A board-certified psychiatrist is a physician with a medical doctorate who completed a Psychiatry residency program and standardized testing in order to be certified with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Board certification requires regular examinations and continued education for ongoing maintenance of certification.

A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed medical school (4-year program after college/undergraduate degree) and has an MD or DO graduate doctoral degree. Psychiatry residency training for psychiatrists who are qualified to work with adult patients is an additional 4 years after medical school. Nurse practitioners have completed nursing degrees and a Master's level program (NP). Psychologists have completed therapy- or research-oriented doctoral degrees (PsyD or PhD). Other therapy degrees may include specific certificates or Master's level programs (like LCSW, clinical social work).

Dr. Herbert is a general adult psychiatrist. She tends to work with adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years of age (estimated range). Younger people can see a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist (CAP). Older patients (including those with Medicare plans) may consider seeing a Geriatric Psychiatrist. These age-specialized psychiatrists have additional Fellowship level training. Dr. Herbert sees a wide range of patients, including those with anxiety and depression and other mood disorders. She also has experience in women's mental health and developmental trauma. Dr. Herbert also works with creative people, artists and writers, adults who were formerly gifted children, and parents of gifted children.

We primarily treat adults with anxiety, depression, life stressors and transitions, trauma history, mood and thought disorders. As an office-based psychiatry practice, we see individuals who are able to safely participate in outpatient treatment and do not need a higher level of psychiatric care.

Yes, we may recommend and/or prescribe psychiatric medications. In general, Dr. Herbert works with individuals to choose medications that provide the most benefit over time, and the fewest possible side effects. She occasionally prescribes controlled medications, such as stimulant medications or benzodiazepines, at the lowest effective doses and with routine monitoring for safety and effectiveness. As much as possible, Dr. Herbert tries to decrease medication amounts and frequency of use. She has also helped patients taper off of controlled medications.

As a small, hybrid outpatient psychiatry practice, we do not offer these treatments at Herbert Psychiatry. However, we are familiar with the indications and scientific evidence for these treatments. And we work with patients who need these treatments, including providing referrals and coordinating psychiatric care with other physicians and treatment centers.

No, Herbert Psychiatry is not an addictions or dual diagnosis program. We do not have substance/drug testing in the office. We do not offer medical detox or buprenorphine or methadone treatment at this time. We work with addiction and substance use problems as part of our general psychiatry practice. However, we recommend seeing an Addictions Psychiatrist for these specific treatments. If medical detox is necessary for health and safety reasons, the recommendation is that individuals participate in an inpatient or residential treatment program.

No, we do not complete these evaluations as a clinical practice focused on treatment. We may, during the course of treatment, work on short-term disability plans or other paperwork. If you are looking for any specific evaluations that involve the legal system, please find a Forensic Psychiatrist to work on this with you.

Herbert Psychiatry is a general outpatient psychiatry practice for adult patients. We can offer some flexibility with scheduling and psychotherapy interventions, but we are not a PHP or IOP. If that higher level of care is needed, we recommend potential patients start there. We can work with patients who are "stepping down" from more intensive programs and needing regular outpatient psychiatric care.

Dr. Herbert tries to schedule new patient appointments within 1-2 weeks. If patient safety is a concern, then that is an emergency. For emergencies, immediate evaluation at the nearest emergency room/hospital is necessary. Emergency phone numbers: 911 and/or 988. 988 is the new number for the suicide and crisis lifeline. Dr. Herbert is available to coordinate care with emergency and/or inpatient physicians once patients are safe.

Current patients can let us know of more urgent needs by using the patient portal for secure messaging.

This is an "it depends" answer. Most patients are seen for regular psychiatric evaluation and treatment, including psychotherapy. This means that they have weekly or bi-weekly (every other week) appointments. All patients are required to be seen at least once every three months in order to maintain an active treatment relationship. When individuals are doing well and do not need to be seen as frequently, then we discuss transferring their mental healthcare back to their primary care physician.

In certain situations, yes you can. For those who are looking for a second opinion/psychiatric consult, Dr. Herbert can see you for 1-3 sessions and offer a diagnostic impression and treatment recommendations to your regular psychiatrist or primary care physician or gynecologist (OB-GYN). Dr. Herbert also coordinates care with outside therapists. Dr. Herbert may also be a member of your treatment team for psychiatric evaluation and treatment, psychiatric medication management, and/or a specific focus or form of therapy. The other therapist would continue working with the patient on another focus or therapy type.

Before the first appointment, we will have a screening call (free). If we decide to schedule an appointment, we will pick a 90-minute block of time to review current problems and symptoms and discuss any relevant health information. You will be able to read and complete practice documents and health history forms before confirming the scheduled appointment. This first appointment is for gathering information and deciding on the best next steps together.

Herbert Psychiatry is a hybrid mental health practice. This is for accessibility and regular psychiatric care. We see patients in the office and virtually. Our telehealth video appointments are part of our electronic medical record system. We ask that patients be seen in person for the first appointment. We do this to establish care and a strong therapeutic alliance.

For security purposes, we ask that new patients call us to schedule. This is why we do not have a scheduling form on the website. This also allows us to have a brief conversation about your needs and goals before you commit to an intake appointment with Dr. Herbert.

We are not in network with any insurance plans. We are unable to see Medicaid or Medicare patients. Please see the “Fees” page for more information.

We do not have a sliding scale at this time. We may be able to offer a payment plan if a current patient’s financial situation changes. Before scheduling with us, we recommend that potential patients consider their budget, PPO insurance, and out-of-network benefits.

Appointments need to be cancelled at least 48 business hours before the start time. We charge late cancellations the regular appointment fee. This charge is on the day of the originally scheduled appointment. We try to reschedule with you whenever possible. We also do not double book patient appointments. Thank you.

Our paperwork, psychiatry and therapy appointments, are in English. Dr. Herbert is fluent in English and is not fluent in other languages.

Mental health information is sensitive. We maintain a secure electronic medical record. Some health information is routinely shared between treating physicians. This is for continuity of care (like health problems and treatment recommendations). We discuss any health information that is disclosed outside of routine patient care. Patients sign consent forms for family members, outside physicians or therapists. In potential emergency situations, doctor-patient confidentiality is secondary to safety. An emergency situation is when there may be risk of imminent harm to self or to others. In emergencies, patient health information may be shared to establish safety first.

In several important ways, Dr. Herbert is not different from other psychiatrists. Her training includes medical school, a Psychiatry residency program, and board certification. She has learned about health, mental illness, psychiatric diagnoses and treatments, and psychotherapy. Her approach is her own, though, and she enjoys working collaboratively with patients. She does not just focus on "medication management" or only do one type of psychotherapy. Please see the About and Services pages for more details.

Please call and leave us a message at 571-303-9019. Dr. Herbert responds to voicemails within 48 business hours. The best way to get more information is to have a brief conversation directly with Dr. Herbert.