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Houston Psychiatry Tips

Your Family Psychiatrist is a trusted resource for individuals searching for mental health answers. Our articles help you understand mental illness, substance abuse treatment, and what to expect when working with licensed mental health professionals. 

What is an Online Psychiatrist?

7/27/2020

192 Comments

 
online psychiatrist houston

Many businesses have moved online recently as there have been limitations and lockdowns imposed throughout the world. As these lockdowns have been put in place, individuals have found themselves wondering how they will meet with physicians, physical therapists, or their psychiatrist.
 
Fortunately, we live in the era of technology, in which there are many different ways that you are able to meet with the health professional that you are in need of meeting. If you are someone that is in need of seeing a psychiatrist, then you may be wondering what an online psychiatrist is and how you are able to speak to one online. As you search for information on online psychiatrists, this blog may be able to help.
 
What is an Online Psychiatrist?
An online psychiatrist, via telepsychiatry, is able to conduct most, if not all, of the same essential functions of a psychiatrist that you would meet in person. The only main difference is the inability to meet in person and all functions are performed through phone, email, or face-to-face video technology - just like FaceTime, Zoom, WebEx, or Skype.
 
An online psychiatrist would meet with you during the timeframe that you request and ultimately perform the same functions as an in-person psychiatrist, such as analyzing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions. Online psychiatry has advantages above in-person psychiatry, which include convenience, comfort, cheaper, and ultimately has much more accessibility.

Online psychiatrists have the same degree and education as other in-person psychiatrists, they just specialize in meeting online as opposed to in person. This would be particularly common during the time of the coronavirus this year.
 ​

How to Locate an Online Psychiatrist


Locating and speaking to an online psychiatrist is not a difficult task, but can be fairly time consuming. It will require making calls, reading up on physician credentials and treatment methods, and obtaining an overall feel as to who you find to be the most comfortable. Once you locate the psychiatrist that you are the most comfortable with, you will begin the scheduling process and incorporate weekly, biweekly, or monthly sessions that can help you as you continue throughout your treatment.


Overall, online psychiatry is becoming more prevalent than ever before, and can be just as beneficial as seeing a psychiatrist in person. As the coronavirus continues to make waves across the world, it is important to take care of your mental health. If you find yourself needing to reach out or are struggling dealing with a mental health issue, online psychiatry is a wonderful option to look into. Call us for more information 281-849-4080
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Affordable Labs in Houston

7/24/2020

7 Comments

 
discount lab houston
Have you ever been surprised by the cost of a medical bill for a blood draw at a lab, physician’s office, or hospital?  I know I have.  A family physician in Houston once tested my Vitamin D level, and my bill after insurance discounts was over $200.  That was just one test.  I was shocked!  Does it really cost that much to analyze a Vitamin D level from one blood sample? 
​

Discount Blood Testing Houston


​​Some negotiated lab rates have huge upcharges with insurance companies.  The lack of price transparency in some aspects of medicine allows this to happen.  Don’t pay these high cost lab fees any longer.  Your Family Psychiatrist has established a collaborative relationship with a local lab company.  In exchange for a simplified payment solution on the behalf of Your Family Psychiatrist, our current patients are able to receive significant discounts on lab costs.  Some are downright cheap.  A screening thyroid test is under $10. 
 
Discounted labs through Your Family Psychiatrist are not always beneficial, like those getting free lab work.  For patients that have already hit their maximum out-of-pocket allowances with their insurance company, all labs may be free for the remainder of the year.  Certain health plans may cover all labs 100%, but this is not typical.  In such instances, you will want to continue to use your health insurance plan to receive no cost labs.  Discounted labs are beneficial for those with high deductibles or when you haven’t met your out-of-pocked maximums yet.  If you don’t have insurance at all, these discounted labs can be significantly cheaper than using a generic lab in Houston. 
 
We offer complete price transparency in that you will know the price of your labs well before you have your blood or other sample drawn.  In the event that your psychiatrist wants to order custom labs for less common conditions, we will work with our lab partner to develop a reduced price for your specific needs.  There will be no surprise bills in the mail. 
 
To receive such discounted lab services, it is important to discuss your labs with our staff before you have your blood drawn.  A special requisition sheet will be generated at our office and provided to you in advance of arriving at the lab facility.

Call us to schedule your appointment: 281-849-4080
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Houston Psychiatrist Directory

7/20/2020

2 Comments

 
Houston Psychiatrist Directory
Houston Psychiatrist Directory
There are many great Houston psychiatrists to choose from, and we are often asked if there is a directory of Houston psychiatrists so we created one to help you find a psychiatrist near you*. 
​

Child Psychiatrist Houston

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are board certified to provide evaluation and treatment of mental health and behavioral health issues of children and teens. This includes issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep issues, behavior issues, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), and more.
​
Cypress, TX Offices:
Your Family Psychiatrist - Dr. Heathman (certified in adult and child psychiatry)
Your Family Psychiatrist - Dr. Hinthorn (certified in adult and child psychiatry)
​

Adult Psychiatrist Houston

Adult psychiatrists are board certified to provide evaluation and treatment of mental health and behavioral health issues of adults and elderly patients. This includes issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, sleep issues, behavior issues, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), addiction psychiatry, and more.

