Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Getting Started

Your mental and emotional well-being are worth fighting for.

How can therapy help me?

“Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing.” American Psychiatric Association

Problems helped by psychotherapy include difficulties in coping with daily life; the impact of trauma, medical illness or loss, like the death of a loved one; and specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety.

Where are we located?

Our mental health clinic is inside Southern Comfort Health’s primary care home.

305 S. 7th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Get Directions.

This direct primary care (DPC) clinic has been open since 2019 and operates as Southern Comfort Health DPC. Click here to learn about Direct Primary Care.

Port Saint Lucie location coming soon!

Do we take insurance?

No, we do not take insurance. We use a Direct Care model that works when Providers elect to work with the Patient directly rather than through a Third Party [Insurance]. So, cash payment for services is coordinated directly with the patient and medical records are not submitted for reimbursement by the provider to a Third Party.

Click here to read the Reasons Not to Use Insurance for Mental Health Therapy.

What is the charge per session?

We offer a monthly membership plan that includes a few discounted visits and access to wholesale pharmacy and negotiated lab work orders. Alternative, the Fee for Service (FFS) care model has transparent pricing for visits only. Click here to review these offers.

Schedule a Meet & Greet

Dr. Sara Waterbury, APRN

Click here to learn more about our mental health professional

Mental Health Services

What can I expect during the first session?

A lot of learning about each other. A lot of learning about what you (the patient) are looking for in a mental health provider. A lot of learning about what your preferences are regarding medications, holistic supplements, therapy, as well as history (the good and the bad) with any of those areas. There will be some ground rules and expectations explained, so that we are on the same page moving forward. It will be an open and transparent time.

If there were any records from previous providers sent before the appointment, then those will be reviewed (either prior to the session or during the session) and discussed with to allow you to voice any concerns that may have generated previously. A thorough Psychiatric Evaluation will be conducted to develop a symptom baseline and areas which you (the patient) would like to address, as well. A working diagnosis will be established to help guide the evidence-based treatment plan that we will develop together, keeping your treatment goals at the forefront. Mental health medication(s) may or may not be prescribed during the first session – this is a very patient-oriented decision.

Lastly, depending on the treatment plan developed, you may be assigned HOMEWORK (AGGHHHH!!) that will help continue your therapeutic journey’s progress in between our sessions. And the next appointment will be scheduled, with a basic idea of what we will cover during that time.

What can I expect in a therapy session?

That it will be YOUR session. I will be your guide on your mental health journey, with YOUR goals in mind. I am not here to tell you that everything will be ok (unless you would like that), but instead to listen to your concerns and use evidence-based mental health treatment options to help you along the way. Your sessions will always be a safe place to talk, judgement-free, and transparent.

How long do sessions last?

Psychotherapy may last several months, which is why we recommend a membership plan – it’s cost-effective and allows us to evolve while working through issues. Mental Therapy sessions generally have 30 or 60 minute base session time, with 10-minute add-on options. Membership care plans allow for the dedicated 30 minute session to be combined.

Do we offer telehealth (video conferencing)?

Yes, telehealth is available.

What types of services are provided?

The goal of our mental health services is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. We provide services for many mental health issues, using a compassino-focused approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Learn more about our services here.

Can you prescribe medication?

Yes. Our mental health professional offers treatment plans with medication, ensuring that your psychiatric medication are effective and safe.

Are there other considerations for being a patient?

Appointments work on a clock, so late arrivals may not be accommodated to avoid disrupting the next patient. There is a cancellation fee to discourage late notifications- these appointment spots would otherwise be used by a patient in need.

In-Office visits – please minimize use of perfumes for all staff and patients you may be around. We have a small area for children to play, if childcare has been a limit to accessing your healthcare needs. Service Animals are allowed in the medical office, but not pets.

Virtual (telemed) visits – reminding about etiquette, you may opt to turn off your camera, but please be fully clothed for visits, not driving, and work to minimize background distractions.

You Can Be Yourself

Southern Comfort Health is an ally – a safe place and judgement free place.

Financial Questions

Cancellation Policy

Psychotherapy may last several months, which is why we recommend a membership plan – it’s cost-effective and allows us to evolve while working through issues. Maybe you’ve successfully gained the skills as an MHC Membership patient, and are ready to continue as-needed with converting to the fee-per-service model. Successful care depends on a “good-fit” between the patient and provider. Memberships are only a monthly commitment and set for auto-pay renewal. This tier of care can be cancelled anytime with written notice.

Payments

The Direct Care healthcare model directly collaborates care and payments with patients, not insurance companies. Full payment is required before visits are initiated. Patients in the Fee for Service care plan will be charged before the appointment is initiated and those in the Membership care plan will have scheduled monthly auto-charge which would include any amenity purchases such as in-house dispensed mediations for negotiated lab work. An active method of payment is required to be kept on file for either care plan, with the option for Debit/Credit or ACH (preferred, reduces transaction fees and costs to clinic). Members will be discharged from this plan for non-payment.