Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Dr. Christensen’s office is centrally located in Northeast Portland, at 2115 NE Halsey Street. There is a free dedicated parking lot in front of the building.

  • Usually, yes, you can make that decision when you schedule. However, there are 3 limitations:

    1. You must be located in the state of Oregon for a virtual visit if you are a patient using insurance (note: if you are an out-of-state client, receiving Client Consultation services only, you can always be seen virtually. See more details about Client Consultations here.)

    2. Management of controlled substances (like Xanax or Adderall, for example) require in-person visits.

    3. Not all health insurance plans cover virtual visits. You will need to confirm directly with your insurance about this.

  • Yes, but only for Client Consultations and cash-paying patients.

    What is a Client Consultation?

  • New patient visits are 80 minutes. Follow-up visits are 40 minutes or 20 minutes depending on your concern. Typically, 40 minute follow up visits are used to make changes to a treatment plan or to address multiple concerns. 20 minutes are typically utilized for medication refills or to make slight adjustments to your plan.

  • Dr. Christensen practices a patient-centered approach, so it depends on your needs and your treatment plan. Some common timelines are:

    For initiating new medications, every 2 weeks for 4-8 weeks depending upon response to the treatment plan.

    For continued management of stimulant medications for ADHD (Adderall or Ritalin) every 90 days.

    For de-prescribing benzodiazepines, every 2-4 weeks.

    For Safe and Sound protocol (sound therapy), every week for 6-10 weeks.

Visits

  • Yes. Dr. Christensen is in network with Providence, PacificSource, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and Moda health plans.

    He accepts HealthShare’s CareOregon Physical Health Plan, but does not accept other OHP HealthShare Medicaid plans or the HealthShare CareOregon Mental Health plan. He does not accept Medicare.

    Not all plans cover naturopathic medicine, so please confirm your coverage prior to your visits.

  • Dr. Christensen only accepts one version: the HealthShare CareOregon Physical Health Plan.

    He does not accept other OHP HealthShare Medicaid plans including Kaiser, Providence, Moda, and PacificSource. He does not accept other OHP plans including Trillium. He can not bill for services under the HealthShare CareOregon Mental Health plan. We recognize this is confusing.

    If you would like to switch to the HealthShare CareOregon Physical Health Plan so you can see Dr. Christensen, you can call HealthShare at 503-416-8090.

  • No. Insurance coverage is a contract between you and your insurance company. You are responsible for confirming your benefits and deductibles. If insurance denies coverage, you are responsible for payment.

  • No. An invoice for your co-pay is billed to you after your visit by Dr. Christensen’s contracted medical billing company. The length of time it takes for you to receive an invoice for your co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible is dependent on your insurance company’s processes.

  • Yes. This can be provided to you after payment has been received. Please notify Dr. Christensen that you would like to receive a superbill at the beginning of your visit.

  • A superbill is an invoice for services that you can submit to your insurance company directly. Based upon your coverage, you may receive a reimbursement from your insurance company.

  • See our Fee Schedule here.

  • Dr. Christensen accepts cash, credit card, debit card, or check. Self pay options are due at the time of service. Dr. Christensen does not offer payment plans.

Billing and Insurance

  • Yes. Dr. Christensen is licensed in the state of Oregon to prescribe mental health medications. However, not everyone needs or wants a medication. During your visit, Dr. Christensen will discuss in detail mental health medication treatment plans. Dr. Christensen can only prescribe medications via pharmacies in the state of Oregon.

  • Yes. Dr. Christensen is licensed in the state of Oregon to prescribe certain controlled substances. All mental health controlled substance prescribing requires in-person visits and a controlled substance contract is required. Dr. Christensen does not manage pain medications (opioids) and there is no guarantee that he will prescribe a controlled substance for you.

  • Yes, but with strict limitations. Dr. Christensen will not prescribe daily or regular maintenance benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepines.

    Dr. Christensen infrequently prescribes these medications and only on a case by case basis. There is no guarantee that he will prescribe benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine sleep medications for you.

    If patients are committed to decreasing their use of benzodiazepines, they will need to sign a deprescribing contract with Dr. Christensen and be actively committed to decreasing benzodiazepine use.

  • Yes, but there is not guarantee the Dr. Christensen will prescribe this medications for you. If you are prescribed a new stimulant medication, you will need to see Dr. Christensen for an in-person visit every 2-4 weeks for 4-8 weeks to monitor your response. For long term management, you will need to see Dr. Christensen, in person, every 90 days.

  • Controlled substances are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA defines controlled substances as specific drugs and/or substances that have the potential for abuse or dependency. When using a controlled substance for treatment, there are prescribing regulations and limitations.

Prescription Medications

  • No. Dr. Christensen will address physical health symptoms directly related to your mental health. But, for all other physical health concerns, you will need to schedule a visit with your Primary Care Physician (PCP).

  • Dr. Christensen offers psychoeducation, which is different than traditional talk therapy. Psychoeducation helps you understand what, why, and how you’re feeling through the lens of your mental health symptoms. He offers referrals to therapists for current patients.

  • Yes. Dr. Christensen may recommend traditional or specialty lab testing to you. Lab coverage is based upon your contract with your insurance company. You are responsible for confirming your lab coverage benefits.

  • Dr. Christensen is a licensed, board-certified Naturopathic Physician with additional training in integrative mental health through the completion of an accredited 3 year residency program. He can prescribe and manage mental health (psychiatric) medications. He is not a Psychiatrist (MD) or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).

  • Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, Dr. Christensen may offer nutritional supplementation, botanical medicine, psychoeducation, medication management, or a combination of the above. He may also offer you specific referrals to other specialists based upon your needs. See the Treatments page here.

  • Consultation Services are virtual. Dr. Christensen can consult and advise about your care, as well as offer wellness recommendations (nutritional, lifestyle), but he is unable to prescribe medications, diagnosis or bill insurance.

Services

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