Frequently Asked Questions
Psychiatric care comes with a lot of questions, especially when pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, or medication are part of the equation. Here are answers to some of the things people ask me most often.
Cost, Insurance + Getting Started
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My initial psychiatric evaluation is $250 and typically lasts 60–90 minutes.
Follow-up appointments are $175 and typically last 30–60 minutes, depending on what we need to cover.
I also offer a one-time medication consultation for $200 for people who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or looking for specialized guidance about psychiatric medication during pregnancy. This appointment is educational and does not establish an ongoing patient-provider relationship.
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Yes. I currently accept Aetna.
Insurance coverage can vary by individual plan, so I always recommend confirming your behavioral health benefits directly with your insurance company before your appointment.
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Our first appointment gives me time to understand the bigger picture, not just a list of symptoms.
We’ll talk about what has been going on recently, your psychiatric and medical history, medications you’ve taken in the past or are taking now, pregnancy or postpartum concerns when relevant, and anything else that may help me understand what you’re experiencing.
It’s also a chance for us to get to know each other and begin figuring out what kind of support makes the most sense for you.
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No.
You may know exactly what you want help with, or you may simply know that something feels different and you don’t feel like yourself. Both are completely valid reasons to reach out.
Part of my job is helping you make sense of what’s happening.
Perinatal Psychiatry + Who I See
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Perinatal psychiatry is mental health care focused on the period before, during, and after pregnancy.
That can include new symptoms that develop during pregnancy or postpartum, as well as managing an existing mental health condition while navigating pregnancy, medication decisions, breastfeeding, or the transition into parenthood.
There are enormous biological, hormonal, psychological, and social changes happening during this period. Perinatal psychiatric care looks at all of those pieces together.
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You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable.
It may be worth reaching out if you feel persistently anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, unlike yourself, emotionally unstable, unable to sleep even when given the opportunity, or simply concerned about changes in your mental health.
You can also seek perinatal psychiatric care proactively if you already have a psychiatric diagnosis and want support navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or medication decisions.
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You do not need to meet some imaginary threshold of suffering before asking for support.
If something feels off, has become harder to manage, or is affecting how you’re functioning or feeling day to day, it is worth talking about. Early support can also make it easier to understand what is happening before things become more difficult.
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No.
Perinatal mental health can begin before pregnancy and extend well beyond the first few weeks after birth. I also work with people who are planning to become pregnant and want to think ahead about their psychiatric care or medications.
Medication During Pregnancy + Postpartum
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Sometimes, yes.
Medication decisions during pregnancy and breastfeeding are rarely as simple as labeling something completely “safe” or “unsafe.” We look at the available research, the medication itself, your symptoms and psychiatric history, pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations, and the potential risks of both taking a medication and leaving a mental health condition untreated.
My role is to help you understand that information clearly so we can make thoughtful decisions based on your individual situation.
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Yes.
When medication is appropriate, I prescribe and manage psychiatric medications for patients during pregnancy and postpartum, including while breastfeeding.
Treatment decisions are individualized. We’ll talk through the evidence, potential benefits, potential risks, alternatives, and what matters most in your particular situation.
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This is a one-time, 60-minute educational consultation for people who want specialized information about psychiatric medication while trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
We can discuss the available evidence around the medication or medications you are taking or considering, including potential risks and benefits during pregnancy and fetal development.
This can be especially helpful if you already have a psychiatrist or other psychiatric provider you plan to continue seeing but would like an additional opinion from someone who specializes in perinatal mental health.
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No.
The medication consultation is educational and does not establish an ongoing patient-provider relationship.
If you are looking for ongoing psychiatric treatment and medication management, an initial psychiatric evaluation would be the appropriate place to start.
Appointments + Telehealth
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Yes. I offer both.
You can see me in person at my office in Orange, California, or by secure telehealth if you are located elsewhere in California.
That means you can receive care without needing to live near Orange County.
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Because I am licensed in California, I can provide telehealth psychiatric care to patients located anywhere within the state of California at the time of their appointment.
In-person appointments are available at my office in Orange:
224 W. Maple Ave., Suite F
Orange, CA 92866 -
Initial psychiatric evaluations are generally 60–90 minutes.
Follow-up appointments typically last 30–60 minutes, depending on your treatment needs.
One-time medication consultations are approximately 60 minutes.
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That depends on you and where we are in treatment.
Some patients need closer follow-up when beginning treatment, changing medication, or moving through a particularly difficult period. As things become more stable, appointments may be spaced farther apart.
We’ll decide on follow-up timing together based on what is clinically appropriate and actually useful for you.
About Tiffany
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I’m Tiffany Futrell, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed to practice in California.
I also hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International, which reflects additional specialized training in mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum.
My California Nurse Practitioner license number is 95025414, and my National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1861174534.
You are always welcome to verify a healthcare provider’s credentials. I think you should know exactly who you’re trusting with your care.
I’m Glad You’re HereReaching out is the low-stakes part
You don't need to know exactly what's wrong.
You don't need to have decided how you feel about medication.
And you don't have to wait until things feel unbearable.
You just have to start the conversation.
You can learn more about services, appointments, pricing, and insurance before deciding what feels right for you.