Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services, we provide compassionate, evidence-based, and integrative psychiatric care for individuals seeking clarity, healing, and sustainable wellness. Our mission is to support your mental health journey through a personalized, collaborative, and whole-person approach that addresses both symptoms and root causes.

We proudly serve individuals across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island, offering virtual and in-person services designed to meet your unique needs.

Our Core Services

Comprehensive Psychiatric Care

We offer thorough diagnostic evaluations, personalized medication management, and ADHD-specific assessments for teens (14+) and adults. Our structured and collaborative clinical process is tailored to help you find the right path forward.

Psychotherapy and Integrated Psychotherapy Approaches

Our talk therapy services incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and trauma-informed care to foster resilience, emotional insight, and lasting healing.

Lifestyle Psychiatry & Coaching

We address mental wellness through sleep, movement, nutrition, stress management, and social connection. Lifestyle coaching supports clients in managing burnout, building healthier routines, and creating sustainable change.

Specialty Services

Ketamine Therapy

• In-Person Ketamine Therapy (West Hartford, CT): 2-hour sessions with preparation, medical monitoring, and integration.
• Ketamine Medication Support (NY, CT, RI): For clients working with their own KAP therapist.
   

SPRAVATO® (Esketamine Nasal Spray)

• FDA-approved treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression and MDD with suicidal thoughts or behavior.
• Delivered in-person at our REMS-certified West Hartford office with supervised dosing and monitoring.
   

ADHD Evaluations

• Comprehensive assessments and follow-up care, including personalized medication and lifestyle strategies.
   

Genetic Testing (GeneSight®)

• Pharmacogenomic testing to guide medication decisions and reduce trial and error.
   

Integrative Services

Gut-Brain and Inflammation Testing

• Explore how gut health and inflammation impact mood, cognition, and mental well-being.

Supplement and Nutrient Guidance

• Clinically supported recommendations for nutrients like omega-3s, magnesium, and adaptogens to enhance your treatment plan.

Referrals to Trusted Providers

• Coordinated access to KAP therapists, neuropsychological testing, and other specialty services.

Our Collaborative Approach to Ketamine & SPRAVATO® Care

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services PLLC, we deeply value collaboration. We proudly partner with psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, primary care clinicians, and other healthcare providers to ensure clients receive the highest standard of coordinated care.

We Welcome Referrals

We accept referrals for both Ketamine Therapy and SPRAVATO® (Esketamine) treatment. Clients are encouraged to continue working with their existing providers, and our role is to support—not replace—the therapeutic or psychiatric relationships already in place.

How We Collaborate

When a client is referred to us for ketamine or SPRAVATO® evaluation or treatment, we:

• Communicate with the referring provider (with client consent).
• Maintain respect for the existing treatment plan.
• Share relevant updates to ensure continuity of care.
• Offer clinical insight regarding appropriateness and safety of these treatments.
   

Medication Management With Referring Providers

We do not alter or manage a client’s current medications when they are being considered for SPRAVATO® or ketamine treatment.
However, as part of our comprehensive evaluation, we carefully review each client’s:

• Psychiatric and medical history
• Current medications for safety and interactions
• Overall appropriateness for treatment

If concerns or recommendations arise, we communicate directly and professionally with the referring provider to support safe, informed care decisions.

Our Goal: The Best Possible Outcome for Every Patient

We believe clients achieve the best results when all involved providers work together. Our team is always happy to discuss cases, coordinate care, and ensure smooth collaboration that prioritizes safety, clarity, and compassionate treatment.

Telehealth Appointments (Video Visits)

Please note: To comply with telehealth and licensing regulations, you must be physically located in an approved state at the time of your appointment.

