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Start Here

We know that starting your mental health journey can feel a bit overwhelming—there are forms to fill out, questions to ask, and appointments to schedule. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From booking your first appointment to getting those inevitable insurance quirks sorted out, we’ll walk you through every step with ease. Consider this your one-stop shop for all things "new patient," minus the long waits and awkward magazine selection. Let's get started!

Step by Step Guide For Patients Who Scheduled Through Headway, Grow Therapy, or Sondermind.

Step 1: Creating Your Patient Portal Account

If you have scheduled your appointment on any of the following platforms (Headway, Grow Therapy, or SonderMind), there are several more steps that must be taken before we can hold our first appointment. Within 24 hours (likely sooner) you will recieve an email invitation to CharmPHR (your patient portal). Start by setting up your account.​​​​

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For cell phone/tablet users: If you’re primarily using a mobile device, you’ll need to download the Charm PHR app for the best experience. Using a web browser on mobile can be tricky, so we recommend the app for smoother access. 

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Download the Charm mPHR app below:

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Step 2: Completing Your New Patient Packet 

Next, return to your Charm EHR Patient Portal home screen and look for the "Questionnaire" button. Click it, and there you’ll find all the necessary forms—Policy Acknowledgments, Consents, the Intake Questionnaire. If using the mobile app you will find the "questionnaire" button by selecting the three dots at the bottom of your screen labeled "more"

 

Please make sure to complete all forms before your first appointment, as we won’t be able to proceed without them. The more detail you provide, the better we can understand your unique needs and tailor your care accordingly. Consider it a small investment in your mental health journey. Plus, it’s only once, so let’s knock it out of the park!

Step 3: Telemedicine and Secure Communication Setup 

To make virtual telehealth appointments and communication simple and secure, we use Spruce, a HIPAA-compliant platform. Whether you’re preparing for a session or reaching out with a question, Spruce keeps everything confidential—because let’s face it, regular email isn’t always up to the task. Think of Spruce as your personal health hotline, minus the hold music. 

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To get started, [click here] to set up your Spruce account. This will give you access to virtual appointments and a secure way to communicate with our team. 

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After setting up your account, please download the Spruce application to your cellphone:

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Step 4: Sending Identification 

Please use the Spruce application you just set up and downloaded to send a picture of your government-issued ID to our number, 352-600-2256. This step is essential for us to securely verify your identity and ensure the confidentiality of your care.

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Step 5: Your First Appointment 

During your first appointment, we’ll dive into the details you shared in your intake forms, talk about any current concerns you have, and explore various treatment options together. The goal is simple: collaboratively develop a treatment plan that’s personalized to your unique needs and goals. 

  

If you’ve had recent labs (within the last year) and provided them before your appointment, we’ll review those too. If you haven’t had labs done recently, we might order some, especially to check your kidney and liver function—those little organs are crucial when it comes to medication safety. But don’t worry, it’s all about ensuring we create the best possible plan for your health and well-being. 

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