Before Scheduling an Appointment at SANA Psychiatry

Seeking psychiatric care can feel intimidating, especially if this is your first time reaching out for support. At SANA Psychiatry, we aim to make the process as transparent, thoughtful, and straightforward as possible so that patients understand what to expect before beginning treatment.

This page reviews some of the most important aspects of how the practice operates, who may be a good fit for care, and what patients should know prior to scheduling an appointment.

A Thoughtful, Outpatient Approach to Psychiatry

SANA Psychiatry is an outpatient psychiatry practice serving adults across Missouri, Illinois, and Florida. Treatment may include medication management, supportive therapy, lifestyle recommendations, and ongoing conversations about what is — and is not — working over time.

Many patients seeking care are struggling with concerns such as:

• anxiety

• ADHD symptoms

• burnout and mental exhaustion

• depression

• OCD

• trauma-related symptoms

• bipolar disorder

• sleep difficulties

• emotional overwhelm

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Our approach focuses on understanding the full picture rather than rushing toward a diagnosis or quick medication changes.

Patients Who Tend to Do Well in This Practice

SANA Psychiatry is often a good fit for patients who:

• are motivated to participate actively in treatment

• value thoughtful and collaborative care

• are open to recommendations and follow-up

• want a longer-term treatment relationship rather than brief medication-only visits

• are looking for support while still functioning in daily life, even if things feel increasingly difficult internally

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Psychiatric treatment works best when there is consistency, communication, and follow-through from both the provider and the patient.

Important Practice Expectations

To help maintain a respectful and organized treatment environment for all patients, several practice policies are important to review before scheduling.

Appointments and Cancellations

Appointment times are reserved specifically for each patient. We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling requests whenever possible.

Late cancellations and missed appointments are subject to the full cash-rate appointment fee. Repeated no-shows may result in discharge from the practice.

Patients arriving late will be seen for the remaining scheduled appointment time. Same-day rescheduling is not available.

Medication Refills and Controlled Substances

Refill requests should be submitted through the patient portal at least one week in advance whenever possible.

Patients prescribed controlled substances are generally required to attend follow-up appointments at least every three months. Prescription monitoring databases (PDMP) are routinely reviewed as part of safe prescribing practices.

Early refills and replacement of lost or stolen controlled medications are not provided.

Medication changes generally require an appointment rather than portal-based management alone.

Communication and Portal Use

The patient portal is intended for non-urgent communication regarding refill requests, scheduling questions, paperwork, and brief clinical updates.

Portal messages are reviewed during normal business hours, with responses typically provided within 72 business hours.

Because SANA Psychiatry is an outpatient practice, the portal should not be used for emergencies, urgent psychiatric concerns, or situations requiring immediate intervention.

Emergencies and Crisis Resources

SANA Psychiatry does not provide emergency psychiatric services or after-hours crisis management.

If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unable to maintain your safety, please seek immediate assistance through one of the following resources:

• Call 911

• Go to the nearest emergency room

• Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Contact a local psychiatric urgent care center

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Local resource: Behavioral Health Urgent Care at DePaul Hospital

Patients requiring a higher level of care, more intensive crisis support, or medically complex psychiatric treatment may be better served within a hospital-based or multidisciplinary setting.

Insurance, Billing, and Hello Alma

SANA Psychiatry currently accepts several insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri, Cigna, Carelon, and UHC/UMR/Optum.

Patients are required to complete onboarding through Hello Alma, our billing and insurance platform, prior to their initial appointment. Insurance information must be verified before visits can be finalized.

If insurance cannot be verified at least 48 hours before an appointment, the self-pay rate may apply. Patients are also financially responsible for denied claims.

An active payment card must remain on file for ongoing treatment.

A Final Thought

Starting psychiatric care is a significant step, and finding the right fit matters. At SANA Psychiatry, our goal is to create a treatment environment that feels thoughtful, respectful, collaborative, and transparent from the beginning.

We encourage all prospective patients to review our practice policies and expectations carefully before scheduling so that treatment can begin with clarity and shared understanding.