Frequently Asked Questions

Integrative psychiatry is an approach to treatment of mental health challenges that combines the use of medications with complementary approaches, such as nutritional supplements and mind-body interventions. Read more about this approach here

Dr. Bowers is based in and offers in person appointments in Colorado Springs, CO. Telepsychiatry is available throughout Colorado and in the states of Maryland, Montana, New York, Oregon and Washington. Patients must be located in one of these states during their appointments in order to be seen by Dr. Bowers.

Dr. Bowers treats children as young as 3 years old, teenagers and adults of all ages

Dr. Bowers treats a range of diagnoses across all age groups, including ADHD, ASD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, OCD, and mood disorders.

Dr. Bowers’s practice is not designed for and will not take patients who are seeking treatment for a substance use disorder (alcohol, opioids, methamphetamines, kratom, cannabis).

Dr. Bowers does not routinely prescribe benzodiazepines (Ativan, Klonipin, Valium, Xanax, etc), Ambien, Lunesta, or Sonata. In some cases, these medications may be prescribed briefly (1-2 weeks) to manage side effects of other medications. Dr. Bowers does not prescribe opioids of any kind. Stimulant medications may be prescribed for specific diagnoses; any patient with a previous diagnosis requiring stimulant medications will be required to provide documentation of their diagnosis and medication use from previous physicians prior to continuation of their stimulants.

Before your first appointment, a free 15 minute introductory call with Dr. Bowers is required. If you want to move forward, you will be invited to book an initial appointment with Dr. Bowers via email.

Use the contact form on the “Contact” page to send a request for a free introductory call. A calendar invitation will be sent to your email address to schedule the call.

Dr. Bowers will send you a few questionnaires and forms via email, which will need to be completed and returned before your first appointment.

Cancellations or requests to reschedule must be sent via your patient portal 48 hours or more prior to your appointment, late cancellations will result in a charge, please see Rates & Fees for details.

All refill requests must be sent via your patient portal. You will need to have a follow-up scheduled in order to receive a refill. Refill requests will be completed within 72 hours, please plan ahead.

Please reach out to Dr. Bowers via the patient portal. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency (such as suicidal thoughts or homicidal thoughts), dial 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Dr. Bowers is not in network for medical insurance, however you can request a receipt for the cost of services provided, and submit this to your insurance for reimbursement. You are encouraged to reach out to your insurance provider before your appointment to find out exactly how much they are willing to reimburse you for an out of network provider.

Dr. Bowers does not offer a sliding scale for visit fees. Please see Rates & Fees for details.

A superbill is a detailed receipt for services rendered that includes the diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and provider information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim. After each appointment, you can request a superbill and submit it directly to your insurance provider. Reimbursement amounts vary by plan, so you are encouraged to contact your insurance company before your first appointment to understand your out-of-network benefits. View full pricing on the Rates & Fees page.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage treatment plans. A therapist (psychologist, licensed counselor, or social worker) provides talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but cannot prescribe medication. Dr. Bowers is a psychiatrist who also incorporates mindfulness-based interventions, nutritional supplementation, and life-style optimizationinto her treatment plans, offering a broader range of tools than medication alone. Many patients benefit from seeing both a psychiatrist and a therapist simultaneously.

A psychiatrist holds a medical degree (MD) and can prescribe medication. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and specializes in psychological testing and therapy. For conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression, a psychiatrist can both diagnose and treat with medication, while a psychologist can provide therapy and detailed neuropsychological testing. Dr. Bowers holds both an MD and a PhD, combining medical and research expertise in her clinical practice. Learn more on the Meet Dr. Bowers page.

Treatment duration varies by individual and diagnosis. Some patients benefit from a defined period of treatment and are able to reduce or discontinue services over time, while others benefit from ongoing care. Dr. Bowers takes a collaborative approach and regularly reassesses treatment goals with each patient. The aim is to build skills and habits that support long-term mental health, with the goal of the patient becoming increasingly self-sufficient over time.

The initial evaluation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes for adults and 90 minutes for children and adolescents. Dr. Bowers will review your full history, discuss current symptoms and concerns, screen for co-occurring conditions, and begin developing a personalized treatment plan. For children, this time is split between speaking with parents and observing the child. Learn more about the process on the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Medication Management service pages.