MoodClinics Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: December 1, 2023
Welcome to MoodClinics! By accessing or using our website or telehealth services, you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions (“T&C”). If you do not agree, please do not use our services.
1. Description of Services
MoodClinics provides telehealth psychiatric evaluations, mental health consultations, and treatment recommendations.
• Services include a $49 initial psychiatric screening for new patients and subscription-based care plans.
• Limitations: MoodClinics does not provide emergency services or replace primary care providers.
2. Medication Policies
At MoodClinics, we follow strict ethical and legal guidelines regarding the prescription of medications:
• Initial Evaluation Limitations:
• We reserve the right not to prescribe medications during the initial psychiatric evaluation. This allows us to conduct a thorough assessment and ensure appropriate care planning.
• Psychotropic Medications:
• We may prescribe psychotropic medications as part of your treatment plan when clinically indicated. These include medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
• Controlled Substances:
• Controlled substances (e.g., stimulants, benzodiazepines) are normally not prescribed via telehealth without an in-person evaluation. However a recent updates from the DEA have extended the ability to prescribe these medications online without an in-person visit until December 31, 2025.
At MoodClinics, to ensure patient safety and prevent dependency, we adhere to strict guidelines on dosages and duration of use for controlled medications. These limitations are designed to protect your health while still providing effective care for your condition. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan or prescriptions, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with your provider during your appointment. We’re here to support you with safe and effective care.
MoodClinics Benzodiazepine Policy
At MoodClinics, our goal is to provide safe and evidence-based psychiatric care to all our patients. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam), are medications that can be beneficial for short-term use in specific situations. However, they also carry significant risks, and their use must be carefully managed.
Why Benzodiazepines Are a Concern
1. Risk of Dependence:
Benzodiazepines have a high potential for physical and psychological dependence, even when used as prescribed. Over time, patients may require higher doses to achieve the same effect, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
2. Cognitive Decline:
Long-term use of benzodiazepines has been associated with memory problems, slower cognitive processing, and an increased risk of dementia in older adults.
3. Respiratory Depression:
When combined with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or certain medications, benzodiazepines can suppress breathing, leading to potentially life-threatening respiratory depression.
4. Limited Effectiveness for Long-Term Use:
Research has shown that the benefits of benzodiazepines diminish over time, while the risks increase. For anxiety and insomnia, alternative treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and non-benzodiazepine medications are often more effective in the long term.
Our Benzodiazepine Policy
1. Strict Adherence to APA Guidelines:
• Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for short-term use only, generally for no longer than 2-4 weeks.
• Long-term benzodiazepine therapy is considered only in exceptional cases and requires frequent re-evaluation.
2. Appropriate Indications:
Benzodiazepines may be prescribed in the following situations:
• Acute anxiety or panic attacks when immediate symptom relief is necessary.
• Severe insomnia unresponsive to other treatments.
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., seizure disorders, muscle spasm) when no other options are suitable.
3. Dosage Restrictions:
To minimize risks, we prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Patients will not receive high-dose prescriptions or ongoing refills without reassessment.
4. Comprehensive Treatment Plans:
• For anxiety disorders, we prioritize non-benzodiazepine treatments such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or CBT.
• For insomnia, we recommend sleep hygiene strategies, CBT for insomnia (CBT-I), or non-benzodiazepine sleep aids as first-line treatments.
5. Patient Education:
All patients prescribed benzodiazepines will receive clear instructions about the risks, proper usage, and tapering protocols to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
6. No Early Refills:
Requests for early refills will not be granted unless there is a verifiable medical emergency. Misuse of prescriptions may result in termination of care.
7. Close Monitoring:
Patients receiving benzodiazepines will be required to attend regular follow-up appointments. Urine drug screens may be conducted to ensure safety and compliance.
Alternatives to Benzodiazepines
To address anxiety or insomnia, we may explore the following alternatives:
• Antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs for anxiety.
• Buspirone, a non-habit-forming option for generalized anxiety disorder.
• Hydroxyzine, a sedating antihistamine for acute anxiety or insomnia.
• CBT and lifestyle modifications, which offer long-term benefits without medication risks.
3. Eligibility for Services
• You must be at least 18 years old to use MoodClinics, or a parent/guardian must consent for minors.
• You must reside in a location where our licensed providers are authorized to practice.
4. Disclaimer of Warranties
• MoodClinics provides services “as-is” without guarantees of specific outcomes.
• Telehealth services may have limitations compared to in-person care.
• Providers offer recommendations based on the information you provide; incomplete or inaccurate information may affect the quality of care.
5. User Responsibilities
• You agree to provide truthful, complete, and accurate medical information during evaluations.
• You will not misuse MoodClinics’ services for fraudulent purposes, including obtaining false documentation or medications.
• You agree not to share or distribute MoodClinics’ proprietary materials or use them for commercial purposes without consent.
6. Payment and Subscription Terms
• Payments are due at the time of booking services.
• Subscriptions are billed monthly and can be canceled at any time through your account portal.
• Refunds are subject to approval and will only be issued if services have not been rendered.
7. Limitations of Liability
• MoodClinics, its providers, and employees shall not be liable for:
• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services.
• Decisions you make based on our recommendations.
• Technical issues or interruptions in telehealth services.
• Maximum liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid for the service in question.
8. Emergency Disclaimer
MoodClinics does not provide crisis or emergency services. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
9. Privacy and Data Security
Your personal and medical information is protected under our Privacy Policy, which complies with HIPAA and applicable laws.
10. Intellectual Property
All content, branding, and materials on the MoodClinics website are protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.
11. Termination of Services
MoodClinics reserves the right to terminate services to any user who violates these T&C or engages in abusive, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior.
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Arizona, USA. Any disputes shall be resolved under Arizona jurisdiction.
13. Dispute Resolution
• Arbitration Clause: Any disputes or claims shall first be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
• You waive your right to participate in a class-action lawsuit.
14. Changes to Terms and Conditions
MoodClinics reserves the right to update these T&C at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
15. Contact Information
For questions about these T&C or to report issues, please contact:
MoodClinics
2030 W Baseline Road #182-6211
Phoenix, AZ 85041
Email: support@moodclinics.com