FAQ
Welcome to our FAQ section. Here, we've compiled a list of commonly asked questions to provide you with quick and helpful answers.
Safety
I need help right now. What should I do? If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. You can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Our office is not a crisis service and messages may not be reviewed immediately.
What should I do if I am having suicidal thoughts or a mental health emergency? If you are in immediate danger or unable to keep yourself safe, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are struggling but not in immediate danger, please contact our office so we can help determine appropriate next steps and support.
How do I contact the office for urgent concerns? For urgent but non-emergency concerns, please contact our office by phone or through the patient portal. Messages are typically returned during normal business hours. If your concern cannot safely wait, please seek emergency care or call 911.
Get Started
Do you accept my health insurance? We accept many major insurance plans in Washington State, including: Aetna, Anthem, Asuris Northwest Health, Cigna, Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), Coordinated Care, First Choice Health, Healthcare Management Administrators (HMA), Kaiser Permanente (PPO only), LifeWise, Medicare, Medicaid (Apple Health), Meritain, Molina, PacificSource, Premera Blue Cross, Providence Health Plan, Regence, UMR, UnitedHealthcare, Wellfleet Student Health, and Wellpoint. We also participate with many Marketplace/Exchange plans, including Ambetter and Cascade Select plans. We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to verify mental health coverage, copays, deductibles, and telehealth benefits prior to your appointment.
How do I schedule an appointment? Appointments can be requested online through our booking page. After scheduling, you will receive intake paperwork and additional instructions through the patient portal. Completing forms ahead of time helps ensure a smooth first visit.
How soon can I be seen? Appointment availability can vary throughout the year, but many new patients are typically able to schedule within 1–2 weeks. Earlier appointments may occasionally become available due to cancellations.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Contact our office and our team will be happy to assist you
How do I prepare for my virtual (telehealth) visit? Please join your appointment from a quiet, private location within Washington State using a reliable internet connection. We recommend testing your camera and audio beforehand and completing all intake paperwork prior to your visit. Using headphones can also improve privacy and sound quality.
What conditions do you treat? LB Psychiatry commonly works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, stress-related concerns, sleep difficulties, and other psychiatric conditions. Treatment plans are individualized based on your symptoms, goals, and overall needs.
What ages do you see? LB Psychiatry currently sees patients ages 16 and older.
What if I’m not sure medication is right for me? That is completely okay. The initial evaluation is designed to better understand your symptoms, goals, and concerns. Medication may be discussed when appropriate, but treatment recommendations are collaborative and individualized. There is never pressure to start a medication if it does not feel like the right fit.
Appointments & Follow-Ups
How frequently are follow-up appointments scheduled? Follow-up frequency depends on your symptoms, treatment plan, and whether medications are being adjusted. Some patients are seen more frequently during the beginning of treatment, while others transition to less frequent maintenance visits once stable.
What should I expect during my first appointment? The initial evaluation includes a comprehensive discussion about your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals. Together, we will review recommendations and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
How long are appointments? Initial evaluations are typically longer than follow-up visits to allow time for a thorough assessment. Follow-up appointments are generally shorter and focused on progress, medication management, and ongoing support.
What if I already have a therapist? That is wonderful. Medication management and therapy often work very well together. With your permission, collaboration with your therapist can help improve continuity of care and support your overall treatment goals.
What is your cancellation policy? We require at least one full business day notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Missed appointments or late cancellations may result in a cancellation fee. Please review our Policies page for additional details.
Medications
Do you prescribe controlled medications (such as stimulants or benzodiazepines)? Controlled medications may be prescribed on a case-by-case basis when clinically appropriate and safe. This may include medications such as: Stimulants (ex: Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin) Benzodiazepines (ex: Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) Certain prescription sleep medications In some cases, additional steps may be required, such as reviewing prior records, completing screening tools, and/or appropriate monitoring.
How do medication refills work? Please request refills through your pharmacy first to determine whether refills are already available. If a refill request is needed from our office, please allow at least 3 business days for processing. Refill requests may require an active follow-up appointment.
What if my medication is not working? Treatment plans can be adjusted over time based on your response, side effects, and goals. If you feel your medication is not helping or you are experiencing concerns, please schedule a follow-up appointment so we can review options together.
Do you offer genetic testing such as GeneSight? Genetic testing may be discussed in certain situations when clinically appropriate. These tests are not required for most patients but can occasionally provide additional information regarding medication metabolism and treatment considerations.
About The Practice
What is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)? A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice medical provider trained to evaluate mental health conditions, diagnose psychiatric disorders, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. PMHNPs receive specialized graduate-level psychiatric training and provide comprehensive mental health care.
Are you board-certified in psychiatry? Yes. Lesya Bindas is board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Are you a mental health specialist? Yes. LB Psychiatry specializes exclusively in psychiatric and mental health care, including evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and supportive treatment for a variety of mental health concerns.
What is your treatment approach? Treatment is collaborative, thoughtful, and individualized. The goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and involved in their care. Recommendations are based on clinical evidence while also considering lifestyle, stressors, preferences, and long-term goals.
Do you provide therapy or medication management only? LB Psychiatry primarily focuses on psychiatric evaluation and medication management services. Supportive therapeutic strategies are often incorporated into visits, and many patients also work with a separate therapist for ongoing counseling.