Questions, answered
FAQ – Outpatient Mental Health in South Florida
Common questions about psychiatric evaluations, interventional psychiatry, and medical detox — answered plainly.
About this guide
Treatment FAQs
From depression to anxiety, PTSD to substance use disorder, our individualized continuum of care has proven successful for many. When you are deciding it is finally time to explore treatment, it is normal to have questions about what to expect.
The answers below cover the questions we hear most: what an evaluation involves, how the interventional psychiatry treatments work, and the practical details of detox. For anything not covered here, admissions can answer directly — there is no such thing as too basic a question.
Most of these outpatient services are provided through the Neuroscience Institute in West Palm Beach, where psychiatry, therapy, and interventional treatments run under one roof.
Psychiatric and psychological evaluations
A psychiatric evaluation is a diagnostic tool used at the start of treatment. It helps the psychiatrist assess behavior, memory, and thought processes, set priorities when there are multiple areas of concern, and plan an appropriate course of treatment.
The difference in one sentence: a psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose evaluation considers your mental and physical health and can lead to medication; a psychologist is a licensed practitioner whose evaluation uses structured tests and interviews and generally leads to behavioral therapies.
General psychiatric evaluation
A question-based assessment with a review of medical history, lasting from 30 to 90+ minutes — the longer the evaluation, the more detailed the picture.
Emergency evaluation
Performed in extraordinary circumstances, when someone's immediate health and safety are at risk — usually in an emergency room.
Clinical consultation
Requested by a doctor or family member for someone whose condition prevents them from seeking an evaluation on their own.
Psychological evaluation
Testing that helps diagnose conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, and uncovers coping strategies, learning disabilities, and personality style.
Interventional psychiatry treatments
The Neuroscience Institute offers a set of research-backed interventional treatments, most useful when symptoms have not responded to therapy and medication alone. A note on cost: most insurance providers do not yet cover these treatments for psychiatric conditions, so ask admissions about pricing up front.
- Ketamine infusion
Low-dose IV ketamine has been shown to counteract symptoms of depression, PTSD, trauma, and suicidal ideation. A typical course is six infusions over two to three weeks.
Stellate ganglion block
An ultrasound-guided injection that quiets the body's fight-or-flight response. Used for nearly a century for pain, and effective for PTSD, anxiety, and depression; one injection lasts about four to six months.
Botox for depression
A single injection to the forehead and brow region has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression for up to six months.
IV sedation for insomnia
A series of five low-dose propofol infusions on consecutive evenings, retraining the brain and body for continuous, high-quality sleep.
Detox questions
Withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines affects the heart, breathing, and other essential functions — which is why medical supervision matters.
- Why detox under medical care?
Unsupervised withdrawal from some substances can cause seizures, dehydration, hallucinations, and in some cases death. Medical detox reduces symptom intensity safely.
How long does detox take?
Programs typically run 3–10 days, depending on the substance, how long and how much it was used, and your health history.
- Is detox covered by insurance?
In many cases insurance provides partial or full coverage of medical detox. We can verify your specific coverage before you commit to anything.
- More detox questions
The detox FAQ covers withdrawal timelines, medications, and what to bring in more detail.
Practical questions
Do I stop seeing my psychiatrist or therapist?
No. Keep working with your psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care physician during and after treatment — these services are designed to complement that care, not replace it.
Can I keep taking my medications?
Do not stop or adjust any medication without consulting your physician. Some medications interact with specific treatments, and your provider will review everything beforehand.
Can I drive myself home?
Not after infusion-based treatments — plan for a ride, and avoid heavy machinery or major decisions for 24 hours afterward.
- How do I start?
Call admissions. A confidential conversation covers your situation, insurance, and which evaluation or program fits.
Ready to talk with admissions?
Admissions is available 24/7 to answer questions about mental health and substance use treatment options.