Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am experiencing a mental health crisis?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away. For mental health crises that are urgent but not immediately life-threatening, you can call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Kee Essentials also provides 24/7 crisis intervention services for our patients — call our main line at (725) 204-9548 and follow the prompts for after-hours crisis support. You are never alone, and help is always available. Please do not wait to reach out.
Can Kee Essentials provide an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?
Yes — for established patients who meet the clinical criteria. If you are currently receiving care at Kee Essentials and your provider determines that an emotional support animal meaningfully contributes to your mental health treatment, they can write and sign a legitimate, professionally prepared ESA letter on clinic letterhead. Please note that we do not offer standalone ESA letter services to individuals who are not already patients under our care. If you are interested in an ESA letter, bring it up during your next appointment and your provider will discuss whether it is clinically appropriate for your situation.
What is the difference between the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and the Day Treatment Program?
Both programs offer structured, intensive mental health support — but they differ in intensity and schedule. The Day Treatment Program is our most intensive outpatient option, running Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. It is designed for adults 19 and older who need a high level of daily support and structure while still living at home. The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a flexible schedule with multiple therapy sessions per week — making it ideal for individuals who need more support than standard outpatient therapy but can maintain some of their daily routines such as work or school. Your provider will recommend the program that best fits your clinical needs and lifestyle during your evaluation.
What is Genesight / Tempus genetic testing and do I need it?
Genesight and Tempus are pharmacogenomic tests that analyze your DNA — through a simple, painless cheek swab — to determine how your body is likely to process and respond to specific psychiatric medications. This information helps your provider make more targeted prescribing decisions, reducing the frustrating trial-and-error process that many patients experience. It is especially helpful for patients who have tried multiple medications without success or those who have experienced significant side effects in the past. While not required for every patient, your provider may recommend genetic testing as part of your evaluation to help personalize your treatment from the very beginning.
How does medication management work at Kee Essentials?
Medication management at Kee Essentials is a collaborative, ongoing process. After your initial evaluation, if medication is recommended as part of your treatment plan, your provider will carefully select the most appropriate option based on your diagnosis, history, lifestyle, and — when applicable — your Tempus or Genesight genetic test results. You will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor how your medication is working, assess for any side effects, and make adjustments as needed. We also offer free medication home delivery so you never have to worry about making a pharmacy trip. Our goal is to find what works best for you as quickly and safely as possible.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that typically lasts about 60 minutes. Your provider will take the time to get to know you — reviewing your personal history, current symptoms, medical background, and treatment goals in a warm, nonjudgmental environment. You are encouraged to speak openly and honestly. By the end of your first visit, you and your provider will discuss a personalized treatment plan that may include medication management, therapy, further testing such as Genesight genetic testing, or a combination of approaches. Please bring a list of any current medications and any previous mental health records if available.
Do you offer telepsychiatry / virtual appointments?
Yes — and it's one of our most popular options. Kee Essentials offers secure, HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry video visits for patients anywhere in the State of Nevada. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection. Virtual visits are available for psychiatric evaluations, medication management follow-ups, supportive therapy sessions, and routine check-ins. Telehealth allows you to receive quality mental health care from the comfort and privacy of your own home, workplace, or any private setting.
What insurance plans do you accept?
Kee Essentials accepts a wide range of insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, and over 46 commercial PPO and HMO insurance plans. We also welcome self-pay patients and offer a sliding scale fee structure for those who qualify. If you are unsure whether your insurance is accepted, please call our office at (725) 204-9548 or email help@keeessentials.net and our team will verify your benefits before your appointment.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment at Kee Essentials?
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to schedule your initial psychiatric evaluation. Simply call us at (725) 204-9548, email us at help@keeessentials.net, or use the appointment booking link on our website. We welcome new patients and make the intake process as simple and stress-free as possible. If you do have records from a previous provider, we encourage you to bring or send them ahead of your first visit — but they are not required to get started.
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and how are they different from a psychiatrist?
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with specialized graduate-level training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs can conduct psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe and manage medications, and provide therapy. At Kee Essentials, our providers — led by Dr. Annette Kee, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC — bring the same level of clinical expertise and compassionate care you would expect from any top-tier mental health professional, with a deeply personal, patient-centered approach.