FAQs
Answers, Before You EvenHave to Ask
We know reaching out takes courage. Here are answers to the questions we hear most — so you can feel informed and confident before your first visit.
FAQs
Everything you need to know before your first visit, answered simply and honestly.
Whether you’re a new patient, a parent, or a referring provider — we’ve compiled the answers to the questions we’re asked most often.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first visit is a thorough intake session not a rushed 10-minute check-in. Dr. Vyas will take time to understand your history, current symptoms, life circumstances, and goals. Nothing is irrelevant. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of next steps and feel genuinely heard.
How long does the first appointment take?
Initial appointments are typically 60 to 90 minutes. We give new patients the time their story deserves. Follow-up sessions are usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your care plan.
Do I need a referral to book my first visit?
No referral is required to schedule an appointment at Vira Wellness. You can reach out directly by phone or through our online contact form. If your primary care physician has recommended us, we are happy to coordinate with them as well.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any current medications (including dosages), and any prior psychiatric or medical records if available. If you have previous diagnoses or reports from other providers, those are helpful but not required.
How should I prepare for my first visit?
There’s no need to have everything figured out before you arrive. It helps to think about what’s been most difficult lately, how long you’ve been experiencing it, and what you hope to feel or function like with the right support. The rest, we’ll work through together.
What if I feel nervous or don't know where to start?
That’s completely normal, and it’s something Dr. Vyas hears often. You don’t have to come in with a polished explanation of what’s wrong. Simply showing up is the hardest part. We’ll ask the right questions and guide the conversation with patience, not pressure.
What ages do you see for child and adolescent psychiatry?
Dr. Rushikesh Vyas sees children starting from age 4 through young adulthood. Whether your child is struggling in school, showing signs of anxiety, or going through emotional challenges at any stage we provide care that meets them where they are.
How do I know if my child needs to see a psychiatrist?
Watch for changes that persist over several weeks: a drop in school performance, withdrawal from friends or family, increased irritability, trouble sleeping, unexplained physical complaints, or mood swings that seem out of proportion. You know your child best if something feels off, it’s worth exploring.
Will my child be comfortable during the session?
Dr. Vyas has a calm, child-friendly approach designed to help young patients feel safe rather than examined. Sessions are structured around what the child can share comfortably, at their own pace. We never push. Building trust comes first.
What role do parents play in the treatment process?
Parents are essential partners in their child’s care. We include parents in the initial assessment and keep you informed throughout treatment. For younger children, parents are more actively involved in sessions. For teens, we balance privacy with appropriate parental engagement.
Can you work with my child's school or pediatrician?
Yes. With your consent, Dr. Vyas will coordinate directly with your child’s school, pediatrician, or therapist. This collaborative approach ensures your child receives consistent support across every setting not just in our office.
What if my teenager refuses to come to the appointment?
This is more common than you might think. We recommend starting with a parent consultation first, so we can help you understand what your teenager may be experiencing and discuss how to approach the conversation with them. We’ll guide you on next steps from there.
What mental health conditions do you treat for adults?
We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, and addiction, among other conditions. We also support adults navigating major life transitions, grief, workplace stress, and relationship difficulties when those are affecting mental health.
Will I definitely be prescribed medication?
Not necessarily. Medication is one tool, not an automatic outcome. Dr. Vaibhav Vyas will assess your full picture and discuss all available options with you including therapy referrals, lifestyle changes, and other interventions. Any medication decision is collaborative and explained clearly before anything is prescribed.
How often will I need to come in after the first visit?
Follow-up frequency depends on your treatment plan. In the early stages, appointments are usually every two to four weeks. As your condition stabilizes, visits may become monthly or quarterly. Dr. Vyas will discuss what makes sense for your specific situation.
What if my symptoms get worse between appointments?
Contact us promptly. We take between-session concerns seriously and will make every effort to see you sooner or address your concerns by phone. If you are ever in crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. Vira Wellness does not provide emergency crisis services.
Can you continue managing medications started by another psychiatrist?
Yes, in most cases. If you are transitioning from another provider, bring your medication history and any previous records. Dr. Vyas will review your treatment history and work with you to ensure continuity and safety.
What does addiction psychiatry involve at Vira Wellness?
Dr. Vaibhav Vyas completed a Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Our approach treats addiction as a medical condition, not a moral failure. We address the psychiatric factors driving addictive behavior, manage withdrawal safely when needed, and build a sustainable path toward recovery.
What support is available for new mothers experiencing postpartum challenges?
Postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood changes are medical conditions not signs of being a bad mother. We provide compassionate, expert care for women experiencing postpartum mental health challenges, including medication management when appropriate, with full respect for breastfeeding and your specific situation.
Do you offer psychiatric care for older adults?
Yes. Our Geriatric Psychiatry services address the unique mental health needs of seniors, including depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, and adjustment to aging. We work with families and caregivers to create care plans that protect both dignity and independence.
What is TMS therapy and does Vira Wellness offer it?
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Dr. Vaibhav Vyas is TMS-certified through Harvard Medical School. Contact us to learn whether TMS may be appropriate for your treatment plan.
Can you treat patients with both a psychiatric condition and a substance use issue?
Yes. Co-occurring conditions where someone experiences both a mental health disorder and substance use are common and something we treat together, not separately. Addressing both at once leads to far better long-term outcomes than treating each in isolation.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept insurance. We are in-network with several major commercial insurance plans and will bill your provider directly. Because mental health coverage and copays vary depending on your specific plan and deductible, our billing team will verify your benefits prior to your first appointment. Please contact our office or submit your insurance details to confirm your coverage.
How do I refer a patient to Vira Wellness?
Referring providers can call our office directly or have the patient contact us themselves. We welcome coordination with primary care physicians, therapists, and other specialists. Dr. Vyas communicates progress updates to referring providers regularly, with patient consent.
Do you see patients who have been referred by schools or pediatricians?
Absolutely. School counselors and pediatricians are among our most frequent referral sources, particularly for children and adolescents. We make the transition as smooth as possible and keep referring providers informed throughout care.
What if I don't have insurance or my plan doesn't cover your services?
We understand that cost is a real concern. Please reach out to our office to discuss your situation. We will do our best to work with you and explore available options.
Can I refer myself, or does it have to come from a doctor?
Self-referrals are welcome. You do not need a physician’s referral to book an appointment at Vira Wellness. Simply contact us directly, and we’ll guide you through the intake process from there.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Taking the first step can feel heavy. We get that. Whether you’re ready to book or just have a question, you’ll always be met with patience, not pressure.
