Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about care at Brainstorm Behavioral. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to ask during your visit.

Do you accept insurance and self-pay?
Yes. We’re in-network with most major insurance plans including UnitedHealthcare, BCBS MN, Medica, HealthPartners, Aetna, and Cigna. If you're out-of-network or prefer not to use insurance, we also offer a self-pay option.

When are copays/fees collected?
Copays and self-pay fees are charged at the time of booking. This helps reserve your appointment and avoid billing surprises later. You can securely pay using a credit, debit, or HSA/FSA card through our patient portal.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

  • Late cancellations or no-shows will result in a fee:

    • $295 for an initial evaluation

    • $150 for a follow-up appointment

Insurance does not cover missed appointments. These charges will be billed directly to the card on file.

If you’re running late, we’ll do our best to accommodate. However, your session may be shortened to stay on schedule for others.

We understand that illness or emergencies can happen. If you’re genuinely unwell or something unavoidable occurs, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible. Decisions about waiving fees are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed

How long are appointments?

  • Initial visit: 60 minutes

  • Follow-ups: 20 minutes
    These sessions include medication management and brief supportive therapy when needed.

Late Arrivals
If you arrive late to your appointment, the remaining time may be used for your session — however, the full session fee still applies.
If you are more than 10 minutes late for a 20-minute follow-up or 15 minutes late for an initial evaluation, your appointment may need to be rescheduled and considered a no-show, subject to the full fee.

We value your time and strive to stay on schedule for all patients. Please message us as soon as possible if you're running behind.

Life happens — we understand emergencies come up. If something unavoidable occurs, we’ll handle it with care and flexibility when appropriate.

Do you provide therapy?
We offer supportive therapy integrated into medication management when clinically helpful. We do not provide long-term weekly psychotherapy.

What conditions do you treat?
We treat adults 18 and older with ADHD, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, and opioid use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options like buprenorphine and naltrexone are available when appropriate.

Will you change my current medication?
Not unless there’s a reason to. We know it can be stressful to start over, so if a medication is working well for you, we’ll usually leave it in place.

Is this a virtual-only practice?
Yes, we currently offer telehealth across Minnesota. In-person availability may expand in the future.

Do you prescribe controlled medications?
Yes, when clinically appropriate. This includes stimulant medications for ADHD and buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. We follow all state and federal regulations, and a comprehensive evaluation is required before prescribing. Ongoing prescriptions require regular follow-up visits and close monitoring. We do not guarantee specific prescriptions or automatic refills.

We do not provide early refills, and monthly follow-up visits are required for patients prescribed controlled medications.

What should I expect at my first visit?
We’ll review your mental health history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan that’s realistic and evidence-based.

Do you treat patients outside of Minnesota?
No, we currently only serve residents of Minnesota. You must be physically located in Minnesota during telehealth visits.

Why monthly follow-ups?
For patients prescribed controlled substances, monthly follow-ups are required for safety, clinical monitoring, and to comply with DEA and insurance regulations. These visits aren’t just about issuing refills — they’re an opportunity to check in, troubleshoot anything that isn’t working, and make sure your treatment is still on the right track.

We keep these visits focused, efficient, and meaningful.