Ponderosa Counseling Center

Ponderosa Counseling CenterPonderosa Counseling CenterPonderosa Counseling Center
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    • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR TEAM
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    • FAQ
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    • PSYCHIATRY
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  • More
    • Home
    • ABOUT US
      • ABOUT US
      • MEET OUR TEAM
      • RATES
      • FAQ
    • Services
      • PSYCHIATRY
      • THERAPY
    • PATIENTS
      • New Patient Forms
      • Current Patients
    • CONTACT US

Ponderosa Counseling Center

Ponderosa Counseling CenterPonderosa Counseling CenterPonderosa Counseling Center
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR TEAM
    • RATES
    • FAQ
  • Services
    • PSYCHIATRY
    • THERAPY
  • PATIENTS
    • New Patient Forms
    • Current Patients
  • CONTACT US

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We are currently accepting new patients for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We have daytime appointments available for therapy but evening/after-school appointments are limited.


We provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for ages 5–65.

For therapy services, we see ages 12 and older.


We may also see patients over 65 on a case-by-case basis, depending on individual needs and clinical considerations. If you’re unsure whether our services are the right fit, please contact our office and we’ll be happy to help guide you.


We are considered “out-of-network” from insurance plans including Medicaid. Our rates are listed under the "about us" tab.  

   

We can provide a superbill upon request. A superbill is a detailed receipt that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement rates vary, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits.


Both evaluations aim to understand mental health concerns, but they differ in who conducts them, what they focus on, and how they are used.

A psychiatric evaluation is performed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. It focuses on:

  • Current symptoms and emotional concerns
  • Medical history, medications, and physical health factors
  • Diagnosing mental health conditions
  • Determining whether medication, therapy, or other treatments may be helpful

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can prescribe medications and consider how mental health interacts with medical conditions.

A psychological evaluation is typically conducted by a licensed psychologist. It focuses on:

  • In-depth assessment of thinking patterns, emotions, personality, and behavior
  • Use of standardized psychological tests and questionnaires
  • Clarifying  diagnoses, learning differences, or cognitive functioning
  • Treatment planning, therapy recommendations, or educational/workplace accommodations

Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but their evaluations often provide detailed insights that guide therapy or support services.


In many cases, both evaluations can be complementary, and providers may collaborate to ensure comprehensive care.


Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) can provide autism screenings, assess related concerns, and treat associated symptoms such as anxiety, mood changes, attention difficulties, or behavioral challenges. However, we do not provide formal Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses. A comprehensive psychological evaluation is typically required for an official diagnosis.

If autism is a concern, we can help determine whether a full psychological evaluation would be beneficial and provide guidance or referrals for appropriate testing.


Yes. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are trained to provide both therapy and medication management.

Some patients choose to receive both services from their PMHNP, while others may benefit from working with a separate therapist in addition. The best approach depends on your individual symptoms, treatment goals, and preferences.

Your PMHNP will work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and, if appropriate, can help coordinate care or provide referrals to a therapist to ensure you receive comprehensive support.


For most patients, follow-up appointments are scheduled every three months. This allows us to monitor progress, assess symptom changes, and make any necessary adjustments to treatment. Quarterly visits are required for minors (under 18 years old) and patients prescribed controlled substances.

In some cases, appointments may be scheduled more frequently based on clinical need, medication changes, or during periods of symptom instability. Your provider will work with you to determine the appropriate follow-up schedule for your individual treatment plan.


To request a refill, please call our office at 720-542-3487 and select option 2 for the refill line. Be sure to leave your name, date of birth, medication name, and pharmacy information.

Please allow up to 72 business hours for refill processing.

We do not process refill requests sent directly from pharmacies, as many of these requests are automated and may contain inaccurate information. Contacting us directly helps ensure your request is handled accurately and efficiently.



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