PELICAN BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About Care & Services
What mental health conditions do you commonly diagnose and treat?
Who do you treat? Pelican Behavioral Health provides care for adults (aged 18 and up) who are physically located within the state of Louisiana at the time of service.
Do you offer therapy or only medication management? In addition to medication management, brief supportive psychotherapy is incorporated into appointments when appropriate. This helps patients process challenges, build insight, and develop healthy coping strategies. For patients seeking regular or long-term therapy to address complex issues, referrals can be provided to trusted licensed therapists for ongoing care and support.
Do you prescribe controlled substances or stimulants? Controlled substances, including stimulants and certain anxiety medications, may be prescribed when clinically appropriate after a thorough evaluation. Ongoing prescriptions require regular follow-up appointments and compliance with all state and federal guidelines.
Where do I go to have labs or bloodwork done? You’re welcome to go to any lab you prefer for bloodwork. However, CPL (Clinical Pathology Laboratories) is recommended since they’ll automatically fax your results straight to your prescriber once they’re ready. You can click the link below to find CPL locations and hours across Louisiana.
Appointments & Access
What can I expect for my first appointment? Your first visit will focus on understanding your individual needs, history, and goals. We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical and mental health background, and any previous treatments. This appointment is collaborative — it’s a chance for you to share your story and ask questions, and for your provider to create a tailored plan for your care, which does not have to include medication.
What is the typical wait time for a new patient? We understand that getting timely care is important. In most cases, new patients are able to schedule their first appointment within two weeks or less—unless your prescriber is out of the office for vacation or other planned time away.
Do you provide virtual (telehealth) appointments? Yes. Virtual appointments are available for patients physically located in Louisiana. Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform (Simple Practice Client Portal) for your privacy and convenience.
What are your business hours? Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please allow a maximum of 2 business days for a response. Please note that the office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and all major holidays.
What is your cancellation policy? If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. This helps ensure that other patients have the opportunity to use that time slot. Missed appointments or late cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee.
Communication & Support
What is the best way to contact my prescriber directly? The best and most secure way to reach your provider is through SimplePractice messaging. You can send messages directly through your SimplePractice Client Portal, which helps ensure faster, HIPAA-compliant communication. You may also call the clinic directly. Please allow a maximum of 2 business days for a response. Please note that the office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and all major holidays.
How do I request a medication refill? Medication refill requests can be made through the SimplePractice Client Portal or by calling the office. Please allow 48–72 business hours for processing. Refill requests are not handled on weekends or holidays, so please plan ahead to avoid any interruptions in your medication.
What if I need urgent help between appointments? If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or 988. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, you can send a message through your SimplePractice Client Portal, and your provider will respond as soon as possible during business hours.
I'm in crisis and need urgent treatment. What can I do? If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please do not wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are in danger or need immediate medical assistance, call 911. For residents of Louisiana, you can also contact the Louisiana 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Line for local support and referral to crisis stabilization services. Once you are safe and stable, you may contact our office to schedule follow-up care and ongoing support.
Insurance & Billing
What insurance do you accept? We are currently in-network with Aetna and United Healthcare and anticipate being in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna by January 2026. If you have an out-of-network insurance plan, you can check with your insurance company to see if they accept a superbill for reimbursement of your visit. While we do not accept Medicaid or Medicare plans, we do offer the option to pay out of pocket for services.
What is a superbill? A superbill is a detailed receipt provided after your appointment that lists services received, diagnosis codes, and fees. You can submit it to your insurance company for potential reimbursement if your provider is out-of-network. While payment is due at the time of service, your insurer may reimburse you directly, depending on your plan, but you must confirm this with your insurance company. Most insurance companies offer an online member portal where you can securely upload your superbill for reimbursement. This is typically the fastest and most secure option, as the portal requires a login and password to protect your information. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm the process and method of superbill submission.
What is a good faith estimate? Under the No Surprises Act, you’re entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for non-emergency medical services if you’re paying out of pocket or not using insurance. This estimate outlines the expected cost of your treatment and helps ensure transparency. You will receive this estimate before your first appointment or upon request. For questions or to request a Good Faith Estimate, please contact us