This page walks through what starting care looks like, how ongoing treatment is handled, and how practical details fit into the larger picture.
Nothing here is rushed. Nothing is hidden.
Starting psychiatric care can feel uncertain, even when you’ve done it before. Our goal is to make the process understandable from the beginning.
Care typically begins with an appointment request through our website or by phone.
Before your first visit, you’ll receive intake forms that gather medical history, current concerns, medications, and past treatment experiences.
These forms matter. They allow your clinician to prepare thoughtfully and use appointment time well.
Initial evaluations are longer than standard follow-up visits.
Time is set aside to understand symptoms, history, patterns, and context, not just to identify a diagnosis quickly.
You can expect:
Diagnosis, when appropriate, is approached carefully and explained clearly.
Most patients leave the first visit with:
Next steps are decided collaboratively and communicated clearly. Nothing is finalized without discussion.
Psychiatric care at Stone Creek Psychiatry is designed to be steady and continuous, not episodic or transactional.
Follow-up frequency depends on clinical need and where you are in treatment. Early care may involve more frequent visits. Over time, appointments often space out as stability and confidence increase.
Cadence is adjusted thoughtfully, not automatically.
Medication and treatment decisions are revisited as real-world response becomes clear. Changes are made based on:
Recommendations are explained. Questions are expected.
Care does not stop between appointments, but boundaries exist to keep communication effective and safe.
Non-urgent questions can be addressed through established communication channels.
Urgent or emergency concerns are handled differently and discussed clearly with patients.
Continuity means your care builds over time.
Stone Creek Psychiatry accepts the following insurance plans:
Aetna | All Savers | Bind | Blue Cross | Cigna | Health EZ | HealthPartners | Hennepin Health | Humana | Medica | Medical Assistance | Medicare | PrimeWest Health | Surest | Tricare | UCare | UMR | United Healthcare
Cash and self-pay payments are also accepted.
Not sure if your plan is covered? Contact us and we’ll help you verify your benefits.
For billing questions:
To make a payment directly to Stone Creek Psychiatry:
Before your first appointment, there are a few forms to review and complete. These documents support safe, coordinated care and give us the information we need to begin with clarity.
Call (952) 241-4050 to schedule your first appointment.
Review the required documents before your visit:
Complete the required new patient forms below. Most patients should expect this to take about 30 to 60 minutes.
If you’re already an established patient, you only need to complete the form or forms that apply to your updated information.
If you’re unsure which form you need, call (952) 241-4050.
Please complete all forms before your first appointment. If you have questions or run into any issues, contact our office and we’ll point you in the right direction.
If you’d rather complete paper copies, you can print the forms and send them to our office by mail or fax.
Mailing address
Stone Creek Psychiatry
7945 Stone Creek Dr #130
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Fax
(952) 241-4049
Once your required forms are complete, you’ll be set for the next step in care. On the day of your appointment, please follow the instructions provided in the Telemed section.
Initial evaluations are longer than follow-ups. Visit length is determined by clinical need and discussed ahead of time.
Sometimes. Other times, further assessment is needed. Decisions are based on safety, clarity, and shared discussion.
Many visits can be conducted via telehealth once care is established. Some services require in-person visits.
That’s not a failure. Psychiatry often involves refinement as more information becomes available.
Frequency varies. Early care may involve closer follow-up, with visits spacing out as treatment stabilizes.
No. Medication is discussed as an option, not a requirement.
Yes, within established guidelines. Boundaries are explained so communication stays effective and appropriate.
Diagnosis is based on careful evaluation over time, not a single symptom or checklist.
We consider your history, current symptoms, medical background, life context, and patterns that have developed over time. When helpful, we review prior records and past treatment responses. Sometimes clarity emerges quickly. In other cases, it develops gradually as we observe how symptoms evolve.
If there is uncertainty, we say so. Diagnosis is a working understanding that may be refined as care progresses. Our goal is accuracy, not speed.
