PSYCHIATRIST
General & Addiction
Derek Blevins, MD
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Medications are helpful for a number of mental health issues, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and problems with thoughts or perceptions. I have vast knowledge, training, and experience in evidence-based prescribing of psychiatric medications, as well as ample experience in managing side effects related to their use. I offer GeneSight genetic testing to help personalize psychiatric medication treatment. While medications alone may not be enough, they often provide significant relief for people suffering from mental health issues, and can improve functioning and quality of life.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
In addition to psychopharmacology, I provide a number of psychotherapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement. Depending on your specific needs and treatment goals, we will make a decision together on the type of therapy that is right for you. The benefits of therapy include the development of life-long skills and coping strategies, and potentially gaining insights into your past or present that will positively affect your future.
ADDICTION
The treatment of substance addictions is complex and multifaceted. My experience with addiction treatment predates medical school, as a research assistant in clinical trials for alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine addictions at the University of Virginia. For more than 10 years, I have been mentored by addiction experts, including completion of an addiction psychiatry clinical and research fellowship at Columbia University. I am board-certified in Addiction Psychiatry and have significant experience in addiction treatment, including detoxification, the use of both FDA-approved and off-label medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and the use of psychotherapy to enhance motivation, develop alternative coping strategies, manage cravings, and reduce the likelihood of relapse. I am a strong proponent of harm-reduction and the use of medications for addiction treatment. I have significant experience in prescribing medications for alcohol addiction (including naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, topiramate, and gabapentin). For opioid addiction, I am able to prescribe office-based buprenorphine (i.e. Suboxone, Zubsolv, Sublocade) and offer injectable naltrexone (i.e. Vivitrol) induction and maintenance. I also provide off-label medications for the treatment of stimulant and cannabis addictions. No single medication or therapy is right for everyone, and I am eager to work with my clients on finding a way for them to meet their goal of reduction or abstinence.
GENDER & SEXUALITY
Issues around gender identity and sexuality can be complicated and difficult to discuss with a health care provider. I am sensitive to these concerns and have experience working with the LGBTQ+ population. I have worked with young adults in both support groups and individual treatment, as well as adults in individual treatment. In addition to discussing gender identity and sexuality and their relationship to other mental health concerns or substance use issues, I have experience in exploring these issues specifically in a way that encourages client personal growth and comfort. Additionally, I have experience working with clients with HIV/AIDS, and am knowledgeable of how these medications may interact with psychiatric medications. I am comfortable treating clients of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
For questions regarding treatment of other issues or concerns not explicitly stated here, please contact me.
FEES & INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT
PROFESSIONAL FEES
Fees for my services are based on time and complexity. An initial consultation fee includes a 60-90 minute comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Follow-up fees vary depending on the type of service provided. Most services will include psychiatric medication management, and may include 30-45 minutes of psychotherapy. Professional fees are based on average costs in the 10019 zip code.
PAYMENT METHODS
Payment for professional fees is due at each appointment by electronic payment, credit/debit card, cash, or personal check. If you are electing to use your out-of-network benefits, I will provide you with a detailed invoice after the initial consultation and on a monthly basis for follow-up visits, which you can submit for direct reimbursement from your insurance company.
GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT
I am not enrolled to accept commercial health insurance plans, Medicaid, or Medicare. However, many commercial health insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits. Your insurance may cover 60-80% of the cost. If you are interested in using these benefits, you should contact your health insurance provider prior to scheduling a consultation. This worksheet may be helpful to better understand your out-of-network benefits and reimbursement.
I have partnered with Reimbursify for you to easily submit your claims for out-of-network health insurance reimbursement from your smartphone. Download the app and get your first claim free:
Under the law (section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Services Act), health care providers are required to give patients an estimate of the bill for medical services or items for patients who either (1) do not have insurance or (2) who are not using insurance for their health care services. A Good Faith Estimate is available upon request.