Frequently Asked Questions
Does FORTITUDE Psychiatric Supportive Services LLC accept health insurance?
Yes, FORTITUDE Psychiatric Supportive Services LLC currently accepts:
First Choice Health insurance and Kaiser Permanente insurance, and is considered “Out of Network” for all other insurance at this time.
If you have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) you can use our services as outlined in your contract with your insurance provider.
If your insurance is not a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) you may require prior authorization to utilize out of network services.
We do not currently accept Community Plans/ Apple health of Washington
FORTITUDE Psychiatric Supportive Services LLC may or may not directly accept your insurance. This does not mean your insurance does not cover the cost of services. CLICK HERE for more information about “out of network” services.
To understand more about what your insurance covers and how to seek reimbursement it is recommend that individuals contact their insurance carrier for details of reimbursement.
State insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not reimburse for out of network services. They often cover cost of medications and laboratory testing.
Current accepted forms of payment include, credit, check, and cash. We may generate a SUPERBILL for your use in requesting reimbursement from your insurance carrier on your request.
Does FORTITUDE offer telehealth services?
Yes, we offer telehealth services via phone and/ or video to established clients as appropriate. We do not offer intake services via telehealth as there are medical assessment measures that can only be established in person to assure safety.
Patients must be stable and considered low risk to qualify for telehealth services at FORTITUDE.
What if I have a psychiatric emergency?
Individuals who believe they are having an emergency are instructed to call 9-1-1 or present to their nearest emergency room for services. As a small outpatient practice FORTITUDE does not offer walk-in or emergency services. High risk psychiatric emergencies may require hospitalization at an emergency room.
Feeling unsafe? Click Here
How do I request a refill for my medications?
Clients receiving treatment from FORTITUDE can request refills a number of ways. Use of the secure Portal text or messaging systems or calling the office directly at (253) 509-1777. There is no charge for routine medication refills.
Clients are expected to present for periodic follow-ups, the frequency of these follow ups are determined on a case by case based on safety, complexity, and other risk factors.
What do I do if my medications are lost, destroyed, or stolen?
In most cases clients can request a refill as described above. In the case of stolen controlled medications a police report may be indicated. Patterns of lost, destroyed, or stolen medications may result is discontinuation of services. Diversion of controlled substances is illegal and may be reported to the proper authorities. FORTITUDE aims to support the safety of it’s clients and the public.
Additionally, if you need to to turn in old medications you may find a turn in location near you through https://med-project.org/ or request a prepaid envelope here
What State(s) does FORTITUDE provide services to?
At this time we only provide services to clients who reside within Washington State.
Does FORTITUDE meet requirements to complete court ordered psychiatric evaluations?
Yes, the standard is generally for a doctoral prepared psychiatric provider/practitioner. For information about the cost of psychiatric evaluations CLICK HERE.
Does FORTITUDE support certification for PFMLA/ FMLA for behavioral health conditions?
Yes, for qualifying severe mental health conditions FORTITUDE can assess, diagnose, treat and support when appropriate PFMLA/ FMLA. For more information about FMLA in Washington State CLICK HERE.
Does FORTITUDE prescribe controlled medications such as Stimulants and Benzodiazepines?
Yes, we appropriately prescribe these classes of medications aligned with evidence based practice. Our goal is to provider patients with what they need aligned with best practice measures to support their behavioral health.
As of January 2024, we no longer offer high dose, immediate release (IR) stimulant treatment. More appropriate long acting (LA)/ extended release (XR) formulas will be appropriately applied for stimulant treatments with rare exceptions.
As of January 2024, we require validated neurocognitive testing for ADHD diagnosis with rare exceptions. ADHD diagnosis made by primary care providers (non-psychiatric specialists) and any online prescribers will require review of records and any appropriate testing for stimulant prescriptions.
What about Confidentiality?
Honesty is required for good psychiatric care. It is important that clients are able to discuss their problems free of judgement or other sources of influence that may prevent the client from providing all the necessary information to inform their care. Sessions are confidential. There are few instances where confidentiality might not apply such as evidence of child or elder abuse as well as safety of self and others. In certain cases confidentiality may be limited.
Can I bring other people to my appointments?
Yes but… to get the most out of your appointment it is important to limit distractions or situations that might otherwise prevent the client from openly discussing all aspects of their care. The provider may ask that any other persons step out of the session for elements of the encounter.
What if I am experiencing concerning side effects to medication?
Providers discuss risk and benefits of medication over the course of treatment. In the event a concerning side effect is experienced, clients should refer to their medication handouts provided by the pharmacy, the medication consent form, as well as contact their provider. In emergent situations, clients should call 9-1-1 or present to their nearest emergency department.
Does FORTITUDE provide pediatric/ child/ adolescent services?
No, we generally do not provide services to minors (<18 years of age). To find a child psychiatrist contact your insurance provider directly or try www.psychologytoday.com
Can FORTITUDE provide administration of long acting injectable (LAI) medications?
No, unfortunately our office is not set up for administering medications such as LAIs.
Can FORTITUDE provider referrals for Sleep Studies, Intensive Outpatient Services, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or Ketamine/Esketamine Therapy treatment?
Yes, when appropriate we can prepare the necessary referrals to any of these services.
Why do medical providers charge “No Show” fees?
Takes away from other patients who are trying to make an appointment and could have taken your spot
The doctor and staff waste time because there is nothing to do if the patient does not show up
The Provider generates less money than he would on a typical fully booked day
Details about our “No-Show” policy can be found here.
How do other hospitals and clinics refer a patient to FORTITUDE:
If inpatient, Fax discharge summary to 949-577-4515, call 253-509-1777, or email support@fortitude.live.
If outpatient, Fax clinical summary to 949-577-4515, call 253-509-1777, or email support@fortitude.live
Referrals for new clients, fax referrals to 949-577-4515, call 253-509-1777, or email support@fortitude.live
Starting fees* for services based on 90792 and 99213 CPT coding and do not include additional fees/ codes.