FAQ

Q: Are you currently accepting new patients?

Yes. We have availability for new intakes within a month and often within 1-2 weeks.

Q: Who do you treat?

We treat patients going through a large variety of psychiatric and emotional difficulties. We have experience in treating both adults and children.

Presenting problems we treat include but are not limited to:

  • Anxiety Disorders (e.g., panic disorder)
  • Mood Disorders (e.g., Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
  • ADHD
  • Schizophrenia
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Sleep-Wake Disorders
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Q: What areas do you serve?

We serve all of Florida and Maine via telehealth.  

Q: Do you see patients over telehealth?

Yes, telehealth has revolutionized mental health care and has proven to be just as effective as in person visits in addressing most psychiatric problems. We offer a secure patient portal as well as secure telehealth visits through doxy.me. In cases where in-person evaluations are indicated, we offer an office in Saco, ME.

Q: Do you see patients in-person?

Yes, in addition to telehealth, we have an office in Saco, ME and a seasonal office in Miami, FL

Q: What are your session fees?

Our session fees vary depending on which provider you are seeing. All new patients are required to have an evaluation with their provider prior to follow-up visits. Please see below for fees

 

For Dr. Nicholas Sikaczowski

Psychiatric Evaluation: $565
Follow-up Visits$ 265
Forensic/Court Ordered Evaluations $60/hr

 

Dr. Ashley Shaw

Psychologial Evaluation: $425
Follow-up Therapy Visits: $275

 

Alix Buckvar, LCSW

Therapy Evaluation: $300
Follow-up Therapy Visits: $175

 

We are out of network with insurances, however as a courtesy to our patients we work with a company called “reimbursify.” Reimbursify works with us to submit our patients out of network claims on their behalf. There are many factors for reimbursment rates, some factors include type of plan, and deductible. Typically patients are able to recieve a reimbursment between 60-80%. Please reach out to the office for more information. 

Q: What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and emotional disorders. Psychiatrists are trained to approach mental health issues from a medical perspective, considering both biological and psychological factors that may contribute to a person’s mental well-being. Here at Peace Behavioral Health we have two board-certified psychiatrists. 

Q: How do I know I need a psychiatrist?

Deciding whether you need to see a psychiatrist is a personal decision, and there are various factors to consider. If you’re experiencing challenges that significantly impact your mental health and well-being, consulting with a mental health professional like on at Peace Behavioral Health might be beneficial. At Peace Behavioral health we can assess, diagnose, and provide treatment for various mental health conditions all within a safe space. Reach out today to learn more. 

Q: Should I get a psychiatric evaluation?

I would encourage you to consider seeking a psychiatric evaluation if you are experiencing any of the following:

Persistent Emotional Distress: If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, or other intense emotions that affect your daily life.

Changes in Behavior: Sudden and significant changes in behavior, such as social withdrawal, disruptions in sleep patterns, or engaging in risky behaviors.

Difficulty Coping: If you are struggling to cope with stress, manage relationships, or navigate life’s challenges.

Thought Disturbances: If you are experiencing disturbances in your thoughts, such as racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or hearing voices.

History of Mental Health Issues: If you have a history of mental health concerns or a family history of psychiatric disorders, and you are concerned about your psychiatric wellness.

Concerns Raised by Others: If friends, family, or colleagues have expressed concerns about your well-being, it may be worth exploring these concerns with a mental health professional.

At Peace Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. A psychiatric evaluation can help assess your mental health, identify any underlying issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Seeking help is a proactive step toward mental well-being, and our team is here to support you on your journey to peace and recovery.

If you have immediate concerns or are in crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Q: What will our first meeting be like?

The first meeting is an initial evaluation. We allot 90 minutes which includes a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation as well as prescriptions if warranted in the case of a psychiatric appointment. 

Q: Will my treatment be confidential?

Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in the field of psychiatry and mental health treatment. Peace Behavioral Health is bound by ethical and legal standards to maintain the confidentiality of the information you share during your sessions. If you have specific questions or concerns about confidentiality, it’s important to discuss them openly with your psychiatrist. This ensures that you have a clear understanding of the privacy protections in place and can actively participate in your treatment with confidence.

Q. How do I book an initial evaluation?

Call us directly at 207-200-4789. We strive to return all phone calls within 24 hours.  You can also book online using the “Book Now” button on the top right corner of this site, fill out the “Contact Us” form, or email Office@PeaceBH.com.

Q: What is a Collaborative Care Model?

The Collaborative Care Model is an integrated and team-based approach to healthcare that aims to improve the management of mental health conditions, particularly in primary care settings. It involves collaboration between primary care providers, mental health specialists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care.

Q: What if I have an emergency?

If you are in a psychiatric emergency please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If this is not a psychiatric emergency and is during regular business hours please call (207) 200-4789 or send a confidential email to your Luminello portal. 

Q: Do you take insurance?

We are Out-of-Network with all insurance networks at this time. However, you can file for reimbursement with your insurance company that provides out of network coverage. We’ll be glad to provide access to a superbill or records that you may need.

Q: What does Out-Of-Network mean?

In the context of health insurance, there are two main categories of providers: in-network and out-of-network. “Out of network” refers to healthcare providers or facilities that do not have a contract or agreement with a particular health insurance plan.  In-network means your insurance company and Peace Behavioral Health have an agreed contract together.

Q: What if Peace Behavioral Health is Out-Of-Network with my Insurance? Can I still be seen?

Yes, you can still be seen if we are considered out-of-network. Most of our patients are able to get reimbursed at their insurance companies out-of-network rates. In order to get reimbursed we can submit a claim on your behalf via Reimbursify or you can submit the claim yourself using a superbill. For our out of pocket rates please call our office at (Maine) 207-200-4789 or (Florida) 305-600-3182

Q: What is a super bill?

A superbill is an itemized statement or invoice that healthcare providers use to provide detailed information about the services rendered to a patient. Superbills are commonly used in Out of Network healthcare models, such as when patients pay for services out-of-pocket or when submitting claims to insurance for reimbursement. Patients can submit superbill information to their insurance company to request reimbursement for covered services.

Q: What is Reimbursify?

“Reimbursify” is a mobile application designed to simplify and streamline the process of submitting out-of-network health insurance claims for reimbursement. 

Q: How can you submit claims on my behalf?

Peace Behavioral Health is happy to submit out-of-network claims for you via “Reimbursify” In order for us to submit your claim, we will need a copy of your insurance card, front and back. As well as, the name and DOB for the policyholder. Once you have met with one of our providers a care coordinator will submit a claim on your behalf. 

Q: Is there a no-show policy?

Yes 24 hours notice must be given prior to any cancellation.

Q: Should I stop reading this and contact you?

Yes! On many people suffer for years before getting help with psychiatric distress. If you are struggling with any sort of psychiatric or emotional difficulties we work as a team and take the time necessary to provide the highest quality diagnosis and care. We will fully answer your questions and concerns as well as provide transparent, evidence based, and personalized treatment options to help you live your best life!