Frequently Asked Questions — Sigmon Psychiatric
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation that runs 45-60 minutes. Angela will ask about your symptoms, your medical and mental health history, your lifestyle, and what's bringing you in. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of her assessment and a starting treatment plan. It's a conversation, not an interrogation.
Do you prescribe medication at the first visit?
Often, yes — if it's appropriate. Angela conducts a thorough evaluation first, and if medication is part of the treatment plan, she'll discuss options with you and start a prescription that same day. Some situations benefit from a brief period of evaluation before starting medication, and she'll explain her thinking either way.
How long are appointments?
Initial evaluations are 45-60 minutes. Follow-up appointments for medication management are typically 20-30 minutes. If you need more time, just ask — Angela would rather take the time to get things right than rush through an appointment.
Do you offer therapy or just medication management?
Angela is a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management, not a therapist. She does not provide psychotherapy. If therapy would be helpful (and it often is alongside medication), she can discuss referral options. Many patients work with both a prescriber and a therapist simultaneously.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most commercial insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and others. Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted at this time. Self-pay rates are $179 for an initial evaluation and $129 for follow-up appointments. See our insurance page for more details.
How do telehealth appointments work?
You'll receive a link before your appointment. At the scheduled time, click the link and you'll join a HIPAA-compliant video call with Angela. All you need is a device with a camera, internet access, and a private space. No software to download.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most new patients can be seen within a few days to a week. Wait times vary, but getting into care quickly is something Angela prioritizes — the whole point of telehealth is removing the barriers that make psychiatric care hard to access.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment. Late cancellations and no-shows may be subject to a fee. Life happens — just let us know as soon as possible.
Who do you treat — children, teens, adults?
Sigmon Psychiatric accepts children, teens, and adults for psychiatric evaluations and medication management when they are physically located in Arizona during the appointment.
What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO) who completed medical school and a psychiatry residency. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree specializing in psychiatry. Both can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. In many states, including Arizona, PMHNPs practice independently with full prescriptive authority.
I've been on medication from another provider — can you take over my care?
Yes, in most cases. Transitioning your care is something Angela handles regularly. Please mention this when you book so the appointment can be set up to accommodate a transfer of care. Bring a list of your current medications and, if possible, recent records from your previous provider.
What if my medication isn't working?
Tell Angela. That's exactly what follow-up appointments are for. If something isn't working — whether it's not helping enough, causing side effects, or just feeling wrong — she wants to know so she can adjust. There's no failure in medication not working the first time; finding the right treatment sometimes takes iteration.