New Client FAQ | Rooted Minds Psychiatry

New Client FAQ

Everything you need to know before — and after — your first appointment.

Getting to the office

Where is the office located?

119 N. Commercial St, Suite 195-B · Bellingham, WA 98225
(Bellingham Towers)

  • 1
    Parking: Street parking is available nearby and is the most affordable option. It is pay-by-phone until 6pm — after 6pm and on weekends, street parking is free. This is cheaper than the parking lot.
  • 2
    Enter through the parking lot side door — do not use the main front entrance. Walk down the hall and turn left toward Suite 195-B.
  • 3
    Check in on your app if you're able to, and your provider will come out to get you.
  • 4
    If the side door is locked — this can happen after 7pm or on weekends — please text via the Spruce app or at (360) 845-2033 and your provider will let you in.
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Billing & payment

When will I be billed?

Self-pay clients are billed on the same day as your appointment. Insurance clients — your copay is collected on the day of service. Please ensure a valid payment method is on file before your visit.

What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Please provide as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. A fee applies per the cancellation/reschedule policy. See the late arrival section below for additional details.

Appointments & attendance

What happens if I'm late?

If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, your appointment will need to be rescheduled and the cancellation/reschedule fee will apply. If you think you're running behind, please reach out via Spruce as soon as possible.

Do I need to complete intake paperwork before my appointment?

Yes — intake documents will be sent to you by email prior to your appointment. Completing them in advance allows your appointment to focus fully on you rather than paperwork.

Didn't receive the email? Please check your junk or spam folder first. If it's not there, reach out and we'll resend it.

Medication

Do I need to share my medication history?

If medication management will be part of your care, permission must be given to access your medication history. You'll be asked to provide that authorization as part of your intake process.

What about scheduled or controlled medications?

Any scheduled or controlled substances may require a drug screening before they are started, and screenings may also be requested during the course of treatment. This is a standard part of safe and responsible prescribing practice.

Please note: Drug screenings are not a reflection of distrust — they are a routine clinical and regulatory requirement for providers prescribing controlled medications.

How do I request a medication refill?

Refill requests can be sent through Spruce — see the section below. Please allow plenty of time before you run out, as some medications may require a follow-up appointment before a refill is issued.

Staying in touch

How do I contact my provider between appointments?

All communication goes through Spruce — a secure app that makes it easy to reach out by text, call, or email. You'll receive an invite to Spruce before or around your first appointment. Download it ahead of time so you're all set.

Spruce is great for: quick questions between appointments, requesting refills, and staying connected without needing a full visit.

What if I'm in a crisis or emergency?

Spruce is not monitored around the clock and should never be used in an emergency. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to one of these resources right away:

988 — Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7
741741 — Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line
911 — Or go to your nearest emergency room