• New York
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
   

776 Farmington Ave, Suite 1500 

West Hartford, CT 06119

Appointments:

Virtual appointments Monday - Saturday

In-Person: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Providers at Practice:

Sana Kalra, PMHNP-BC

Wilson Fuchi, PMHNP-BC (Virtual Only)

Insurance we accept:

Husky (medicaid)

BCBS- Anthem

Magellan (Yale)

Cigna

Aetna

Optum (UHC, Oxford, Connecticare, UMR)

BCBS - MA

Medicare

1 Richmond Square, Suite 130 

East Providence, RI 02906

Appointments:

Virtual appointments Monday - Thursday

In-Person: Mondays

Providers at Practice:

Sana Kalra, PMHNP-BC

Insurance we accept:

BCBS-RI

Cigna

Harvard Pilgrim (Commercial)

Tufts (Commercial)

Optum (UHC, Oxford, UMR)

Medicaid- Pending credentialing

NHPRI- Pending credentialing

Medicare - Pending credentialing

370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 514 

New York, NY 10017

Appointments:

Virtual appointments Monday - Thursday

In-Person: Need-based appointments on Saturdays

Providers at Practice:

Sana Kalra, PMHNP-BC

Insurance we accept:

Aetna

Anthem

Cigna

Optum (UHC, Oxford, UMR)

1199 SEIU
 

Please Note: In-person visits are recommended & required for clients prescribed controlled medications or those needing more comprehensive assessments. Therefore, please plan on visiting the office if needed.

We encourage all new clients to schedule a complimentary consultation before booking an appointment. This allows us to ensure we are the right fit for your needs and gives you space to ask questions and learn about our services in a supportive, no-pressure setting.

Available Consultation Types

10-Minute Introductory Consultation available upon request
For clients interested in medication management or psychiatric evaluation.

15-Minute Required Consultation
Mandatory for all clients exploring Ketamine Therapy or SPRAVATO® (Esketamine Nasal Spray) treatment.

Why Schedule a Free Consultation?

• Learn about our approach to mental wellness and integrative care
• Ask questions in a supportive, welcoming space
• Ensure our services align with your treatment goals
   

How It Works

1. Select a date and time that fits your schedule
2. Meet with a provider for a brief, focused conversation
3. Discuss your needs and determine next steps toward your wellness journey
    

Please note:
These consultations are not clinical evaluations or therapy sessions. They are brief conversations intended to help assess fit and answer your initial questions.

Consultation appointments are strictly time-limited to respect our team’s availability and ensure access for all clients. To make the most of your time, we recommend preparing specific questions or topics in advance.

You can easily schedule, cancel, or reschedule appointments through our secure online patient portal:

Book Now via SimplePractice

Next Steps After Scheduling

Once you book your appointment, please complete the following to ensure a smooth start:

1. Access Your Client Portal

You’ll receive an email from SimplePractice to access your portal. Log in, reset your password, and download the app for secure and convenient communication.

2. Complete Intake Forms

All intake forms, including clinical questionnaires and consents, must be completed at least 48 hours before your appointment. Appointments may be canceled if forms are incomplete without communication.

3. Upload Required Documents

Please upload the following directly to your portal:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Front and back of your insurance card (if applicable)
• Minor consent form (if applicable)
• Medical release form (if coordinating care)
• Relevant medical records (if requested)
   

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Initial Evaluation
Medications may not be prescribed during your first visit. Additional labs or assessments may be required before starting medication.

Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly, based on your treatment plan.

Controlled Medications
These are only prescribed during scheduled visits and are limited to a 30-day supply.

Telehealth Guidelines

All virtual visits are conducted through SimplePractice & Doximity (Back-up).
You must be physically located in New York, Connecticut, or Rhode Island during your session.

Billing & Payment Policies

• Clients using insurance may be enrolled with Alma or Headway. Instructions will be provided to activate your account and autopay prior to your first visit.
• Self-pay clients must submit payment within 48 hours of booking to confirm the appointment.
• For billing questions, please contact: billing@mentalserenitypsych.com
   

Cancellations, Lateness & No-Shows

• 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule.
• Late cancellations or no-shows incur a $100 fee.
• Arriving more than 5 minutes late may result in cancellation and a no-show fee.
• Clients with 4 or more missed appointments in 6 months may be discharged from care.
   

Communication Guidelines

• Use the SimplePractice app for all routine communication. 
• Urgent but non-emergency matters may be addressed through Doximity from “Sana Kalra NP.”
• EMERGENCIES: Call 911 or visit the nearest ER. Notify our office afterward as needed.
   

