Frequently asked questions
What issues do you address?
Family Focus is proud to be home to many skilled practitioners who offer expertise in virtually every area of mental health:
Anxiety Disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias)
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Behavioral Issues (ADHD, OCD, ODD)
Children’s Issues (parent-child relationships, engagement disorders, attachment disorders)
Family Issues (marital therapy, parental coaching, grief counseling)
Mood Disorders (depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder)
Trauma Disorders (PTSD, adjustment disorder, secondhand trauma)
Women's Health
How do I get started?
The first thing we’ll do is set a date for a phone interview so we can talk about the issue that brought you to us and match you with the best provider to address those needs. At your first office visit, your clinician will ask many questions so he/she can get to know you and better understand the full picture of your concerns.
What do I get for my money?
It’s important to know what you’re paying for! Good mental health is crucial at every stage of life, from infancy through old age. It affects how we think, feel and act. It determines how we learn, handle stress, relate to others and make decisions.
Most people in therapy also need additional services: Completion of school, work and/or disability forms, writing medical-necessity letters, interpreting labs and test results, advocating for you with your insurance company to get you the right medication (sometimes it’s a fight), and many other behind-the-scenes interventions. Many clinics charge extra for these services—we don’t.
Do you take my insurance?
Family Focus is a private pay clinic. We don’t take insurance but you could still receive reimbursement from your provider depending on the terms of your coverage. For more information, please ask your insurance company about out of network reimbursement.
Can psychiatrists and nurse practitioners both write prescriptions?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. A nurse practitioner has a master’s or a doctorate in nursing. Both have extensive medical training. In Louisiana, NPs can prescribe medications as long as they are working in collaboration with a medical doctor. During our phone interview, you’ll get the chance to choose whether you’d like to see an NP or psychiatrist.
How does a nurse practitioner compare to a doctor?
Nurse practitioners have been around since the 1970s. Well-trained NPs provide care equal to that of medical doctors. Their patients experience high levels of satisfaction and report equal or better outcomes. The National Governors Association and the National Academy of Medicine both recognize the importance of these healthcare professionals.
Do I still have to pay for my appointment if I cancel it?
After we book your session, we turn away everybody else who asks to be seen during the time slot we reserved for you. If you cancel that appointment on short notice, it’s too late to fill your spot with somebody else.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full amount of the missed session. All missed appointments, regardless of when cancelled, are subject to a rescheduling fee of at least $35. Please check with your clinician to confirm the exact amount of their rescheduling fee.
We’d love to talk with you about how we operate and what your fees are used for. We appreciate you and want you to be informed!
