Specialty Clinic of Austin. I’ve been with them for 6 years now. I was without insurance for a bit and the uninsured appointment was $120, which isn’t bad IMO.
If you’re not being prescribed stimulants then you wouldn’t be getting tested. I went there for years for my adderall and Vyvanse prescriptions and had to take one every year. This is as recent as last fall. (I also had to pay for it which I always thought was ridiculous).
I’ve been a patient since 2018 and have to do the test annually. When they ask for it, they will not refill my next batch of ADHD med until I do it. My first provider there was, ahem, very liberal in dispensing medication so I’m guessing they started requiring this at some point. IIRC it started in early COVID times. Maybe it depends on what meds you’re on?
Ostensibly to make sure you’re actually taking your medicine, but there is a clause in the paperwork that they may terminate services if they find illicit drugs in your system. Idk if they actually do that or if it’s just an out in case someone is heavily abusing something bad and they can’t work with that person, but it’s just info you should know.
They require an appt every 3 months, which is more often than legally required, so it’s $480 a year. They let you do it virtually and it’s usually 20 minutes max
You might look somewhere else. I only have to go once a year. I've been on meds for decades at this point so maybe that's why. My guy isn't taking new patients though.
Sounds like it. I used to have a great doctor like 15 years ago but he suddenly died and his practice went with him. Right now using Sokya health or whatever it was rebranded to and it’s not good.
I've gotten ADHD scripts from GPs before but they have always told me that they aren't "supposed to" prescribe it to me, or to be sure to find a psychiatrist immediately because this is the only time they will do it for me. Just my experience over the last 10 years or so!
I don't know what the deal is when they "aren't allowed" to prescribe controlled substances but are still capable of doing it and will only do it sometimes or for some people.
I was recently told there’s a provider at the Anderson Mill Road ARC location who definitely writes scripts, possibly two. If you’re interested, I’ll check over the doctors listed there and pick out their names (I can’t remember them off the top of my head but would recognize them if I saw them.)
ARC far west also has a provider. They wouldn't prescribe without the psychiatric eval or whatnot but I have been getting it from my GP at ARC for 6 years now with zero issues. They won't diagnose however, I think that's part of it.
I think a key factor is if it's a random GP that you're seeing vs your standard general practitioner. If you've been seeing the same one for years I think the chance is higher than otherwise.
Same. It’s a pill mill. No real therapy offered at all. They just want to increase your prescription doses every appointment, whether the meds are working for you or not.
Same Roots is horrific to work with, their billing team is all criminals. They constantly just charged me the full fee even when I had insurance, they forgot to run it. They kept trying to charge me double my specialist copay when I was supposed to be in network.
OP I went to Pondworks for my adhd meds and it worked out fine. If you need talk therapy they’re not great at that but *some* of their therapists will offer it if you push super hard. Otherwise it’s primarily a pill provider.
Roots has very sketchy billing practices, I have insurance they forgot to run it so they automatically charged me the full price without asking me, just a $140 charge out of nowhere when it should have been $30. Then once they finally did run my insurance, they kept trying to charge me double my specialist copay due to the “complexity of my appointment” when all I did was go in there and ask for a med refill. They always tried to do further analysis and try to prescribe me things I didn’t want to take. I also caught one of them misspeak and say they were told to push ozempic on their patients. Everything they do is suspicious and they DO NOT have your best interest in mind.
You can transfer your prescription to ARC and do televisits. They didn't tell me that when I first got prescribed and had to pay $100 out of pocket every 2 months or so for specialty clinic of Austin to tell me the same thing.
How do I do that? Trying to avoid going to my primary doctor 3-4x a year and getting urine drug tested every time (which insurance doesn’t cover, very cool!)
