Frequently Asked Questions — MJB Holistic

Below are answers to the most common questions we receive at MJB Holistic & Therapeutic Services. If you don't see your question here, contact us directly at (301) 381-3622 or book online at mjbholistic.intakeq.com/booking.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

Most insurance plans we accept don't require a referral for behavioral health visits. Some HMO plans do. We verify referral requirements when we verify your benefits before your first visit.

How do I schedule my first appointment?

You can book online through our patient portal at mjbholistic.intakeq.com/booking or call (301) 381-3622. Appointment availability depends on our current schedule — when you reach out, we'll let you know the soonest opening.

What insurance plans do you accept?

MJB Holistic accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana Military, TriCare, Johns Hopkins, Maryland Medicaid, DC Medicaid, and Peach State Health Plan (Georgia). If your plan isn't listed, contact us — we work with patients on out-of-network coverage and can provide superbills for reimbursement.

How long is the first appointment?

Initial psychiatric evaluations are 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 20 to 30 minutes.

Is telehealth available?

Yes. We offer secure telehealth psychiatric visits via Spruce, a HIPAA-compliant platform built specifically for behavioral health. Telehealth is available across Maryland, with limited availability for patients in Washington DC and Georgia depending on Melveena's licensure.

Where is your office located?

Our office is at 1300 Mercantile Ln, Suite 129-14, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. We serve patients throughout Prince George's County and Maryland.

What conditions do you treat?

We treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, trauma, opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, personality disorders, behavioral issues, anger management, grief and bereavement, medication management, case management, and emotional disturbance.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Melveena treats adolescents (typically 12 and older) and adults. For younger children, we'll connect you with a pediatric specialist.

What is pharmacogenetic testing and do you offer it?

Pharmacogenetic testing is a simple test that helps your provider tailor psychiatric medications to your specific body chemistry. We offer it in-house. Patients who use pharmacogenetic testing are roughly 2.5 times more likely to achieve remission, with fewer side effects. The test is often free depending on insurance, with results in 3 to 5 business days.

Do you offer ADHD testing?

Yes. We offer QbCheck, an FDA-cleared computer-based test that objectively measures the three core symptoms of ADHD: activity, inattention, and impulsivity. We use it alongside clinical interview and rating scales to make a comprehensive ADHD assessment.

What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Both can evaluate mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing psychiatric care. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) complete graduate-level training focused specifically on mental health. Melveena Johnson-Bolden is a board-certified PMHNP with 28 years of nursing experience and an MSN. Many patients find that PMHNPs spend more time per visit and have shorter wait times for appointments than psychiatrists.

How long does it take for psychiatric medications to work?

Most antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications take 4 to 6 weeks to reach their full effect, though many patients notice improvement within the first 2 weeks. Stimulants for ADHD typically work within hours. Mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder may take several weeks to fully stabilize mood.

Will I have to be on medication forever?

Not necessarily. Many patients use medication for 6 to 18 months while building skills and stability, then taper off with provider support. Others stay on long-term because it gives them their best quality of life. The right answer is the one you and your provider arrive at together.

Do you offer therapy or just medication management?

Melveena specializes in psychiatric medication management. For specialized therapy approaches (CBT, EMDR, DBT, prolonged exposure, etc.), we coordinate with therapists in the community. Many patients work with both us (for medication) and a therapist (for therapy) at the same time.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. All psychiatric care is confidential under HIPAA. We do not share information with employers, family members, security clearance authorities, or anyone else without your written consent. Exceptions are rare and limited to specific safety situations, which we'll always discuss with you first.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID (or upload them in the patient portal in advance). If you have records from previous psychiatric care, current medications, or recent lab results, bring those too. Most importantly — come with the questions and concerns you want to talk about.

What if I miss an appointment?

Life happens. We ask for 24 hours' notice when possible to reschedule without a fee. Same-day cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee depending on your insurance plan.

Do you accept new patients?

Yes, we are accepting new patients. Appointment availability depends on our current schedule — same-day or next-day visits are sometimes possible.

Are you HIPAA compliant?

Yes. All patient communication, scheduling, telehealth, and records are handled through HIPAA-compliant systems. We use IntakeQ for the patient portal and Spruce for telehealth.

What is the 'whole client / hole in the client' philosophy?

It's the founding philosophy of our practice. Our founder, Melveena Johnson-Bolden, PMHNP-BC, came to psychiatric nursing from a wound care background. She observed that wound care patients couldn't focus on healing because their mental health needs went unaddressed. The phrase reminds us to treat the whole person — mind, body, history, life context — not just the symptom or diagnosis.

Still have questions?

Call (301) 381-3622 or book a consultation online at mjbholistic.intakeq.com/booking. Appointment availability depends on our current schedule — same-day or next-day visits are sometimes possible.