Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started with care at The Nest
Choosing psychiatric care—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or another reproductive transition—can come with a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.
Is The Nest accepting new patients?
Yes. The Nest is currently welcoming new patient inquiries.
Complete the brief Get Started form to tell me a little about what you're looking for, your scheduling preferences, and how I can reach you. I'll review your information and follow up regarding fit, availability, and next steps.
Who do you work with?
I provide psychiatric care for adults age 18 and older throughout Maine, with a special focus on perinatal and reproductive mental health.
This includes individuals who are planning a pregnancy, undergoing fertility treatment, pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or navigating the transition to parenthood.
I also continue to provide psychiatric care through LiveWell Psychiatry for adults with concerns outside of the perinatal period when my practice is an appropriate fit.
What concerns do you treat?
I commonly work with concerns including:
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Depression and anxiety
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Intrusive thoughts and obsessive-compulsive symptoms
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Birth trauma and PTSD
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Irritability and perinatal rage
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ADHD and executive functioning concerns
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Sleep-related mental health concerns
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Premenstrual and reproductive mood symptoms
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Adjustment to pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood
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Psychiatric medication decisions before, during, and after pregnancy
Care is individualized, and you don't need to know exactly what diagnosis—or even what kind of treatment—you need before reaching out.
Do I need to be pregnant or postpartum to become a patient?
No.
The Nest has a particular focus on mental health throughout the reproductive years, including preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and parenthood.
LiveWell Psychiatry also provides care for adults outside of the perinatal period when my scope and availability are a good match for their needs.
Can you help me decide whether to take medication during pregnancy?
Yes. Medication decisions during pregnancy are individualized and should consider much more than whether a medication is simply considered "safe" or "unsafe."
We'll discuss your symptoms, psychiatric and treatment history, previous response to medication, reproductive plans, available evidence, personal preferences, and the potential risks of both medication exposure and untreated psychiatric illness.
My role is to help you understand those considerations so we can make a thoughtful, informed decision together.
Can I take psychiatric medication while breastfeeding?
Many psychiatric medications can be considered during breastfeeding, but the decision depends on the medication, dose, your symptoms and history, your baby's health and age, feeding goals, and other individual factors.
When relevant, we'll review the available evidence together and weigh the benefits and potential risks of different treatment options.
Do I need to stop my medication if I'm planning a pregnancy?
Not necessarily—and it's best not to make medication changes on your own.
Preconception is actually an excellent time to review your psychiatric treatment. We can discuss your current medications, how well they've worked, your history without treatment, reproductive plans, and what is known about treatment during pregnancy.
When possible, thoughtful planning before pregnancy can help avoid unnecessary or abrupt medication changes later.
Do you provide therapy?
Psychotherapy may be incorporated into psychiatric visits when appropriate, but The Nest is not primarily a weekly psychotherapy practice.
My primary services are psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric care. I often collaborate with therapists and can work alongside your existing therapist as part of your treatment team.
What does your whole-person approach mean?
Medication can be an important part of psychiatric treatment, but mental health is also influenced by sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, relationships, medical conditions, and the realities of daily life.
When relevant, we'll consider these factors alongside evidence-based psychiatric treatment.
Whole-person care doesn't mean replacing established psychiatric treatment with supplements or lifestyle recommendations. It means understanding the broader context in which your mental health symptoms are occurring.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for patients located in Maine after an initial in-person evaluation.
Do you accept insurance?
The Nest at LiveWell Psychiatry is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly.
Upon request, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement varies by plan and is not guaranteed.
I recommend contacting your insurance company directly if you'd like to understand your out-of-network mental health benefits.
How much do appointments cost?
Initial psychiatric evaluation: $375
30-minute follow-up: $175
50-minute extended follow-up: $225
Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation: $300
Connect With Us
We are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care across the reproductive lifespan. Whether you are a patient or a healthcare provider, we are here to support your journey.
Email: khoyt@lwpsych.org
Phone: (207) 808-0405
Location: Freeport, Maine