FAQs
I’m feeling suicidal, I’m having thoughts of hurting myself, what should I do?
It is time to seek help now. You are not alone. Let someone else know right now that you are not feeling safe. Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital to seek immediate care.
Connect to a crisis counselor anytime, 24/7. Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741. Hawaii crisis line: 808-832-3100 (O’ahu), 800-753-6879 (Toll free or Neighbor Islands)
Why is your phone area code “401”? Are you local?
Mindhealthspace™ is local and based in O’ahu. We are currently using a Google Voice phone service and did not have an “808” phone number option to use.
Why are your clinic hours limited?
During typical daytime work hours, I am teaching/supervising psychiatry residents and medical students, as well as caring for patients at a local clinic and hospital as a UH JABSOM Clinical Faculty. Currently, I am available to see patients in Mindhealthspace™ late afternoons/early evenings, Monday through Saturday, and from 8am to mid-afternoon on Sunday.
What is a D.O.?
“Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or DO, is a fully licensed physician who practices in all areas of medicine. Emphasizing a whole-person approach to treatment and care, DOs are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well. Osteopathic physicians focus on prevention, tuning into how a patient’s lifestyle and environment can impact their wellbeing. DOs strive to help you be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit—not just free of symptoms.” (source: www.osteopathic.org)
What is Psychiatry/Psychiatrist?
“Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disturbances. A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.” (source: www.psychiatry.org)
Why should I see a Psychiatrist?
“People seek psychiatric help for many reasons. The problems can be sudden, such as a panic attack, frightening hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or hearing "voices." Or they may be more long-term, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiousness that never seem to lift or problems functioning, causing everyday life to feel distorted or out of control.” (source: www.psychiatry.org)
What is the difference between seeing a Psychiatrist, Psychologist or other Therapist, or an APRN?
While they all provide mental health care, their educational training and treatment approach vary. Psychiatrists attend medical school and learn general medicine, then complete four years of residency specialty training in the psychiatry. This includes training as a medical doctor and applying medicine in mental health care of patients. They are also trained in Psychotherapy (talk-therapy).
Psychologists and other Therapists (LCSW, LMFT) undergo a different training and focus primarily on psychotherapy and psychological assessments.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who have a master's, post-master's certificate, or practice-focused doctor of nursing practice degree. They may prescribe medications and provide psychotherapy.
Some Psychiatrists and APRN’s focus on medication management, others do both medication management and psychotherapy. In Hawaii, Medical doctors and APRN’s can prescribe medications.
Are all Psychiatrists the same?
All Psychiatrists are trained in general/adult psychiatry. Psychiatrists can have sub-specialties as well (like extra years of training in child & adolescent population). Some Psychiatrists focus on medical interventions using medications or other treatment modalities (i.e., electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or ketamine infusion). Some Psychiatrists use psychotherapy. Dr. Gavero provides both medication management & psychotherapy.
I can’t decide where to go or which provider to see, what should I do?
This is your health and you should feel empowered to find the right fit for you. Learn as much as you can from the provider’s website if they have one. Some providers are listed in sites like psychologytoday.com or inclusivetherapists.com and provide a brief profile. Providers have different communication styles & approach to treatment. Ask questions that are important for you to determine if the services provided meet your needs.
What is Psychotherapy?
“Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing.” (source: www.psychiatry.org)
Do you prescribe medications?
Yes, if medications are indicated to manage your symptoms based on the medical/psychiatric evaluation.
Do you have limitations on the types of medications you prescribe?
I conservatively prescribe controlled medications. If your condition requires the use of controlled prescriptions (i.e., sedatives or stimulants), we will determine a safe time course of use and taper off if appropriate. I do not prescribe medications for pain management. Hawaii Prescription Monitoring Program (a database that tracks how controlled prescriptions are filled) is checked regularly to ensure responsible use of controlled medications.
Can I go to Mindhealthspace™ if I just need medications?
Yes, medication management visits are approximately 25 minutes.
Can I go to Mindhealthspace™ if I just want Psychotherapy?
Yes, psychotherapy visits are 30-50 minutes, every 1-2 weeks.
I’m worried about COVID-19, do you offer video appointments?
Yes. Mindhealthspace™ offers telemedicine appointments using a secure, confidential, HIPAA-approved platform (Google Meet & back up: doximity, or doxy.me). The use of Facetime is currently allowed during COVID-19 pandemic, although this platform does not guarantee security.
What is Telehealth/Telepsychiatry?
Telehealth is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications over the internet via video chat.
Can l go to Mindhealthspace™ if I am already seeing another provider?
It is important to be clear about your reasons for switching providers and to promptly inform your current provider about formally terminating treatment with them if you are switching to another service.
Is Mindhealthspace™ an urgent care/crisis clinic?
No. Mindhealthspace™ is a non-urgent, outpatient mental health clinic. We do not administer medications in clinic and we do not have the capability to manage acute symptoms that require immediate intervention (unlike the ER or hospital settings where patients are treated for acute symptoms to maintain safety). Going to the hospital is the best choice when your symptoms are severe and require immediate attention, such us feeling suicidal or agitated (i.e., because of anger, restlessness, or psychosis/voices/delusions).
What insurance do you accept?
We currently welcome United Health Alliance (UHA), HMSA HMO/PPO, HMAA, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Private pay is available.
What if I change my insurance?
You will be referred to another provider if Mindhealthspace™ is no longer able to accept your new insurance.
What services do you NOT provide?
Mindhealthspace™ does not provide the following services:
Evaluations for forensic or legal matters, disability services, housing or other social services, firearm permit, worker’s compensation, injury/accident matters.
Letters for emotional support animals (you may search online for this service, there are places that can provide these letters quickly).
Legal representation
Substance rehabilitation or detoxification (patients are encouraged to connect with rehab or detox centers in the community: samhsa.gov/find-treatment)
Couples, Family, or Group therapy (there are many wonderful therapists in the community who provide this service!)
I’m not ready to commit to treatment, can I ask a quick question about your service?
Yes, of course! Please send your brief questions to: info@mindhealthspace.com
I’m interested in seeking treatment from Dr. Gavero at Mindhealthspace™. What’s the next step?
Get started by clicking here or call (401) 371-6463 for a free phone consultation. I will ask about your reason for seeking care, current problems/diagnosis, medications, substance use, and current/previous provider. I will review the services I provide. This information will allow us to determine if Mindhealthspace™ is the best place for treatment to meet your needs.