a graduate degree and specialty board certification in psychiatry. PMHNPs evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, and provide ongoing psychiatric care. The training path is different from a physician's, but the day-to-day work in outpatient psychiatry — listening, diagnosing, prescribing, coordinating — is very similar.
Where do you see patients?
Most visits happen by secure video, anywhere in Virginia. For video you'll need a private space, a stable internet connection, and a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera.
In-person visits are available at our office, 2 Constitution Dr, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, on request or when your insurer requires one. Just ask when you book.
You must be physically located in Virginia at the time of each visit.
Do you take insurance?
Isla Psychiatry currently operates as a self-pay practice. We provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement. Specific fees are shared during the screening call.
How long are visits, and how often?
Intakes are 45 minutes. Medication checks are 15 minutes, typically every 2-3 weeks early on or during dose changes, then less frequently as treatment stabilizes.
Do you prescribe controlled medications?
Yes, when it's clinically appropriate — for example, stimulants for ADHD or short-term anxiety medications. We follow current best-practice guidelines, monitor carefully, and won't prescribe controlled medications when it isn't safe to do so.
Do you also provide therapy?
Our visits are psychiatric — focused on diagnosis, medication, and care coordination. We strongly encourage therapy alongside medication when it's appropriate, and we're happy to refer you to therapists we trust.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, in most months. Send a request and we'll let you know our next available evaluation. If we're full, we'll point you toward other Virginia clinicians we trust.
How do I refill prescriptions between visits?
Refills are handled at scheduled follow-ups. Please request refills at least a few business days before you run out. Out-of-cycle refill requests may require a brief check-in visit.
Privacy & safety
How should I share medical information with you?
Through the patient portal, which is HIPAA-secure and is where scheduling and intake happen. That is the safe place for history, medication lists, and anything else clinical. Please keep medical details out of ordinary email, which isn't encrypted. Email is fine for scheduling and billing questions.
How is my information protected during care?
Once you're a patient, we use HIPAA-compliant systems for video visits, messaging, and records. We'll explain what each tool is for during onboarding.
Still have a question?
Bring it to your screening call. There's no wrong question to ask before starting care.