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or need help completing your intake process:

📧 office@mentalserenitypsych.com
📞 646-719-0345

We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward mental wellness.

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services, we offer a structured and comprehensive approach to ADHD evaluation and management. Our process is designed to provide clarity, collaborative care, and ongoing support.

Session 1: Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation

60 minutes — $400 per visit
A full psychiatric assessment to review your medical history, current symptoms, and overall mental health.

Session 2: Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation

60 minutes — $400 per visit
A focused ADHD assessment using structured screening tools to evaluate attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning.

Session 3: Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation & Diagnosis

60 minutes — $400 per visit

• Review of diagnostic findings and confirmation of ADHD diagnosis (if applicable) 
• Discussion of symptom patterns and their impact on daily life
   

Session 4: ADHD Treatment Planning & Next Steps

30 minutes — $250 per visit

• Development of a personalized ADHD treatment plan 
• Medication management (if appropriate)
• Behavioral strategies and lifestyle recommendations
   

Ongoing ADHD Follow-Up & Medication Management

30 minutes — $250 per visit

• Medication management and refills 
• Continued behavioral strategies
• Regular check-ins to assess effectiveness and make adjustments as needed
   

Our ADHD services are designed to provide clear answers, effective treatment options, and compassionate support every step of the way.

All ketamine-related services at Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services PLLC are self-pay only. Insurance does not cover ketamine medication, administration, monitoring, or integration.

IN OUR OFFICE

Initial Ketamine Evaluation

A required in-person psychiatric evaluation (90–120 min).
Includes full psychiatric/medical history, treatment planning, and preparation/orientation.

Self-Pay: $500
• 50% deposit required at booking

In-Office Ketamine Session

A fully supported 2–2.5 hour session including:
• 30–45 min preparation
• 60 min medicine session
• 30–45 min integration
• Personalized playlist and guided support

Self-Pay: $500 per session
Standard protocol: 6 sessions over 3–6 weeks

Payment plans (up to 6 months) available upon request.

Integration Session

A dedicated space to help you process your ketamine experience with clarity and grounding.
Together, we explore insights, emotions, and themes so you can meaningfully apply them to your daily life.
Available to both existing clients and those receiving ketamine treatment elsewhere, offered via Zoom or in person.

Self-Pay:
• $125 for 30 minutes
• $200 for 60 minutes

We offer IM ketamine, lozenges, and troches as part of individualized treatment plans. 

KAP THERAPIST'S OFFICE (NY/CT/RI)

We collaborate with outside KAP therapists and can prescribe ketamine for clients who are receiving ongoing integration therapy with their own provider.

Initial Ketamine Medical Evaluation (90 Minutes)

$450 (sliding scale offered as apprpriate)

• Full psychiatric & medical assessment
• Ketamine medical risk screening
• Dosing plan creation
• Coordination with outside KAP therapist
• Safety education, consent, and protocol setup
   

Follow-Up Medication Management for KAP (30-60 Minutes)

$200-$325 per follow-up

These visits often include:

• Symptom monitoring
• Safety assessment
• Dose adjustments
• Review of integration notes from therapist
• Coordination with outside providers
• Ongoing treatment planning

Pricing varies based on insurance coverage, prior authorization, and individual plan benefits.

IN OUR OFFICE — WEST HARTFORD, CT

Initial SPRAVATO® Evaluation

A required in-person psychiatric evaluation (60–90 minutes) to determine clinical eligibility and safety.

Includes:
• Full psychiatric and medical history
• SPRAVATO® safety screening
• Treatment planning and education
• Orientation to dosing, monitoring, and clinic requirements

Pricing: Varies
Insurance coverage differs by plan.
Most commercial insurers require:
• Prior authorization
• Verification of medical necessity
• Applicable copay, coinsurance, or deductible

A deposit may be required depending on benefit eligibility.

In-Office SPRAVATO® Treatment Session

Each supervised session includes:
• Pre-treatment check-in
• SPRAVATO® administration
• 2-hour medical monitoring
• Vital sign checks
• Post-treatment observation
• Discharge readiness assessment

Pricing: Varies
Coverage is dependent on your specific insurance plan.
Most insurers cover SPRAVATO®, but you may be responsible for:
• Copay or coinsurance
• Deductible amounts
• Non-covered portions

Out-of-pocket estimates are provided before your first dose.

