Resources and FAQ
At the initial appointment, clients will meet with a licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who will complete a thorough history and evaluation. Using that information, a specialized treatment plan that may include the prescribing of psychotropics may be recommended. Frequent follow up visits will be expected in the first 6-12 months depending on your progress. This includes monitoring for adverse effects and making necessary adjustments throughout the course of treatment to optimize therapeutic benefits.
The initial appointment can take up to 60 minutes and will include a comprehensive evaluation including a review of your medical and psychiatric history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. Then, a personalized treatment plan, including medication recommendations if appropriate, will be determined from there. If you require any other services, including individual psychotherapy, you will be referred to one of our trusted community partners.
Please fill out the contact form on the website and also ask your current/previous provider to fax medical records including pertinent medication history and lab results to 941-293-0743. We will review the information and reach out to you if it is determined that our clinic is a good fit.
We accept a variety of insurance plans. For the most accurate information, we advise you to speak directly with your insurance to verify if Apricity Behavioral Health is in-network before you reach out to be scheduled. If we do not accept your insurance, we may provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
-In Iowa, we are currently only in network with Wellmark BCBS.
We follow all federal DEA and state guidelines for prescribing controlled medications and may only do so on a case-by-case basis. Benzodiazepines may be prescribed for short-term use in rare situations and we limit the use of short-acting stimulants in adults in accordance with standard care guidelines. We do not automatically continue medications from a previous/outside provider.
We do not prescribe controlled substances to those who are prescribed an opioid for pain.This clinic will utilize the national Prescription Monitoring Databases to verify prescription history for controlled substances for all patients. We do not prescribe narcotics or opioids for pain management, suboxone or buprenorphine at Apricity Behavioral Health.
Adderall, Ritalin, methylphenidate, Concerta, Vyvanse, Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Vicodin, Fentanyl, etc.
We do not fill out paperwork for anyone who has been a client of the clinic for less than 6 months. In order to accurately assess your ability to function (or lack thereof) at home, work or school, you must have had at least 3 visits at the clinic with our provider. We do not fill out paperwork for Social Security disability applications but patients may request records be released to the agency with a signed release of information on file; all paperwork may incur a fee and patients agree to pay this fee out-out-pocket at the time due.
No. In order to build positive rapport and a therapeutic provider-patient relationship, services at our clinic are voluntary.
We require at least 24 business hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling if you cannot make it to your appointment. Late cancellations and no-shows will be charged 100% of the appointment fee per clinic policy.
We are not a crisis stabilization center. In a true emergency situation, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room at a hospital in your area.
NAMI Florida Chapter
https://namisarasotamanatee.org/resources/local-resources/guide/
State of FL Mental Health Resources At A Glance:
https://sarasota.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wellness-programs/mental-health/index.html
Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion at Sarasota Memorial Hospital:
(941)917-7760.
1625 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota. A Baker Act receiving facility. 24/7 walk-in service:
https://smhf.org/initiatives/behavioral-health/
Centerstone Mental Health programs:
Community mental health center providing inpatient and outpatient services for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
https://centerstone.org/locations/florida/
Lightshare Mobile Response Team (MRT):
The Behavioral Health Mobile Response Team is a 24/7/365 Immediate Crisis Intervention Unit for youths, adults and families who are experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis.
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC):
(941) 365-1976
2139 Main St, Sarasota.
24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Outreach offices in Sarasota, Venice, North Port and Arcadia.
www.sparcc.net
CLEAR: (800) 945-1355 Statewide.
CLEAR Warm Line is for individuals with a mental illness who want to talk with someone who shares personal experience coping with mental health issues. Peer Operators are available from 4-10 pm 7 days per week.
NAMI Iowa Chapter
https://namiiowa.org/
State of Iowa Mental Health Resources At A Glance
https://www.iowa.gov/disaster-resources/mental-health-resources
UnityPoint Health–Eyerly Ball Behavioral Health Access Center:
(515) 263-2632.
1319 Pennsylvania Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50316.
Behavioral Health Access Center for your urgent care for mental health needs for all ages. https://www.unitypoint.org/locations/unitypoint-health—eyerly-ball—behavioral-health-access-center
UnityPoint Health Powell Chemical Dependency Center.
515-263-2424.
700 East University Avenue, Floor 4, Des Moines, IA 50316:
High quality alcohol and drug addiction treatment provided through Iowa Lutheran Hospital.
https://www.unitypoint.org/locations/unitypoint-health—des-moines-powell-chemical-dependency-center
National Suicide Prevention Hotline- available 24/7: Dial 9-8-8 If you feel you are in a crisis, whether or not you are thinking about killing yourself, please call the Lifeline. You’ll be connected to a live person at a crisis center in your area.
988 Chatline: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
National Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255. Press 1. www.veteranscrisisline.net
National Alcohol and Drug Helpline – (800) 821-4357
We believe in using a multidisciplinary well-rounded approach to treatment. We make efforts to utilize the minimum effective dose of medication alongside healthy coping skills, developing support systems, and other social and cognitive based solutions. This “start low, go slow” philosophy reduces the risks for medication interactions or side effects, which can occur especially in patients with multiple conditions. Your care will require commitment and transparency on your part with your providers, just like what we promise to deliver to you in return.
The owner of Apricity is a doctoral-level prepared nurse practitioner board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with over 15 years of healthcare experience in various settings including inpatient nursing (med-surg and psychiatry), corrections and outpatient mental health care. We will also connect you to individual psychotherapy services and other community resources if appropriate.
As a private practice owned and operated by a minority woman and first generation college graduate, Apricity Behavioral Health is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported during their mental health journey.