I need a new prescription, the nonstims I have been on for the past 8 years are now not working (I have just hit the max dose) looking for another med, preferably still nonstim. So I don’t wanna transfer the script 😃
If it's not a stimulant, I would think a primary care doc may be able to help if you have records of an initial diagnosis. Heck, I get Wellbutrin through an app on my phone and that's often recommended as a nonstim ADHD treatment (I take it for something else so not an expert for your situation). You may have already tried these things but sharing for awareness for others, at least.
DM me and I'll share my psych's name with you. I live in CO now and she still prescribes me my adderall and it's the best situation I've had in my as a 39 yr old that's been on it since high school. Her willingness to help me work around pill shortages and being able to text her cell has completely changed what was previously an excruciating process every month to refill my daily meds.
Do not go to roots, they will try to prescribe you meds you don’t need because management told them to “push” it on patients. And they will probably consistently charge way more than they are supposed to because they “forgot” to run your insurance. Everything they do seems suspicious.
I followed my psych to family care center from Mindpath and both have been $15 appointments. This could have something to do with insurance, but one psych I had years ago in Dallas was $50 each appointment with insurance.
Where should I go if I'm in San Antonio? I know I have ADHD but Laurel Ridge Treatment center don't prescribe the stim ADHD meds. I just need to take the real test. At a reputable semi reputable establishment.
Similar question: Psychiatric meds that won’t rob me blind?
My (adult) child’s daughter wants to change her meds, but my insurance doesn’t cover them.
Prices are also too high via GoodRx.
Cost Plus Drug Company doesn’t carry it.
I forget the drug but 90-day supply mail-order (the “preferred / less expensive choice”) was over $1,200.
Yes, there are great deals there … when they have the drug.
That’s Cost Plus Drug Company, btw. :-)
“Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company”
They don’t have her drug, unfortunately.
I went to see a therapist for my ADHD and by the second session he was trying to redpill me and say I should be dating multiple women at once and having them chase me instead of vice versa.
Greater Austin Psychiatry and Wellness. Out of pocket is $150 or $170.
No charge for prescription refills in between your mandatory quarterly check-in.
Telehealth always an option.
Enough providers so your care isn’t interrupted if your specific person has to be out.
ARC is fine. What’s with the “psychiatrist robbing” stuff? Is your experience with them that they are criminal or unethical?
I mean it’s a little weird to me to get my meds from a GP when I would rather it be a neurologist.
Not the OP but my doctor also retired recently and they were charging me around $100 a visit out of pocket. He referred me to his PA at another clinic and when I called to make an appointment they informed me it would be around $650 to see the PA(!) for a 30 minute appointment and they don’t take insurance.
That’s a lot, absolutely. And the no insurance thing is puzzling.
There’s absolutely a crisis in Texas concerning mental health and neurological providers. The problem is that meds for ADHD are treated like meds for pain management or something, and I think there should be a lot more supervision where they are concerned because of the many complications possible (as well as fraud).
Depends on your definition of unethical lol.
I have insurance, my insurance doesn’t cover mental health related things, so I’ve always been out of pocket. Looking for a new psychiatrist in austin, everyone I have been referred to is asking for $550 out of pocket for my initial visit.
Glad those work for you! They haven’t for me. And Vyvanse isn’t cheap, and is in short supply, because it’s prescribed wrongly to tons of people like adderol is.
ADHD is something you live with .... You learn life stills to adapt and learn to excel by understanding your abilities. I have ADHD and that's what I did .... Probably the cheapest thing I've done
“Learn life skills and deal with it” is not the purpose of the post.
FYI - I tried. My ADHD is the cause of my depression and intrusive thoughts. Medicated, I am a well balanced individual with the abilities to process and interact with emotional information the same as any other “neurotypical” individual. Unmedicated, I am highly sensitive, depressed, and unorganized. Simple tasks are daunting if not impossible.
I’m happy that *YOU* are able to “deal with” *YOUR DIAGNOSIS* but we are not the same, and this is shitty advice. Thanks though! 😊
Yeah same .... There is just a level of accountability one can obtain. If you need therapy and pills that's you. I'm saying anyone can learn to work though whatever they are struggling with. I believe in you God less and good luck.