Integration Session (Optional but Recommended)

A supportive space to help you reflect, process, and integrate insights from your SPRAVATO® experience.
Available to our SPRAVATO® clients and clients receiving SPRAVATO® elsewhere, via Zoom or in person.

Self-Pay:
• $125 for 30 minutes
• $200 for 60 minutes

Self-Pay Pricing
Available for clients in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island

Initial Evaluations

• Diagnostic Evaluation with Medication Management — $375 (60 min)
   

Medication Management

• Follow-Up Medication Visit — $200 (30 min)
   

Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy Only — $250 (50 min)
• Medication Management + Psychotherapy — $325 (55 min)
   

Ketamine Therapy

• See our Ketamine Therapy section for detailed rates.
   

ADHD Evaluations

• See our ADHD Services section for pricing.
   

Genetic Testing (GeneSight®)

• Intake Visit & Testing - $375.00 (60 mins)
• Results Review Visit — $250 (60 min)
• Lab Fee — $150–$330 (billed separately by GeneSight; may be insurance-eligible)
  For billing questions: 1-866-260-2394 | www.genesight.com
   

Integrative Psychiatry & Psychotherapy
Fees vary. Service provided by  Sana Kalra, PMHNP-BC.

SPRAVATO® (Esketamine) – West Hartford, CT

• Insurance accepted. Inquire within for details.

Our Services

Psychotherapy (Clinical)

We provide evidence-based psychotherapy as part of your mental health treatment with a licensed PMHNP. Therapy may include CBT, mindfulness, stress/anxiety management, depression support, trauma-informed care, and ADHD/executive function support for established patients.
Psychotherapy may be covered by insurance.

Lifestyle Coaching (Non-Clinical)

We also offer goal-oriented lifestyle coaching. This is not therapy or psychiatric treatment and does not include diagnosis or medication management. Coaching focuses on time management, routines, motivation, stress reduction, and life transitions.
Coaching is self-pay and not covered by insurance.

Not Sure What You Need?

We offer a free 10-minute consultation to help you choose the right service.

We are currently in-network with the following insurance providers:

CONNECTICUT

• Aetna
• Cigna
• Anthem - Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Husky (Medicaid)
• Optum (United Healthcare, Oscar Health, Oxford Health, UMR, ConnectiCare)
• Magellan
• Medicare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Telehealth only)
   

NEW YORK

• Aetna
• Cigna
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Empire)
• 1199 SEIU 
• Optum (United Healthcare, Oscar Health, Oxford Health, UMR, ConnectiCare)
   

RHODE ISLAND

• BCBS-RI
• Cigna
• Harvard Pilgrim (Commercial)
• Tufts (Commercial)
• Optum (United Healthcare, Oscar Health, Oxford Health, UMR,)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Telehealth only)
• Pending Credentialing: Medicare, Medicaid, NHPRI

Insurance & Billing Overview

General Insurance Notice

We are in-network with many insurance plans; however, clients must verify coverage directly with their insurance carrier. Please call the Member Services number on your card to confirm in-network status and mental health benefits before scheduling.
Clients using Alma or Headway must enroll in autopay for seamless billing.

Ketamine Therapy

• Private pay only — insurance does not cover ketamine sessions, medication, monitoring, or integration.
   

SPRAVATO® (Esketamine)

SPRAVATO® is covered by many commercial plans. We assist with prior authorization and coverage checks. Any out-of-pocket costs will be reviewed beforehand.

Requirements

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation required before starting Ketamine or SPRAVATO®.
• A signed financial agreement must be completed prior to treatment.

Sliding Scale & Financial Assistance

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services, we strive to make quality mental health care accessible to everyone.

Sliding Scale Program

For clients without insurance or choosing not to use insurance, we offer a need-based sliding scale with up to 50% off standard rates.
Eligibility is based on income, financial need, or personal circumstances. Documentation or a brief confidential discussion may be requested. All information is kept private.

