Does Biologic Behavioral Health accept Aetna and Meritain Health insurance?
Yes, we are in-network Aetna commercial and Meritain Health Insurances for in-office and virtual visits. Before your first appointment, our team will review the details of your benefits with you and provide you with an estimated cost of your visit.
Is Biologic Behavioral Health in-network with Anthem or Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)?
Yes, we are in-network with commercial Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield policies through an employer, not through the health exchange. Give a call and our staff will verify the details of your policy which usually covers evaluations and first visits, medication management, therapy, and ongoing care in our Decatur office and telehealth for anyone within the state of Georgia. We provide you with an estimate before your appointment so that there are no surprises.
Does Biologic Behavioral Health accept Ambetter insurance?
Yes, we are in-network with Ambetter insurance with the exception of two policies (Wellstar and Ambetter Solutions). Give us a call 404-824-1755, complete our intake questionnaire, and we will verify your benefits in the Ambetter portal and give you an accurate estimate for the cost of your visit.
What does a psychiatry visit cost without insurance (self-pay)?
We offer discounted self-pay rates for new patients and follow-up visits. Give us a call to find out more.
Do you offer sliding scale fees or payment plans for self-pay patients?
We do not offer sliding scale fees but we can offer payment plans for established self-pay patients. Please give us a call for more information.
Will my insurance cover both therapy and medication management at Biologic Behavioral Health?
Yes, our psychiatrists use medication management and therapy codes as needed and they are covered by in-network insurances.
Where is Biologic Behavioral Health located, and do you offer telehealth?
We are located in downtown Decatur, Georgia in an office building at the corner of Clairemont Avenue and Commerce Drive, just a short drive from Emory, Candler Park, Virginia Highlands, Avondale and other in-town neighborhoods. We offer virtual visits to anyone residing in the state of Georgia.
I have never called a psychiatrist’s office before. What should I know?
First of all, please do not be nervous. Calling a psychiatrists’ office is no different than calling any other medical doctors’ office. We are fully staffed with friendly people who will always protect your privacy and answer your questions. If you happen to get our voicemail during business hours, we will get back to you within minutes. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to connect with help and medical care. Stop worrying and get answers. Give us a call.
Are your psychiatrists accepting new patients?
Yes, please call 404-824-1755 to complete a new patient intake questionnaire.
How soon can I be seen as a new patient?
We have new patient appointments within 2-3 weeks or maybe sooner and keep an active cancellation list so that you can be seen as soon as possible.
How is Biologic Behavioral Health different from online mental health platforms?
Great question–we have real local Atlanta psychiatrists, helpful onsite staff and no call centers. Our practice is independently physician owned and operated. We answer to our patients, not investors and venture capitalists. You have the opportunity to work with doctors and staff who are a part of your local community who are familiar with local resources and connected to the Atlanta area. You can choose to meet online or at our Decatur office.
How do I schedule an appointment at Biologic Behavioral Health?
Please call us at 404-824-1755 to complete an in-take questionnaire. A friendly member of our staff will first ask if you are comfortable answering some personal medical questions, then ask for your name, contact info., and date of birth. We will also ask you to share the symptoms you are experiencing or concerns that you would like to discuss with a psychiatrist along with some questions about your medical history. We will ask for your insurance information so that we can verify benefits and after a psychiatrist reviews your information to confirm that he is an excellent fit for your needs, we will call to schedule your appointment. We will give you an estimate for the cost of your visit before you schedule your appointment so that there are no surprises.
Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see a psychiatrist?
Very rarely, almost never with the Anthem/BCBS, Aetna, and Ambetter insurances we are in-network with. If you do need a referral, we will let you know.
Do you treat both adults and children/adolescents?
Yes, starting in July, Dr. Cris Hanacek will be joining our practice and he treats children ages 6 and up. Dr. Levi Brice will also be joining us mid-July and sees patients ages 16 and up. Dr. Beck and Dr. Robbins treat adults ages 18 and up.
What conditions do Dr. Beck and Dr. Robbins treat?
Depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, recovery support, insomnia, men’s mental health, personality disorders, psychosis, dual diagnosis, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, and dissociative disorders.
What if I think I might have ADHD?
Our doctors are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating ADHD and utilize the highest standard of care. In addition to their clinical evaluation in our Decatur office, they require comprehensive psychological testing which is completed by a psychologist. In addition to ADHD, there are several conditions that can cause adults to experience difficulty with attention, focus, task completion and time management. Patients experience better outcomes with this comprehensive approach.
Do your doctors prescribe benzodiazepine medications like xanax and clonazepam?
No, our doctors believe that long-term use of benzodiazepine can be dangerous and even make conditions like anxiety and insomnia worse. If you have been taking benzodiazepine medication, our doctors can help you transition to a safer medication.
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist, and which one do I need?
Psychiatrists like Dr. Beck and Dr. Robbins are medical doctors who can prescribe medications. After graduating from medical school, they completed a four year residency in order to become board-certified psychiatrists. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions and often collaborate with psychologists and therapists. Psychologists have completed a doctoral degree program in psychology but have not attended medical school. Psychologists are skilled at administering comprehensive psychological testing, diagnosing some mental health conditions, and providing therapy, but they do not prescribe medications. Therapists often have LPC and LCSW designations and are skilled and licensed professionals who provide therapy. Our psychiatrists like to collaborate with psychologists and therapists who are working with their patients. Taking a team approach to patient care gets results. If you are not sure which kind of care you need, meeting with a psychiatrist is a great place to start. If your doctor recommends that you work with a therapist or psychologist, we are here to help. We keep a thoughtful list of highly regarded psychologists and therapists in the area to assist our patients in finding the best fit for their needs. You won’t have to find help on your own.
Do psychiatrists prescribe medication, or only provide therapy?
Board-certified psychiatrists like Dr. Beck and Dr. Robbins can do both. They prescribe medication and often provide therapy during medication management appointments. On a case-by-case basis, they can provide weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly therapy sessions.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit is the longest and will last from 60-90 minutes. You will be in a private, comfortable setting and everything you share with your doctor is confidential. You will be asked questions about your history and current symptoms and your doctor will use this information to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan.
What if I am weary or hesitant about taking prescription medication?
Not every treatment plan requires medication. Our practice embraces the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and we can guide you towards better sleep, nutrition, movement, relationships, stress management, and avoidance of risky substances with simple lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms and feel better.