​Cypress, TX Offices:
Your Family Psychiatrist - Dr. Heathman (certified in adult and child psychiatry)
Your Family Psychiatrist - Dr. Hinthorn (certified in adult and child psychiatry)

QB Testing For ADHD

QB testing is specialized testing for diagnosing ADHD in children, teens, and adults. 

​Your Family Psychiatrist - Our office offers this ADHD testing
​

Genomind Genetic Testing

Genomind testing is personalized genetic testing that psychiatrists can perform to ensure you are on the best possible medications for your issue based on your DNA. 
​
Your Family Psychiatrist - Our office offers this genetic testing
​

Geriatric Psychiatrist Houston

Geriatric psychiatrists specialize in the treatment of psychiatric issues in the elderly, including Alzheimer's, other types of dementia and delirium. 
​
The Senior Program for Behavioral Health - HCA Houston Healthcare
​

Forensic Psychiatrist Houston

Forensic psychiatrists provide examination of psychiatric evidence in criminal, family,  and civil cases. 
​
UT Health - ​Expert Witness & Forensic Psychiatry Department
​

Psychiatric Hospitals in Houston

UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC)
Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
The Menninger Clinic
​West Oaks Hospital
​
*To be added to our directory please contact us
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Medication Genetic Testing with Genomind

7/12/2020

52 Comments

 
Genomind Medication Testing in Houston

Your Family Psychiatrist is pleased to announce a partnership with Genomind testing in Houston to provide up-to-date genetic testing (pharmacogenetics) on 24+ genes to better assess your potential response to medication.  
​

What is Genomind genetic testing?

Genomind is a USA based company created by physicians with the goal of advancing precision based medicine.  Their purpose is to improve quality of life by changing what appears to be a trial and error process at times.  Genomind is a global leader in psychiatric genetics research and its relationship with pharmacokinetics.

What is pharmacokinetics?

Certain genetic enzymes control how quickly your liver breaks down the medications you ingest. If your liver metabolizes a drug too quickly, you may not receive any benefits, or your doctor may need to prescribe a higher dose.  If your body metabolizes a drug too slowly, you might experience side effects or in some cases toxicity.  If you are a slow metabolizer, you may need to start at a low dose and titrate more slowly.  Your psychiatrist may consider avoiding that medication altogether.  Your genome can impact how quickly or slowly you absorb certain drugs.  It is this combination of absorption and metabolism that influences your overall exposure to a medication.

How should Genomind genetic testing be used?

The quest for the right psychiatric medication can be frustrating.  There is an ever-growing number of FDA approved medications, and while your physician at Your Family Psychiatrist is an expert in these medications, everyone is unique.  Your psychiatrist can identify medications to best target your symptoms without genetic testing, but there may be genetic abnormalities effecting treatment that can't be identified without analyzing your specific set of genes.  Your results can help guide treatment to help you feel better faster.      

Psychiatric medication genetic testing assesses 24+ genes to analyze the genetic implications for 130 mental health medications.  Any deviation from normal can be clinically important.  That said, your genome is complex with 20,000+ genes.  With advancements in science, Genomind hopes to find additional genes to fine tune the process.  Even with a normal genetic screen, all of our psychiatrists at Your Family Psychiatrist are considered experts in their field and can work with your to mind medications that work.   


How is the Genomind genetic test performed?

The test is conveniently performed in our Houston office.  A cheek swab lasting 1-2 minutes is performed by our staff.  The sample is shipped overnight to Genomind's CLIA certified lab.  The genes will be analyzed and a report will be sent to your Houston psychiatrist within 1 week.

What does Genomind testing cost?


With commercial insurance, almost everyone pays $399 or less.  This is completely dependent on your specific insurance plan.  You can contact your plan in advance to determine the specific cost if you desire.  Medicare and Medicaid patients currently pay $0.  Without insurance, Genomind charges over $700, but the price is subject to change.

Genomind and Your Family Psychiatrist

​As Genomind continues to perform additional research and improve its genetic testing, we will offer their most up-to-date lab tests to obtain the most comprehensive information available.  Any and all information that your Houston psychiatrist can accumulate will help in developing a treatment plan customized to you.  

Call Us to Schedule Your Test! 
281-849-4080
52 Comments

QB ADHD Test in Houston

7/7/2020

6 Comments

 
ADHD Testing in Houston
What Is the QbTest for ADHD? A Psychiatrist Explains:
When parents bring their child into our clinic wondering if they have ADHD, one of the first things they ask is: “Is there a real test that can tell us for sure?” The answer is "kind of" and one of the most accurate tools we have is the QbTest. It’s a computer-based test that measures attention, impulsivity, and movement in a way that’s objective, scientific, and easy to understand.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what the QbTest is, how it works, what the results mean, and why it’s an important part of an accurate ADHD diagnosis.