10% Discount for Out-of-Pocket Services

Available to:

• Seniors (65+)
• Full-time students
• Educators
• First responders
• Nurses & healthcare workers
• Wellness practitioners
• Mental health clinicians
• Active-duty military & veterans
  (Verification required.)
   

Insurance Waiver (Private-Pay Option)

For those seeking maximum confidentiality, you may choose to pay privately and decline insurance involvement.

With the waiver:

• No claims are submitted
• No superbill is provided
• No diagnosis or clinical information is shared with third parties

This form must be signed before your first visit.

How to Apply

Email billing@mspspsych.com with subject: “Financial Assistance Request”, or use our online contact form.

Billing & Payment Policies

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services, we aim to keep billing simple, transparent, and convenient.

Card on File Required

A valid credit or debit card is required when scheduling your first visit.
Payments are processed before each appointment or according to a documented payment plan.

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx
• Venmo
• Zelle
• PayPal
• HSA/FSA (processed securely via IvyPay)
   

Important Policies

• Full payment is due within 48 hours of booking to secure your appointment.
• For insurance clients, co-pays and deductibles are due before each session.
• Sliding scale or discount rates must be approved before payment.
• All payments are final; no refunds for completed sessions or late cancellations.

Cancellation & Late Policy

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services, we work hard to provide timely, high-quality care. To maintain fair access for all clients, the following policies apply:

Standard Appointments

(Psychotherapy, evaluations, medication management, ADHD services, coaching)

• 48 hours’ notice required to cancel or reschedule.
• Cancellations within 48 hours incur a $100 fee charged to the card on file.
• Arriving 10+ minutes late requires rescheduling and results in the $100 late-cancel fee.
• One waiver per calendar year is offered as a courtesy (not available for coaching). 
• Applies to all visits, including initial consultations.
   

Ketamine Therapy

Cancellation terms are outlined in your Ketamine Treatment Agreement and differ from the above. Please review your consent and financial documents for details.

Controlled Substances Policy

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services PLLC, safety is our top priority. Controlled medications are prescribed sparingly, only when clinically appropriate, and always in accordance with federal and state regulations. We review the PDMP before issuing any controlled prescription.

Do We Prescribe Controlled Medications?

Yes — but only when medically necessary and after safer, evidence-based options have been considered.
If prescribed, these medications require:

• Regular follow-ups
• Close monitoring
• A structured treatment plan
   

Benzodiazepine Policy

(Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, etc.)

• We do not prescribe benzodiazipines.
  Note: Our practice is not a fit for individuals seeking ongoing benzodiazepine prescriptions.
   

Other Controlled Medications

Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)

• Prescribed only after a comprehensive ADHD evaluation or verified records
• Require ongoing monitoring
   

Sleep Medications (Ambien, Lunesta)

• Limited, short-term use
• Behavioral and non-controlled treatments prioritized
   

Ketamine Therapy

• Offered only after thorough assessment and informed consent
• Requires structured monitoring, regular follow-ups, and supervised use
   

Requirements for All Controlled Substances

• Regular follow-up visits 
• Urine drug screening when indicated
• Signed medication agreement

Getting Started With Care

At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services PLLC, we know that beginning your mental health journey can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking treatment or exploring your options, we’re here to guide you with clarity and compassion.

Start With an Intake

If you’re unsure what services you need, a psychiatric intake is the best first step. During this visit, we:

• Learn about your concerns, history, and goals 
• Determine what level of care is appropriate
• Recommend next steps — either with us or a trusted provider
   

When We Recommend Referrals

We may refer you when:

• You need services outside our scope (e.g., weekly therapy, neuropsych testing) 
• A different level of care is more appropriate
• You are receiving specialized treatments (like ketamine) and need adjunct support
• You’d benefit from a therapy modality we do not offer
   

Referral options may include:

• Therapists and psychologists
• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) providers
• Neuropsychological testing services
• Specialty clinicians
• IOP, residential, or substance-use programs 

We maintain a vetted network of ethical, high-quality providers.

How to Request a Referral

Simply discuss your needs during any visit. We’ll assess your situation, review options, and help connect you with the right provider.

📞 646-719-0345
📧 office@mspspsych.com

Your mental wellness matters — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.