Frequently Asked Questions

KwikPsych provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, sleep disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and many others. View the full list on our Conditions We Treat page.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, order lab work, and provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations. A therapist (psychologist, LCSW, LPC) provides talk therapy and counseling but typically cannot prescribe medication. At KwikPsych, Dr. Monika Thangada is a board-certified MD psychiatrist who provides psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management. We coordinate with external therapists when therapy is part of your treatment plan.

KwikPsych specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management. We are actively expanding to include therapy services. In the meantime, we coordinate with trusted therapists and can provide referrals for CBT, trauma-focused therapy, and other evidence-based psychotherapy. Many patients see both a psychiatrist and a therapist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Yes. After completing a thorough psychiatric evaluation (typically 45–60 minutes), your psychiatrist may prescribe medication during the same visit if clinically appropriate. The evaluation includes a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. Not every patient needs medication — your psychiatrist will discuss all treatment options and recommend the best approach for your specific situation.

Absolutely. Family members and support persons are welcome at your appointment. Having someone who knows you well can provide valuable perspective during the evaluation. For child and adolescent appointments, a parent or legal guardian must be present. For adult appointments, it is entirely your choice. Your psychiatrist will let you know if there is a portion of the visit that is best conducted one-on-one.

KwikPsych provides psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Thangada is experienced in treating patients across the lifespan. Learn more about our child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry services.

You can request an appointment online or call us at 737-367-1230. No referral is needed. We offer both in-person appointments at our Austin clinic (12335 Hymeadow Dr, Ste 450, Austin, TX 78750) and secure telehealth appointments for patients anywhere in Texas.

Yes. KwikPsych frequently has same-week availability for new patient evaluations. Same-day appointments may be available depending on scheduling. Call 737-367-1230 to check current availability or request an appointment online.

Yes. KwikPsych offers HIPAA-secure telehealth psychiatry to patients physically located anywhere in Texas. Telehealth appointments use encrypted video — no special software is required. You need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space. Initial evaluations, follow-up visits, and medication management are all available via telehealth. You must be physically in Texas at the time of your appointment.

Your first visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation lasting approximately 45–60 minutes. Your psychiatrist will:

• Review your current symptoms, concerns, and goals
• Take a detailed psychiatric, medical, and family history
• Discuss previous treatments and medications
• Perform a mental status examination
• Develop a personalized treatment plan
• Prescribe medication if clinically appropriate

Bring a list of current medications, any prior records you have, and your insurance card. Learn more about psychiatric evaluations.

KwikPsych accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Superior HealthPlan/Ambetter, Baylor Scott & White, Oscar, Optum, and Medicare, plus many others. Visit our Insurance page for the complete list or call 737-367-1230 to verify your specific plan before your appointment.

If your insurance denies a claim, our billing team will work with you to understand the reason and explore options. Common reasons include incorrect coding, missing pre-authorization, or out-of-network status. We can assist with appeals and provide the documentation needed to support your claim. You always have the right to appeal a denial directly with your insurance company. If you have questions about a specific denial, call us at 737-367-1230.

Yes. For self-pay patients or those with out-of-network insurance, we provide superbills — detailed receipts with diagnosis codes (ICD-10) and procedure codes (CPT) — that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your specific plan’s out-of-network benefits. Contact your insurance company to understand your out-of-network coverage before your visit.

Yes. Psychiatric services are HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) eligible. You can use your HSA or FSA debit card just like a regular credit card when paying for appointments. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash, and checks. Visit our Payments page for more details.

Yes. All psychiatric visits, records, and communications at KwikPsych are protected by federal HIPAA regulations and Texas state privacy laws. Your information is never shared without your written consent, except in specific situations required by law (such as imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child/elder abuse, or a court order). Telehealth sessions are conducted over encrypted, HIPAA-compliant video. Read our full Notice of Privacy Practices for details.

Only authorized clinical staff involved in your care can access your records. Your records are not shared with employers, family members, or anyone else without your explicit written authorization. You have the right to request a copy of your own records at any time. For minors, parents or legal guardians have access rights, though adolescents may have certain privacy protections depending on the situation. Submit a medical records request through our patient portal.

Yes. You can request that your psychiatric records be sent to another healthcare provider by completing a medical records release form. Records are typically sent within 5–10 business days. There is no charge for records sent to another treating provider. Submit your request through our Medical Records Request page or call 737-367-1230.

We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments (no-shows) may be subject to a fee. We understand that emergencies happen — if you need to cancel on short notice, please call 737-367-1230 as soon as possible. Consistent no-shows may affect your ability to schedule future appointments. Review our full Office Policies for details.

Yes, when clinically appropriate and legally permitted. Texas law and DEA regulations allow psychiatrists to prescribe certain controlled substances via telehealth after an appropriate clinical evaluation. This includes stimulant medications for ADHD and certain anxiety or sleep medications. Your psychiatrist will determine what is clinically appropriate based on your evaluation, medical history, and treatment needs. Some controlled substances may require an in-person visit for initial prescribing — your provider will inform you if this applies.

Routine refills are handled during your follow-up appointments. If you run out of medication before your next visit, contact our office at 737-367-1230 or send a message through the Patient Portal. Please allow 48–72 hours for refill requests to be processed. Controlled substance refills may require a scheduled follow-up visit. To avoid gaps in medication, schedule follow-up appointments before your current prescription runs out.