Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions

Find helpful information about appointments, treatment options, ketamine therapy, insurance, and what to expect from your care at The Journey Within.

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Questions Are Part Of The Journey

Choosing a mental health provider or exploring a new treatment can come with a lot of questions. We want you to feel informed and comfortable as you consider your options. Explore answers to some of the questions we hear most often below, or contact our team if you need additional information.

Getting Started & Appointments

What services does The Journey Within offer?

The Journey Within offers personalized mental health care through medication management, ketamine therapy, TMS/Exomind, specialized therapies, and integrative services. Depending on your individual needs, your care may include one or several treatment approaches designed to work together as part of a personalized plan.

How do I know which treatment is right for me?

You do not need to know exactly which service or treatment you need before contacting us. Our providers take the time to understand your symptoms, history, experiences, and goals before discussing treatment options that may be appropriate for you.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment is an opportunity for your provider to learn more about you, your mental health history, current concerns, previous treatments, and goals for care. From there, your provider can discuss possible next steps and begin developing a personalized treatment plan.

Do you offer telehealth appointments?

Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for certain services when an in-person visit is not necessary or possible. Availability may depend on the type of care you need and your individual circumstances.

Do you treat children, teens, and adults?

Mental Health Care & Treatment

What is medication management?

Medication management involves evaluating your symptoms, health history, current medications, and treatment goals to determine whether psychiatric medication may be appropriate. Your provider can also monitor your progress and adjust your treatment over time based on your needs and response.

Do you only prescribe medication?

No. The Journey Within offers a range of treatment options beyond medication, including specialized therapies, ketamine therapy, TMS/Exomind, genetic testing, supplements, vitamin therapy, and other integrative services. Your treatment plan may include one or multiple approaches depending on your individual needs.

Can my treatment plan include both medication and therapy?

Yes. Medication and therapy can often be used together as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan. Your providers can help determine which combination of services may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

What types of mental health conditions do you treat?

Our providers work with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, autism spectrum disorder, and other emotional and behavioral health concerns.

Will my treatment plan change over time?

It may. Mental health needs can evolve, and your provider may recommend adjustments based on your progress, response to treatment, changing circumstances, and goals. Personalized care is an ongoing process rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Do you work with my existing therapist or other healthcare providers?

When appropriate, our providers can collaborate with other professionals involved in your care. Coordinating with your existing healthcare team can help support a more comprehensive approach to your overall well-being.

Ketamine Therapy

What is ketamine therapy?

Ketamine is a medication that has been used in healthcare for decades and is now also used in mental health treatment. For appropriate patients, ketamine therapy may support changes in mood, thought patterns, emotional processing, and the brain’s ability to form new connections.

What does ketamine treatment feel like?

Experiences vary from person to person. Some patients describe a deeply relaxed or dream-like state, changes in their perception of time or surroundings, emotional experiences, or new perspectives on thoughts and experiences. Our team is present to help create a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment throughout treatment.

Is ketamine only for people who have tried every other treatment?

No. Ketamine is a treatment tool, not simply a last resort. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual needs, health history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Our providers will help determine whether ketamine should be considered as part of your care plan.

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy combines ketamine treatment with therapeutic support. The experience may help some patients explore thoughts, emotions, or experiences from a different perspective, while therapy provides an opportunity to process and integrate what arises.

Can I receive ketamine treatment if I already have a therapist?

Potentially, yes. The Journey Within offers options for patients who already work with an outside therapist. Your care team can discuss how ketamine treatment and appropriate integration support may fit with your existing care.

How should I prepare for a ketamine session?

Preparation instructions may include temporary restrictions on food, beverages, caffeine, alcohol, cannabis, certain medications, or other substances. Patients are also encouraged to arrive in comfortable clothing and prepare for a calm, reflective experience. Your care team will provide specific instructions based on your treatment plan.

What happens during a ketamine treatment session?

Treatment takes place in a comfortable, quiet environment with medical supervision. Depending on your treatment, the clinic may provide a reclining chair, music, headphones, an eye mask, a blanket, and other comforts. Your care team will monitor you and support you throughout the experience.

Why is integration important after ketamine therapy?

Integration helps you reflect on and process thoughts, emotions, insights, or experiences that may arise during treatment. This can help connect the ketamine experience with your ongoing therapeutic work and personal goals.

What if I have a difficult or emotional experience during treatment?

Ketamine experiences can sometimes bring up strong emotions or challenging thoughts. A difficult experience does not necessarily mean the treatment was unsuccessful. Trained providers are available to support you, and difficult experiences may sometimes provide meaningful material for later reflection and therapeutic integration.

Specialized & Integrative Services

What types of specialized therapies do you offer?

The Journey Within offers several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

What is TMS / Exomind?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic stimulation to target specific areas of the brain associated with mental health and emotional well-being. Our Exomind service provides another treatment option for appropriate patients seeking a non-medication approach.

Do you offer genetic testing for mental health treatment?

Yes. Genetic testing options may provide information that can help inform certain treatment decisions, including how an individual may respond to some psychiatric medications. Broader genetic testing may also provide insights into other health and biological factors.

Can genetic testing tell me exactly which medication will work for me?

No. Genetic testing is one tool that may help inform treatment decisions, but it cannot guarantee that a particular medication will be effective. Your provider considers genetic information alongside your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment experiences, and other factors.

Do you offer holistic or integrative mental health services?

Yes. Depending on your individual needs, integrative support may include supplements, vitamin therapy, mindfulness and relaxation practices, and other supportive wellness services alongside traditional mental health care.

Do you offer vitamin IV therapy or injections?

Yes. Vitamin therapy may be available through IV or injection administration as part of the clinic's broader integrative approach. Your provider can help determine whether these services may be appropriate for your individual needs.

Do you offer massage therapy?

Massage therapy may be available as a supportive wellness service. It can complement a broader approach to stress management, relaxation, and overall well-being.

Insurance & Payment

What insurance plans do you accept?

The Journey Within accepts a variety of insurance plans, including Select Health (except the Signature network), PEHP, United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, EMI, and Tricare. Coverage may vary depending on your individual plan and the services you receive.

How do I know if my insurance covers a specific service?

Insurance coverage varies by plan and treatment. We recommend contacting our team and your insurance provider to verify eligibility, benefits, and any potential out-of-pocket costs before receiving care.

Are all services covered by insurance?

No. Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the specific service being provided. Some treatments or integrative services may not be covered by insurance.

Is Spravato covered by insurance?

Spravato may be covered by some insurance plans for eligible patients who meet specific requirements. Coverage and authorization requirements vary, so our team can help you understand the process.

Do you offer payment plans or self-pay options?

Yes. The Journey Within offers payment options because cost should not be the reason someone goes without needed mental health care. Contact our team to discuss available options for services that may not be fully covered by insurance.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your current insurance information, identification, a list of medications and supplements you currently take, and any relevant medical or mental health information requested by your provider.

Ready To Take The First Step?

Whether you're seeking answers, exploring new treatment options, or simply looking for a team that will truly listen, we're here to help. Schedule a consultation and discover what's possible when your care is centered around your unique story.