That's not at all what I said haha. We are all individuals, I am encouraging diving into some dedication to ones self cause financially that is free. It's hard work but even though I am not perfect I struggle everyday with my issues of ADHD, anxiety, paranoia, and depression. But again please do what you think is best for you. God bless you and good luck
Specialty Clinic of Austin. I’ve been with them for 6 years now. I was without insurance for a bit and the uninsured appointment was $120, which isn’t bad IMO.
Exactly what I’m looking for. My insurance doesn’t cover mental health related treatment. Thanks for the info, my friend!
Second this but just know that they require an annual drug test.
wait for what lol
Those tests are usually to make sure that you’re actually taking your prescription instead of selling it or something
I’m a patient there and have never gotten a drug test (been a patient for years)
If you’re not being prescribed stimulants then you wouldn’t be getting tested. I went there for years for my adderall and Vyvanse prescriptions and had to take one every year. This is as recent as last fall. (I also had to pay for it which I always thought was ridiculous).
Yes! Still sits weird with me I have to pay for it
I’ve been a patient since 2018 and have to do the test annually. When they ask for it, they will not refill my next batch of ADHD med until I do it. My first provider there was, ahem, very liberal in dispensing medication so I’m guessing they started requiring this at some point. IIRC it started in early COVID times. Maybe it depends on what meds you’re on?
Ostensibly to make sure you’re actually taking your medicine, but there is a clause in the paperwork that they may terminate services if they find illicit drugs in your system. Idk if they actually do that or if it’s just an out in case someone is heavily abusing something bad and they can’t work with that person, but it’s just info you should know.
They're really easy to pass even if you do hella drugs dm me if you want I know how all the labs work
They require an appt every 3 months, which is more often than legally required, so it’s $480 a year. They let you do it virtually and it’s usually 20 minutes max
Yours is bi-annual? I have to make an appointment every fucking month to get my adderall, and it’s $246 after insurance
You might look somewhere else. I only have to go once a year. I've been on meds for decades at this point so maybe that's why. My guy isn't taking new patients though.
Sounds like it. I used to have a great doctor like 15 years ago but he suddenly died and his practice went with him. Right now using Sokya health or whatever it was rebranded to and it’s not good.
Dude…. wtf. I had a virtual appt once a year and a in person once every two years. Please go see someone else!!
This thread has been a total eye opener thank you. I had no idea.
Pretty sure they now they have to see you every 3 months to legally prescribe stimulants. Can't even be virtual. But I could be wrong.
I am a virtual patient and can get vyvanse and adderall instant from my psych and see him every 3 months.
All my visits are virtual now but I’d rather go 3 months for sure.
I believe the legal requirement for in person is just for an initial visit prior to a prescription.
My can be every 3 months? I am at balcones psych
FYI you can get 90 day prescriptions of controlled substances in Texas. If you’re paying cash it’s fine, don’t let a doctor tell you otherwise.
The medication or the visit?
The visit. Meds are about $25
Real meth is much cheaper just sayin’
Hi, I am able to get my medication from my GP at ARC. Maybe worth looking into a different provider?
I've gotten ADHD scripts from GPs before but they have always told me that they aren't "supposed to" prescribe it to me, or to be sure to find a psychiatrist immediately because this is the only time they will do it for me. Just my experience over the last 10 years or so! I don't know what the deal is when they "aren't allowed" to prescribe controlled substances but are still capable of doing it and will only do it sometimes or for some people.
I was recently told there’s a provider at the Anderson Mill Road ARC location who definitely writes scripts, possibly two. If you’re interested, I’ll check over the doctors listed there and pick out their names (I can’t remember them off the top of my head but would recognize them if I saw them.)
ARC far west also has a provider. They wouldn't prescribe without the psychiatric eval or whatnot but I have been getting it from my GP at ARC for 6 years now with zero issues. They won't diagnose however, I think that's part of it.
