Patients
Treatment Approach
Colleen’s approach to mental health treatment is:
Person-centered
Trauma-informed
Individualized
She understands the significant impact that medical trauma can have on both the body and the mind. She does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment and thinks you are the expert when it comes to your body and how it responds to different interventions.
Colleen understands the impact medical trauma can have on daily life and a person’s willingness to seek help. She has worked hard to create an environment that respects each individual’s experiences and needs. Colleen looks forward to working with you to create a path to healing.
Generally speaking, Colleen does not prescribe benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), or Valium (diazepam), as these are contraindicated in trauma treatment. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
What to expect at your first appointment
Similar to when you visit your primary care provider who performs a physical exam to determine current symptoms and prescribe appropriate medications, Colleen will perform an exam (also called an assessment or evaluation) by interviewing you.
Colleen’s initial assessment takes about 90 minutes. It involves Colleen asking questions about your current symptoms, the severity, what has or has not worked for treatment in the past, your medical and family history, and so forth. Together, we can look at the emotional side of your medical experience and find ways to calm the stress it left behind and help you feel more grounded.
Colleen will then discuss with you the best treatment options, including whether medication is appropriate for your symptoms. Each patient is unique, and not everyone may require prescribed drugs to treat psychiatric symptoms.
Colleen’s practice generally recommends that people work with qualified therapists who provide evidence-based trauma therapy such as:
EMDR
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Somatic Experiencing
Polyvagal Theory
These modalities (and others) are highly effective in processing trauma and restoring emotional and physical balance.
Accepted Insurances
Headway is the platform we use to handle insurance and billing. You’ll register through Headway who will verify your benefits and process payment after each session. Colleen provides the care, Headway just manages the paperwork and insurance side, so everything is transparent and straightforward.
Private Pay rates: $200 for a 90-minute initial visit and $125 for 30-minute follow-up visits.
Payments, Forms, and Practical Stuff
Payments are taken at the time of your visit. If using insurance, Headway will collect your payment. Private pay individuals will be charged through Simple Practice, which is our electronic medical record system.
New patient forms will be sent through your Simple Practice patient portal. A link to set up your portal will be sent to you after your free consultation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the practice.
Former Braveheart Mental Health and Wellness patients:
Colleen Lee, PMHNP-BC, is now practicing at The Trauma Informed Patient. To request your records from Braveheart or resume services, call/text
210-580-4626. If you have a new psychiatric provider, they can fax record requests to 210-468-4626.