Initial psychiatric assessments are longer than follow-up visits to allow time for a thorough discussion. Most evaluations involve a detailed review of symptoms, personal history, and prior treatment experiences. The goal is to understand patterns over time rather than make rushed conclusions.
In most cases, a referral is not required. Many patients schedule a psychiatric assessment directly when they want a clearer understanding of their symptoms or treatment options.
Yes. Many psychiatric evaluations can be conducted through secure telehealth visits. In some situations, an in-person appointment may be recommended when diagnostic complexity or safety considerations make closer observation helpful.
After the evaluation, we review impressions together and discuss possible next steps. This may include treatment planning, medication options, therapy recommendations, or further observation when symptoms need more time to clarify.
Medication decisions begin with a careful evaluation of your symptoms, history, and treatment goals. In some situations medication can meaningfully reduce symptoms and improve functioning. In others, non-medication approaches may be more appropriate. Decisions are made collaboratively after reviewing potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Not always. Some conditions benefit from longer-term pharmacologic treatment, while others may allow for dose reduction or discontinuation once symptoms have stabilized. Medication plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as circumstances change.
Follow-up visits are typically more frequent when starting or adjusting a medication so we can monitor response and side effects. Once symptoms are stable, appointments are usually spaced further apart while still maintaining appropriate oversight.
Medication responses vary from person to person. If a medication is not effective or causes unwanted side effects, adjustments can be made. This may include dose changes, switching medications, or reconsidering whether medication is the right approach.
Many insurance plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression when criteria are met. We review eligibility before starting.
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy, TMS does not cause memory loss.
Most patients describe a tapping sensation on the scalp during stimulation. Discomfort, when present, is typically mild and improves over time.
We coordinate with specialists and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for all aspects of your health.
Spravato is an FDA-approved intranasal form of esketamine used for treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which primarily affect serotonin or related neurotransmitters, Spravato works through a different brain pathway involved in glutamate signaling. Because of this different mechanism, it may help some patients who have not responded to standard medications.
Spravato is administered in the clinic under medical supervision. After the medication is given, patients remain in the clinic for a monitoring period so that clinicians can observe for side effects and ensure safety before discharge.
Response times vary between individuals. Some patients begin to notice improvement within the first few weeks of treatment, while others require a longer course. Because depression is complex, Spravato is typically integrated with other treatments such as medication management and psychotherapy.
Spravato has been studied extensively and is FDA-approved for specific forms of depression. However, it can cause temporary side effects such as dissociation, sedation, or increases in blood pressure. For this reason, treatment must be administered in a monitored clinical setting with appropriate medical oversight.
Addiction medicine in psychiatry focuses on the medical and mental health aspects of substance use disorders. Care may include evaluation of substance use patterns, treatment of co-occurring psychiatric conditions, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and coordination with therapy or community recovery supports.
When appropriate, evidence-based medications may be used to support recovery from certain substance use disorders, such as alcohol or opioid use disorder. Medication decisions are made after careful evaluation and are typically combined with therapy and other recovery supports.
Some individuals benefit from inpatient or residential treatment, particularly when medical detoxification or intensive monitoring is required. When a higher level of care is necessary, we help coordinate referrals and ongoing psychiatric support as part of a broader treatment plan.
Some aspects of addiction treatment can be provided through telehealth, particularly follow-up care and psychiatric monitoring. However, certain treatments or evaluations may require in-person visits depending on safety considerations, medication regulations, and clinical needs.
Stone Creek Psychiatry does not provide emergency or crisis services. Patients are given clear guidance on when and how to seek urgent or emergency care elsewhere.
Communication channels are intended for non-urgent matters related to ongoing treatment. Shared responsibility is central. Patients are expected to participate actively, attend appointments, and communicate honestly.
Boundaries are not barriers. They are part of ethical, sustainable care.
Psychiatric care is not about quick fixes or rigid plans. It’s about understanding, adjustment, and progress over time.
At Stone Creek Psychiatry, good care means:
Progress is measured in stability, insight, and lived experience, not urgency.
