Working With Us
What it is like to be a patient here
The practical side, in plain words: what care costs, how to use out-of-network benefits if you have them, and what happens between getting in touch and your first appointment.
Fees
How payment works
This practice is private pay. We do not bill insurance, and you are responsible for payment for all services.
You pay the practice for each appointment.
What this means for you
No insurance authorization
No one outside this office decides how often you are seen or for how long.
Ask us about cost
If the fee is a barrier, say so when you get in touch. It is a normal question and we would rather you asked.
Reimbursement
Using out-of-network benefits
Many health plans pay back part of the cost of seeing a psychiatrist who is not in their network.
If your plan covers out-of-network care, we can provide a statement. You send it to your insurance and claim the reimbursement yourself.
Whether your plan reimburses, and how much, is between you and your insurer. We cannot promise an amount and we do not submit claims on your behalf. Calling your plan before your first appointment is the surest way to know where you stand.
Four questions to ask your plan
01
Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health care?
02
Is there a deductible I need to meet first, and how much of it is left this year?
03
Once the deductible is met, what percentage of the fee is reimbursed?
04
Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor, or prior authorization?
Getting Started
Becoming a patient
Four steps from first contact to a plan you have agreed to.
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Step 1
Get in contact
Book online, call the office, or send a short message. Tell us which office suits you.
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Step 2
Forms before you come
Intake paperwork reaches you through the practice's booking system — never through this website.
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Step 3
Your first appointment
A long visit, mostly listening. Bring a list of any medicines you take.
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Step 4
A plan you agree with
Therapy, medicine, or both — reviewed and adjusted as things change.
Practicalities
Appointments and policies
Nothing here is unusual. It is written down so you are not guessing.
Changing an appointment
If you need to move or cancel a visit, tell us as early as you can.
Prescriptions and refills
Refill requests go through the office during opening hours, not by text message. Ask at your appointment when a refill is getting close, so nothing runs out over a weekend.
Your records and your privacy
What you say in a session stays in your record, and your record is not shared without your written permission — apart from the narrow situations the law requires. Ask for a copy in writing at any time.
How we communicate
The contact form on this site opens a conversation; it is not a secure medical channel, so keep medical details out of it. We will take your history properly once we are in touch.
Outside office hours
The office is open Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM by appointment. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — or go to your nearest emergency room.
Common Questions
Questions people ask before they call
Do I need a referral?
Not to make an appointment here. If you would like Dr. Bushong to stay in touch with your primary care doctor, say so and we will ask for your written permission.
I am not sure whether I need a psychiatrist.
That is a reasonable place to start. The first appointment is an evaluation — its purpose is to work out what would actually help, including whether that is care from this practice.
Can you see more than one person in my family?
Yes. Dr. Bushong's practice covers children, adolescents and adults, so a teenager and a parent can both be seen. Family consultations — with or without the patient present — are arranged by phone rather than through the online scheduler. Call the practice and we will find a time that works.
Can I be seen at either office?
Yes. Dr. Bushong sees patients in both Aspen and Carbondale, and you are not tied to one. Choose whichever is easier to reach, and change it whenever that changes.
What if I’m in crisis right now?
Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — or go to your nearest emergency room. This practice books by appointment and is not an emergency service.
Ready when you are
Book an appointment at the Aspen or Carbondale office, or call the practice on 970.300.1845 between 9AM and 5PM.
Crisis & Support
If you need help right now
These services are free, confidential, and open at all hours. They are not part of this practice.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text, 24/7
Crisis Text Line
Text, 24/7
SAMHSA National Helpline
Treatment referral and information, 24/7
Aspen Hope Center
Call, 24/7