Frequently Asked Questions

Hi, I’m Dr. Liipfert. Thank you for your interest in Liipfert Psychiatry. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a patient.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! I am accepting new patients who are seeking psychotherapy and/or medication consultation. 

What should I expect at my first appointment?

The entire process takes about ninety minutes. On the day of the first appointment, we ask that you arrive fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled session to complete the intake forms. Staff will introduce themselves to you and assist you with the paperwork as needed. The first session typically lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes, but you will be allotted ninety minutes total. This time is yours to discuss anything you'd like with me. You will be asked questions about your medical and personal history, as relevant to your case. The first question asked is typically, "What brings you here?' or "How can I help you?"

Will anyone else be in the room with me, such as staff, students, etc?

No, the first session and all follow up sessions will be with me only.

May I bring a family member or friend into a session for support?

Absolutely!

I'm not sure how this is supposed to work. What am I supposed to talk about?

Just say whatever is on your mind. I'll lead the discussion if you get stuck.

What can I expect at follow up appointments?

Follow up appointments consist of psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both. You may reserve as much time as you like: 60, 45, 30, or 15 minutes.

How frequently will I follow up with you?

This largely depends on your treatment goals and needs. Psychotherapy sessions can range from weekly, monthly, to quarterly, and all intervals in between. Patients prescribed medications are required to follow up at a minimum of once every 3 months. A good rule of thumb is that most patients are seen monthly while titrating medications, and transitioned to quarterly once the medication regimen is suitable. Patients with more acute needs may need to be seen more frequently.

How do I know how much time to reserve for follow ups? How much time do you think I'll need? 

If you are interested in psychotherapy, 30-60 minutes is recommended. 15 minute appointments are appropriate for those focused solely on medication management.

Do you think I need therapy?

Most anyone can benefit from psychotherapy. In some cases, this approach is more appropriate than medication treatment.

If I come and see you, are you going to make me take medications?

Certainly not. I will make recommendations, but ultimately it is your choice whether you take medications or not.

If I'm struggling, and my next appointment isn't for a while, what should I do?

Call the office and schedule an appointment. I'll always be happy to fit you in. If it's an emergency, outside of office hours, call 9-1-1, or visit your nearest emergency room.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, and all forms of credit and debit cards. Payment is collected at the office at the time of service. 

Do you accept commercial insurance? Medicare?

We are not contracted with any insurance networks. If you have commercial insurance and would like to submit a reimbursement claim, we can provide you with an invoice with the appropriate billing codes. As we are not contracted with Medicare, by law, such claims can not be filed. We require that patients covered under Medicare sign an agreement not to file such claims.

How much do appointments cost? 

Please call the office to inquire about fee schedules.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

We offer appointment reminders as a courtesy, though ultimately, it is the patient's responsibility to keep track of appointments. Late cancellations (<24 hrs notice) and "no shows" will be assessed a time reserve fee, depending on amount of time reserved.

Where are you located?

Our office is conveniently located right off Exit 9 on I-475, in the Plantations Commons office park right behind the Kroger shopping center off Zebulon Road in Macon, GA.

125 Plantation Centre Drive, South

Suite 600B

Macon, GA 31210

Do you offer Telepsychiatry or phone sessions?

Yes, we offer telepsychiatry via the platform doxy.me, as well as phone sessions as appropriate.

How do you pronounce your last name?

“Liip” rhymes with “flip.”