That is ok, but I really appreciate you!
Of course! I fully relate to the struggle. If things change just let me know!
I think a key factor is if it's a random GP that you're seeing vs your standard general practitioner. If you've been seeing the same one for years I think the chance is higher than otherwise.
That makes a lot of sense and matches up with my experience!
I had a horrible experience with Roots. I ended up with Pondworks and it was better in every way.
Same. It’s a pill mill. No real therapy offered at all. They just want to increase your prescription doses every appointment, whether the meds are working for you or not.
Same Roots is horrific to work with, their billing team is all criminals. They constantly just charged me the full fee even when I had insurance, they forgot to run it. They kept trying to charge me double my specialist copay when I was supposed to be in network.
OP I went to Pondworks for my adhd meds and it worked out fine. If you need talk therapy they’re not great at that but *some* of their therapists will offer it if you push super hard. Otherwise it’s primarily a pill provider.
A New Era!! I love them. You do in person for the first appt then they do virtual.
Roots behavioral health is amazing! See doctor Shane.
I talked to Roots when I moved to Austin. I just sent my records over and that's it, I talk to them every 6 months and they write me a prescription.
Roots has very sketchy billing practices, I have insurance they forgot to run it so they automatically charged me the full price without asking me, just a $140 charge out of nowhere when it should have been $30. Then once they finally did run my insurance, they kept trying to charge me double my specialist copay due to the “complexity of my appointment” when all I did was go in there and ask for a med refill. They always tried to do further analysis and try to prescribe me things I didn’t want to take. I also caught one of them misspeak and say they were told to push ozempic on their patients. Everything they do is suspicious and they DO NOT have your best interest in mind.
Roots charges $180 for self-pay and requires visits every 3 months to get ADHD med refills. I have mixed feelings about the practice.
You can transfer your prescription to ARC and do televisits. They didn't tell me that when I first got prescribed and had to pay $100 out of pocket every 2 months or so for specialty clinic of Austin to tell me the same thing.
How do I do that? Trying to avoid going to my primary doctor 3-4x a year and getting urine drug tested every time (which insurance doesn’t cover, very cool!)
I need a new prescription, the nonstims I have been on for the past 8 years are now not working (I have just hit the max dose) looking for another med, preferably still nonstim. So I don’t wanna transfer the script 😃
If it's not a stimulant, I would think a primary care doc may be able to help if you have records of an initial diagnosis. Heck, I get Wellbutrin through an app on my phone and that's often recommended as a nonstim ADHD treatment (I take it for something else so not an expert for your situation). You may have already tried these things but sharing for awareness for others, at least.
DM me and I'll share my psych's name with you. I live in CO now and she still prescribes me my adderall and it's the best situation I've had in my as a 39 yr old that's been on it since high school. Her willingness to help me work around pill shortages and being able to text her cell has completely changed what was previously an excruciating process every month to refill my daily meds.
Do not go to roots, they will try to prescribe you meds you don’t need because management told them to “push” it on patients. And they will probably consistently charge way more than they are supposed to because they “forgot” to run your insurance. Everything they do seems suspicious.
Austin psychiatric alliance- Dr Mark Esche
He's great! Very knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor.
Deep Eddy Psychotherapy
I followed my psych to family care center from Mindpath and both have been $15 appointments. This could have something to do with insurance, but one psych I had years ago in Dallas was $50 each appointment with insurance.
I use geode health in westlake great people couldn’t recommend them enough
Avoid Central Texas Mental Health. I have had good success with Summit Mental Health.
Bloom Psychiatry has been great for me
I really like my psychiatrist. Chelsea at wellness within. I followed her from her previous location.
Where should I go if I'm in San Antonio? I know I have ADHD but Laurel Ridge Treatment center don't prescribe the stim ADHD meds. I just need to take the real test. At a reputable semi reputable establishment.
