Mary Washington Behavioral Health is your trusted outpatient psychiatric
medical practice in Fredericksburg, VA. We specialize in psychiatric treatment,
outpatient care, and medication management, providing comprehensive support
to enhance your mental health.
Our practice is limited to outpatient medication management for psychiatric
disorders. We do not currently provide psychotherapy.
Our Approach to Care
At Mary Washington Behavioral Health, we practice a "continuity of
care" approach. This means we prioritize collaboration between you,
your psychiatrist or psychiatric provider, your therapist, and your chosen
family members or loved ones. Our goal is to help you transition from
crisis-living to a healthier, more stable life.
Please plan ahead for prescription refills by calling or using MyChart
messaging at least two weeks in advance. Prescription processing typically
takes 48 to 72 hours (3 days). If you require an appointment, kindly inform
us immediately after your last visit to schedule your follow-up.
Emergency situations require immediate attention, so if you have an urgent
matter, please proceed directly to the ER. We appreciate your cooperation.
(If you have already sent us a message through MyChart, we are in the
process of completing your request.)
When you are struggling with life-controlling problems, it is important
to get the help that you need. We are able to treat a variety of disorders,
including:
Depressive disorders
Generalized anxiety disorder
Bipolar disorders
Psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Delusional disorders
Social anxiety
Panic attacks
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Substance use disorder (Dr. Yanoff only)
We are unable to see patients whose needs we cannot safely or effectively
meet. This includes:
Patients with dementia or cognitive impairment (Varies by individual providers’
scopes of practice)
Patients with inappropriate or dangerous behavior related to traumatic
brain injury, dementia, delirium, autism spectrum disorders (Varies by
individual providers’ scopes of practice
Patients with active eating disorders, as they need a higher level of care
Patients with violent or dangerous behavior
Patients with active substance use disorder who do not wish to stop using
Patients who were recently admitted to a higher level of care, i.e. inpatient
psychiatry, PHP, or IOP but who left against medical advice
Patients who require a higher level of care need to be seen in the ER (Emergency
Room) to be evaluated for psychiatric admission, PHP, IOP or detox including:
Patients who are actively suicidal or homicidal
Patients who are a danger to themselves or others
Patients who need a higher level of care but refuse to go the ER or hospital.
Patients who are agitated
Patients who are delirious
Patients who need immediate or urgent psychiatric care
We see patients for purposes of treatment only. We are unable to provide:
Court ordered evaluations
Any evaluation for the court of legal system including capacity evaluations
Reports to parole or probation officer
Fit for duty or any employment evaluations
Evaluations for bariatric surgery
Evaluations for cosmetic surgery
Applications/letters for service/emotional support animals or for pets
to be declared service/emotional support animals
Our Approach to Treatment
We offer cutting-edge psychiatric medicine treatments and evidence-based
practices. Our mission is to support you in achieving the best possible
mental health and addiction recovery. Our providers treat by medication
management, and we request that you obtain a therapist outside of our
practice. We do not provide therapy or psychological evaluations.
Your First Office Visit
Your journey to improved mental health begins with an accurate diagnosis.
This should always come before starting a treatment plan. During your
initial visit, we'll discuss the reasons for your visit and what we'll
be working on together. We'll then explore your current and past mental
health, general health, and family history through a series of questions.
The initial appointment typically lasts around 60 minutes.
Diagnosis Process
Every patient is unique, and a diagnosis is determined based on various
factors, such as symptoms, life experiences, and treatment history. While
some diagnoses may seem apparent, others may require further evaluation
to rule out different conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder,
ADHD, anxiety, psychosis, addiction, and certain medical issues. In some
cases, multiple follow-up sessions may be necessary to refine the diagnosis.
Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan is customized based on factors like symptom severity,
daily functioning, treatment history, and your preferences regarding medication
and other treatment methods. We prioritize individualizing your treatment
plan to align with your unique needs and goals.
Medication and Non-Medication Options
We emphasize the importance of establishing an accurate diagnosis before
discussing treatment options. Your treatment plan may include both medication
and non-medication approaches, ensuring a holistic approach to mental wellness.
Appointment Frequency
Follow-up appointments initially focus on medication adjustments, so they
may be more frequent. As your symptoms stabilize and you progress, the
frequency of appointments will decrease. We understand that each patient
has unique requirements, and we tailor our approach to help you achieve
optimal mental health. It's not uncommon to explore different medications
over time to find the most effective solution for you.
Your mental health journey is important to us, and we are here to provide
the support and expertise you need to thrive.
