Frequently Asked Questions

Melrose-Wakefield Psychiatric Associates provides mental health services for individuals of all ages, from children to older adults.

Age Categories: Preteens and Teenagers, Adults, Seniors (65+)

Specialties: Individuals, Couples, and Families

Medication Management, Individual Psychotherapy, Complex Trauma, Anxiety/Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Sexual Identity, Marriage counseling, Divorce and Remarriage, Blended Family Matters, Eating Disorders, Weight and Body Image challenges, Chronic challenges, Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Sex Trafficking Victims/Survivors, Addictions, Women in Recovery, ADD/ADHD, Veterans and First Responders Counseling, Christian Counseling, Life Coaching and many more!

Appointments are available through both secure telehealth video visits and in person sessions in Wakefield, Massachusetts.  

Melrose-Wakefield Psychiatry Associates PLLC currently provides telehealth appointments for patients located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire at the time of the visit.  

Appointment availability includes mornings, daytime, and evening appointments to help accommodate a variety of schedules and preferences.

We require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in a fee.

See below for the list of providers that we accept for our services.

1. Self-pay (sliding scale, good faith estimate). 

Commercial Plans ONLY: 

1. Aetna Health Insurance Company
2. Anthem
3. All Savers
4. Allegiance 
5. Blue Cross BlueShield HMO/PPO/EPO products
6. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
7. Carelon Behavioral Health (fka Beacon Health)
8. Cigna 
9. Evernorth
10. Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
11. Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) 
12. Mass General Brigham Health Plan
13. Optum
14. Oxford Health Plans 
15. Partners Direct Health
16. United Behavioral Health|UBH
17. UnitedHealthcare
18. Wellpoint
19. Wellsense

*The above list does not guarantee coverage and you are responsible for payments insurance does not make on your behalf. Please confirm with your insurance that your provider is in network before scheduling an appointment. 

Refills requested outside of scheduled appointments                                   $50 

Yes. Controlled medication is prescribed when it is clinically appropriate and is always part of a personalized treatment plan. While controlled substances may be prescribed in select situations, we do not routinely prescribe them and do not provide long term opioid medication management such as Suboxone® (buprenorphine). However, in select cases we do assist with Suboxone® prescriptions and professional treatment referrals near Wakefield, Massachusetts, options include local addiction treatment centers, and nearby regional clinics. Stimulant medications for ADHD are prescribed only after a comprehensive evaluation and when appropriate, which may include review of prior records or formal testing. All prescribing follows state and federal regulations and may vary based on the state where you are receiving care. 

We do not respond to refill requests from pharmacies. We must hear directly from you via phone or the Patient portal for prescription refill requests.

We encourage you to work with your provider to make sure you have enough medication until your next scheduled appointment. Refill requests between appointments will be responded to within 1-2 business days of your provider receiving your request, so be sure to plan accordingly to prevent lapses in your treatment.

For controlled substances, including benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax, Valium, etc.) and stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, etc.): If your provider is unavailable, the covering provider will determine if it is appropriate to authorize enough medication until your provider is available.

Be aware that a brief interruption of a stimulant will not result in a dangerous withdrawal reaction.

Laboratory testing is often used to better understand biological factors that may influence mental health. In addition to a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, labs can provide valuable insight into areas that impact brain function and mood.

Depending on individual needs, lab testing may include evaluation of:

- Psychotropic medication blood levels 

- Metabolic and inflammatory markers

- Hormonal and thyroid health

These results can help guide a more personalized treatment plan that may include medication, targeted nutritional support, lifestyle strategies, or other evidence-based approaches.

Laboratory testing is billed separately through the laboratory. We only use Quest Diagnostics at this time for clinical lab work. 

Per your request your provider may be able to write a letter on your behalf.  

We offer evaluations for Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters, confirming your pet's role in your mental health treatment. While ESAs do not have the same legal protections as service animals, valid ESA letters generally require landlords and travel services to provide reasonable accommodations.

If you're a Massachusetts resident in need of an ESA letter, contact us to schedule an evaluation and support your mental health with your cherished pet. 

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The fees for this service are $350 for comprehensive assessment & letter for first time client. Letters will be renewed annually at $125.

A Release of Medical Records must be signed in order to have your patient records sent to another health care provider. If you are requesting that your records be sent to another provider, we ask that you supply us with their name, address, and phone & fax number

• Sliding Scale: Available if eligible.
• Pay by Credit/Debit card, Check, Cash app