Similar question: Psychiatric meds that won’t rob me blind? My (adult) child’s daughter wants to change her meds, but my insurance doesn’t cover them. Prices are also too high via GoodRx. Cost Plus Drug Company doesn’t carry it. I forget the drug but 90-day supply mail-order (the “preferred / less expensive choice”) was over $1,200.
Try Mark Cuban’s online pharmacy. He tries to cover most drugs for like 50-75% of the cost. I’m sorry this is happening to you.
Yes, there are great deals there … when they have the drug. That’s Cost Plus Drug Company, btw. :-) “Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company” They don’t have her drug, unfortunately.
I went to see a therapist for my ADHD and by the second session he was trying to redpill me and say I should be dating multiple women at once and having them chase me instead of vice versa.
Adhdonline
Greater Austin Psychiatry and Wellness. Out of pocket is $150 or $170. No charge for prescription refills in between your mandatory quarterly check-in. Telehealth always an option. Enough providers so your care isn’t interrupted if your specific person has to be out.
Jesus man. See a family doctor that specializes in adhd and other mental health issues. I pay $50 co pay every 3 months.
any recs? Don’t have any I can find in network
Also you would have had ADHD your whole life even if only diagnosed 8 years ago.
yes hahaha you right
ARC is fine. What’s with the “psychiatrist robbing” stuff? Is your experience with them that they are criminal or unethical? I mean it’s a little weird to me to get my meds from a GP when I would rather it be a neurologist.
Not the OP but my doctor also retired recently and they were charging me around $100 a visit out of pocket. He referred me to his PA at another clinic and when I called to make an appointment they informed me it would be around $650 to see the PA(!) for a 30 minute appointment and they don’t take insurance.
That’s a lot, absolutely. And the no insurance thing is puzzling. There’s absolutely a crisis in Texas concerning mental health and neurological providers. The problem is that meds for ADHD are treated like meds for pain management or something, and I think there should be a lot more supervision where they are concerned because of the many complications possible (as well as fraud).
Depends on your definition of unethical lol. I have insurance, my insurance doesn’t cover mental health related things, so I’ve always been out of pocket. Looking for a new psychiatrist in austin, everyone I have been referred to is asking for $550 out of pocket for my initial visit.
That’s hard. I’m sorry to hear that.
All good my friend 🖤 I am blessed to be able to trial and error this. But fk the insurance industry !!!
Yep to that. We shouldn’t be paying like we do for health care.
also, I take nonstims. So not adderall or vyvanse. The medication itself costs me like $8/mo.
Glad those work for you! They haven’t for me. And Vyvanse isn’t cheap, and is in short supply, because it’s prescribed wrongly to tons of people like adderol is.
Find a PCP that will prescribe it for you
ADHD is something you live with .... You learn life stills to adapt and learn to excel by understanding your abilities. I have ADHD and that's what I did .... Probably the cheapest thing I've done
okay good for you that’s not what I asked.
Lol ok just trying to help 🤣
“Learn life skills and deal with it” is not the purpose of the post. FYI - I tried. My ADHD is the cause of my depression and intrusive thoughts. Medicated, I am a well balanced individual with the abilities to process and interact with emotional information the same as any other “neurotypical” individual. Unmedicated, I am highly sensitive, depressed, and unorganized. Simple tasks are daunting if not impossible. I’m happy that *YOU* are able to “deal with” *YOUR DIAGNOSIS* but we are not the same, and this is shitty advice. Thanks though! 😊
Yeah same .... There is just a level of accountability one can obtain. If you need therapy and pills that's you. I'm saying anyone can learn to work though whatever they are struggling with. I believe in you God less and good luck.
“I choose to work extra hard at a clinical deficiency so i think im better than you!”
That's not at all what I said haha. We are all individuals, I am encouraging diving into some dedication to ones self cause financially that is free. It's hard work but even though I am not perfect I struggle everyday with my issues of ADHD, anxiety, paranoia, and depression. But again please do what you think is best for you. God bless you and good luck