Why Is ADHD So Common and So Misunderstood?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health conditions in children and adults. According to the CDC, about 9.8% of children ages 3–17 in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD. That’s nearly 1 in 10 kids.

In adults, research shows that approximately 4.4% of the U.S. population has ADHD, though many are undiagnosed. The condition affects school performance, work productivity, relationships, and self-esteem. ADHD symptoms can overlap with anxiety, stress, depression, or even sleep problems, so the diagnosis can be tricky without objective testing.

What Is the QbTest?
The QbTest is an FDA-cleared, evidence-based tool used to support the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in people ages 6 to 60. Unlike questionnaires and interviews, which can be influenced by emotions, bias, or memory, the QbTest provides objective, numerical data on how someone focuses and moves during a simple task.
It combines a Continuous Performance Task (CPT) with a motion tracking system to measure three key areas:
  1. Attention – How well you can stay focused on a repetitive task
  2. Impulsivity – How often you respond too quickly or without thinking
  3. Hyperactivity – How much you move during the test

How Does the Test Work?
The QbTest usually takes 15 to 20 minutes for children and about 20 to 30 minutes for adults. Here’s what to expect:
  • You sit at a desk with a computer screen.
  • A special headband or camera track your movement.
  • On the screen, you complete a simple task: press a button when a specific symbol appears and do nothing when other symbols appear.
  • The test quietly and continuously records how often you press the button correctly or incorrectly, how fast you respond, and how much you move.

Because the test measures real-time behavior without any interpretation, it provides data that cannot be faked or influenced by emotions.

What Makes the QbTest Different?
Traditional ADHD evaluations often rely on interviews, school reports, or symptom checklists filled out by parents or teachers. While these tools are useful, they’re subjective, meaning they depend on opinions or memory. The QbTest adds something unique: objective measurements.

In a large clinical study, researchers found that the QbTest was more than 85% accurate in helping identify ADHD when used with a clinical interview. It doesn’t replace the clinical judgment of a doctor, but it adds strong scientific support to the process.

According to a 2021 study published in BMC Psychiatry, the QbTest helped doctors change or confirm their diagnosis in over 40% of cases, especially in complex situations.

What Do the Results Look Like?
After the test, your doctor will review a graphical report that shows how your performance compares to others your age and gender.
The results will include:
  • Attention Performance Score
  • Impulsivity Score
  • Activity Level Score

Each score is compared to a large database of individuals without ADHD. If your scores fall outside the normal range, it may suggest the presence of ADHD. If the scores are within normal limits, it’s a strong sign that your attention and movement patterns don’t match those typically seen in ADHD.

Does the QbTest Diagnose ADHD?
Not by itself. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, which means it’s based on your full history, symptoms, and life impact. The QbTest is a powerful tool to support diagnosis, but it must be used along with:
  • A medical and psychiatric interview
  • Review of symptoms at home, school, or work
  • Other screenings (such as for anxiety, depression, or learning differences)

Think of the QbTest like a lab test for the brain. It provides data to back up what we see and hear in your daily life.

Can the QbTest Be Used to Monitor Treatment?
Yes. One of the most helpful uses of the QbTest is checking how well ADHD medication is working.

Doctors often use it before and after starting treatment to compare results. If attention scores improve and movement decreases, it’s a strong sign the treatment is helping. If not, it may be time to adjust the medication or explore other options.

In fact, studies have shown that QbTest results can help reduce overprescribing and fine-tune medication dosing, especially in children who may have difficulty describing how they feel.

Is the QbTest Covered by Insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance, but it is not commonly covered. Some insurance plans cover the QbTest, especially when it is billed as part of a full neurobehavioral or psychiatric evaluation. For self-pay patients, costs range from $140 to $300, depending on the clinic.

At our clinic, we’re happy to discuss pricing before scheduling the test.

Who Should Take the QbTest?
The QbTest is most helpful for:
  • Children or adults who may have ADHD
  • Patients already diagnosed with ADHD who need help managing treatment
  • Individuals who want an objective second opinion
  • People whose symptoms could be caused by anxiety, depression, learning issues, or other conditions

It’s not required for every case, but it’s especially valuable when the diagnosis isn’t clear or when you want a measurable way to track improvement over time.

Final Thoughts: Clarity Through Data
The QbTest gives patients and families something they’ve often been missing, proof that their brain is working differently, or confidence that ADHD may not be the right diagnosis after all.

As a psychiatrist, I’ve found that patients feel more validated and less stigmatized when they can see their brain patterns in black and white. Whether you’re exploring a new diagnosis or fine-tuning a treatment plan, the QbTest can be a powerful part of your mental health journey.

Interested in ADHD testing with QbTest?
Our Houston clinic offers full psychiatric evaluations to evaluate for ADHD. Contact us to schedule or learn more about our ADHD services.
Focus improvements with ADHD Test

Your Family Psychiatrist is an In-person and Online Psychiatry Houston Area Office. 
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  • Houston Psychiatrist
  • Schedule Now
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  • Online Psychiatrist
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    • Houston Ketamine Therapy
    • ADHD
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Therapy Houston
    • Pediatric Psychiatrist