Frequently Asked Questions

Send the short request form or call (346) 855-6216. We get back to you to find a time, check your insurance before your first visit and tell you how to complete new-patient paperwork. The form asks for no health details.

Most people can contact us directly. Some insurance plans ask for a referral from a primary care provider before they cover a psychiatric visit, so check your plan, or ask us when we verify your coverage.

The first visit is a psychiatric evaluation: a conversation about what has been going on, your medical and mental health history, any medications you take, and what you hope will change. You and your provider then talk through what it may be and what the options are. What to expect and what to bring

We usually reply within 2 hours during office hours, Monday to Friday (office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM). If you would rather not wait, call (346) 855-6216. The website and email are not monitored for emergencies: in a crisis call or text 988, or call 911.

The clinic sees people ages 5 to 65. A parent or legal guardian must be present at every appointment for patients under 18.

You see Victor Onodjacha, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, at every visit. He is licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse in Texas, Idaho, Arizona and Maryland, and his license numbers are on his page with links to each state's lookup.

No. He is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP): an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate training and board certification in psychiatric care. A PMHNP evaluates, diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. A psychiatrist is a physician. How the two differ

Yes. Brief psychotherapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy are offered alongside psychiatric care. If you need longer-term or specialized therapy, we can coordinate with a therapist you already see or suggest a referral.

Medication decisions are made after an evaluation, never before it, and no medication can be promised in advance. Not every medication can be prescribed at every kind of visit, and some may require an in-person visit. We explain what applies to you. See medication management.

In-person visits are at 7616 Branford Pl, Suite 220, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. About the Sugar Land office

Yes. Telehealth visits are by secure video for patients who are physically located in Texas, Idaho, Arizona or Maryland at the time of the visit. Some situations call for an in-person visit, and we will tell you if that applies to you.

No. Care for patients in Idaho, Arizona and Maryland is by secure video. The office is in Sugar Land, Texas. You need to be physically in Texas, Idaho, Arizona or Maryland during a video visit.

Saturday telehealth appointments by request: call or email. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

It depends on the state you are in. Texas: Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Cigna, Medicare, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthcare / Optum. Idaho: Aetna, Blue Cross of Idaho, Cigna, Idaho Medicaid, Medicare, Moda Health, Mountain Health CO-OP, PacificSource, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, SelectHealth, St. Luke's Health Plan. Arizona: Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare / Optum. We check your benefits before your first visit. Plans by state

The self-pay rate is $200 for the initial evaluation (about 60 minutes) and $125 for a follow-up visit (about 30 minutes). A sliding scale is available. If you are uninsured or not using insurance, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of what your care will cost. Details

Tell us your plan on the request form or by phone. We verify your coverage before your first visit and let you know about any copay, coinsurance or deductible your plan applies, so the cost is not a surprise.

Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. A late cancellation costs $150. Missing a visit without notice, or arriving more than 15 minutes late, costs $200 for an initial visit or $100 for a follow-up. Insurance does not cover these fees. Full policy

Yes. Your health information is protected by federal and state privacy law. The Notice of Privacy Practices explains how it may be used and shared, and your rights. Please do not put health details in the website form or in ordinary email.

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. DanShalom Behavioral Clinic is an outpatient practice, not an emergency service, and this website, email and text line are not monitored for emergencies. Crisis resources