What to Expect

(Answers to Frequently Asked Questions)

• ALL sessions are held over VIDEO (TELEHEALTH).

• Dr. Carpenter is a BOARD CERTIFIED psychiatrist and is licensed in Georgia and earned her medical degree at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. She completed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia in August and was Chief Resident during the fourth year of her General Psychiatry Residency. Despite all of this…. or perhaps because of it… she refers to herself as a HEADOLOGIST.

• Most people don’t want to take ANY MEDICATIONS and Dr. Carpenter understands this. She tries to streamline and minimize all medications… just as long as they’re doing their job. ;-). She believes medications should always do more FOR YOU than what they do TO YOU.

• This office DOES NOT PRESCRIBE or manage the use of Ketamine, MDMA, Psilocybin, LSD, Marijuana, Opioids, or Benzodiazepines.

• Dr. Carpenter firmly believes that THERAPY is the golden key to self-understanding and personal growth. Medications can act as a bridge to help people better engage in therapy and get through the tougher times in life. Dr. C does offer therapy and she can also likely recommend someone locally who may take your insurance if you prefer. She’ll likely ask you about this!

• People’s personal VALUES are held in high regard during all sessions. Dr. Carpenter is known for asking if her clients are moving toward their values or away from them. She’s also known for making suggestions of ways her clients can work on things outside of session times.

• This office does NOT accept/bill any insurance. A SUPERBILL can be easily generated at each appointment if you want one. You can send this to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Insurance companies will consider services from this office as “OUT OF NETWORK”.

• PAYMENT for each follow-up session is due the day of the appointment. Payment for the initial session is due when the first appointment is made. She finds people are more likely to attend a first appointment if they’ve already paid for it. A link for intake paperwork forms will be sent to you when you schedule the first appointment with her. This will need to be completed at least 24 hours prior to your first appointment.

• Your PRIVACY is incredibly important. Dr. Carpenter does not share any information about you with anyone unless you have provided written consent or if legally required by a court subpoena. If she receives an electronically signed release of information from another party, she will always confirm with you before sending any records.

  All video sessions, EHR messaging, and scheduling are conducted through encrypted, HIPAA-compliant systems.

• Dr. Carpenter is available between sessions for established clients through a HIPAA-compliant secure messaging portal.

• For new client inquiries or if you're experiencing issues accessing the portal, you may text or call the business line at 912-495-5333. Please note:

  • Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 1 PM Eastern Time.

  • Response time: Dr. Carpenter responds as soon as possible—sometimes right away, but it may take up to 24-48 hours.

  • Limitations: SMS is NOT HIPAA-compliant and should only be used for logistical matters, not for discussing confidential or clinical concerns.

  • FCC Compliance Notice: By texting Dr. Carpenter at 912-495-5333, you acknowledge that responses are sent manually and only in reply to your direct inquiry. Dr. Carpenter does not send automated, marketing, or promotional texts from this line. If you no longer wish to receive responses, simply stop texting or let Dr. Carpenter know. SMS should only be used for logistical matters, not clinical discussions. Standard message & data rates may apply.

• TERMS of SERVICE: We are all human. It is your life, your mind, your body, your choice. You get to choose what you put into it, how you interact with others in your life, and how you perceive your world. Dr. Carpenter will do her best to understand your situation and show you different ways to shift perceptions and change interactions.

  • She will suggest medications and/or therapy that will help you move in the direction you want to go. You are under NO obligation to go to therapy or take any medication she might suggest or prescribe. You will only do this if it is your choice and it’s in line with your own goals and values.

  • You can choose to stop seeing Dr. Carpenter at any time. If you are prescribed a medication from Dr. C, you will need to see her on a regular basis of every 1-6 months to continue the prescription. How often you see Dr. C will depend on how stable you feel and if you are engaged in therapy with her or with someone else.

  • If you don’t show up for sessions or neglect to respond to secure text messages, Dr. Carpenter will likely be concerned that you do not want to create change in your life. She’ll talk to you about it and if it continues, you’ll be asked to find assistance elsewhere.

  • If you EVER think Dr. Carpenter is talking out of her ASS….. TELL HER…… you’ll probably both laugh!