Frequently Asked Questions

Integrative psychiatry combines conventional psychiatric treatment with evidence-based complementary approaches to address mental health holistically. This includes considering biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that influence well-being.

At Harmony Family Psychiatry, this clinic uses traditional methods like medication management and psychotherapy alongside complementary approaches such as nutritional psychiatry, lifestyle modifications, mindfulness practices, and other wellness strategies tailored to individual needs.

Yes, Harmony Family Psychiatry is a 100% telehealth practice. All consultations and appointments are conducted via secure video conferencing from the comfort of the patient's own home or private space.

Orders for all medications, supplements, and labs will be sent and reviewed virtually. This allows this clinic to serve patients throughout California while providing convenient, accessible mental health care that fits into the patient's schedule.

This clinic provides care for individuals and families across all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. The clinic's services are particularly beneficial for those seeking:

• A holistic, whole-person approach to mental health
• Integration of conventional and complementary treatments
• Personalized care that considers lifestyle, nutrition, and wellness
• Treatment for conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use disorders, and perinatal/maternal mental health

As a telehealth practice, this clinic serves patients throughout the state of California. Dr. Chihombori Quao is licensed to practice in California (License #A165074) and can provide services to any patient located within California during their appointments.

Patients can schedule an appointment in several ways:

• Online: Use this clinic's online booking system
• Phone: Call this clinic at (916) 898-9754
• Email: Contact this clinic at info@harmonyfamilypsych.com

The clinic's staff will help patients find a convenient time and answer any questions about the process.

The patient's initial consultation typically lasts 60-90 minutes and includes:

• A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
• Discussion of current concerns and goals
• Review of medical, psychiatric, and family history
• Assessment of lifestyle factors including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress
• Collaborative development of a personalized treatment plan

Patients should have a list of current medications and any relevant medical records available during the appointment.

This clinic offers evidence-based psychotherapy approaches including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy
• Mindfulness-based approaches
• Supportive psychotherapy
• Family therapy

Treatment plans are personalized to the patient's specific needs and may combine multiple therapeutic modalities.

Yes, Dr. Chihombori Quao is a board-certified psychiatrist and can prescribe psychiatric medications when clinically appropriate. Medication management includes:

• Careful evaluation to determine if medication is right for the patient
• Selection of medications with attention to minimizing side effects
• Regular monitoring and adjustment as needed
• Education about how medications work and what to expect

Not all patients require medication, and this clinic always considers all treatment options in developing personalized care plans.

Follow-up appointments typically range from 30-60 minutes depending on the patient's treatment needs. The frequency of appointments varies based on the individual care plan, ranging from weekly to monthly or as clinically indicated.

This clinic accepts the following insurance plans:

• Aetna
• Cigna
• Quest Behavioral Health
• Carelon Behavioral Health
• Anthem Blue Cross
• Blue Shield of California

Please contact this clinic at (916) 898-9754 to verify specific coverage and benefits.

Yes, this clinic offers self-pay options for patients who prefer to pay out-of-pocket or whose insurance is not accepted. Please contact this clinic's office for current rates and payment information.

Many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits that may reimburse a portion of costs. This clinic can provide patients with a detailed receipt (superbill) that can be submitted to the patient's insurance company for potential reimbursement. Patients are recommended to contact their insurance provider to understand their out-of-network mental health benefits.

Patients will need:

• A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
• Reliable internet connection
• A private, quiet space for the appointment
• Web browser or the specific video conferencing app (details provided upon booking)

Patients will receive connection details and instructions after scheduling an appointment.

Yes, this clinic uses HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video conferencing platforms to ensure privacy and confidentiality. All telehealth sessions are conducted with the same privacy protections as in-person visits.

Patients are recommended to join from a private location where they can speak freely without being overheard.

If a patient experiences technical issues, they should call this clinic's office at (916) 898-9754 immediately. The clinic can troubleshoot the problem or continue the appointment via phone if necessary. The clinic will work with the patient to reschedule if technical difficulties cannot be resolved.

This clinic is committed to protecting patient privacy and complies with HIPAA regulations and California privacy laws. Patient health information is:

• Stored in secure, encrypted electronic health records
• Accessible only to authorized staff on a need-to-know basis
• Never sold or shared without patient consent (except as required by law)
• Transmitted using secure, encrypted connections

For complete information, patients can review this clinic's Privacy Policy.

Please contact this clinic's office for information about the clinic's cancellation and rescheduling policy. The clinic understands that unexpected situations arise and will work with patients to reschedule when needed.

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please:

• Call 911
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988
• Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

Telehealth appointments are not appropriate for emergency situations. Please seek immediate in-person care if you are in crisis.