Questions are easier when the answers are all in one place.
These are the practical questions people usually have before starting psychiatric care. If your situation is more specific, call the office rather than trying to fit it into a generic answer.
Appointments
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Back to Life Mental Health currently welcomes new adolescent and adult patients for psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
What happens at the first appointment?
The first visit focuses on understanding your current symptoms, history, previous treatment, relevant medical factors, medications, safety, functioning, stressors, and goals. The visit ends with a discussion of reasonable next steps.
Do I need a referral?
Referral requirements can depend on your insurance plan. If you are unsure, check your behavioral-health benefits or call the office before scheduling.
What should I bring or have available?
A current medication list, previous medication experiences, pharmacy information, insurance information, relevant recent records if available, and the questions you want answered are all useful.
Medication management
Will I be prescribed medication at the first visit?
Not automatically. Medication may be prescribed when clinically appropriate, but the first goal is to complete the evaluation and identify safe, reasonable treatment options.
Can I continue working with my therapist?
Yes. Psychiatric medication management and therapy often work well together. With appropriate permission, care can be coordinated with your therapist or other clinicians when useful.
How often are follow-up visits?
It depends on symptoms, medication, safety considerations, how recently treatment changed, and how stable the plan is. Follow-up is usually closer when starting or adjusting treatment.
What if I had bad medication side effects before?
That history matters. Previous side effects, benefits, failed trials, dose sensitivity, and family response can all influence which options are considered next.
Coverage
Which insurance plans are accepted?
The practice currently lists Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Oscar among its in-network commercial plans. Coverage still depends on your specific plan.
Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid/AHCCCS?
Not at this time. Private-pay options are available.
Why should I verify benefits if you accept my insurance company?
Because plans under the same insurer can have different networks, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and authorization rules. Confirming your own behavioral-health benefits reduces surprises.
What are the private-pay rates?
Call the office for the current self-pay rate. We intentionally avoid relying on old cached pricing because rates and billing policies can change.
Telehealth & in-person
Is telehealth available?
Yes. Telehealth is available across Arizona when appropriate, and in-person appointments are available at the Anthem office.
Can every appointment be virtual?
Not necessarily. Some situations benefit from in-person assessment, direct vital signs, laboratory work, or another level of care. The visit format should match the clinical need.
Where is the Anthem office?
41810 N Venture Dr, Bldg C, Ste C122, Anthem, AZ 85086. Once inside Suite C122, we are in Office 5. Visits are by appointment only.
Important boundaries
What if I am having thoughts of suicide?
If you are having suicidal thoughts, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Can I use routine email or website messaging for an emergency?
No. Routine outpatient communication is not designed for emergencies. If there is immediate danger or you cannot stay safe, use local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
Can I email sensitive clinical information?
Standard email is best kept to routine administrative questions unless the practice has specifically directed you to use it for something else. Sensitive health information may be better handled through the appropriate clinical channel.