Common Questions
We understand making the decision to get treatment for a substance use disorder can be overwhelming with so many options to consider. We are here to help. If you have questions not answered on this page, please contact us, we are happy to speak with you.
About Us
Who is frontier psychiatry?
Frontier Psychiatry was created in 2019 by passionate psychiatrists who believe that every community deserves access to great psychiatric care. We feel that smaller, underserved communities are often overlooked or overcharged by larger telepsychiatry companies looking to grow their business quickly. We know that one-size-fits-all telepsychiatry does not work. A Montana based organization, we are on a path to making psychiatry accessible to all Montanans 2025.
Frontier Recovery is the addiction treatment arm of Frontier Psychiatry.
Frontier Recovery is the addiction treatment arm of Frontier Psychiatry.
Where are frontier recovery clinics located?
We are a Montana based organization that serves people throughout the entire state. We do not have a physical clinic as we complete all treatment virtually over video conferencing.
What is telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry is a form of telehealth that provides a convenient alternative to waiting months or traveling great distances for addiction treatment. Using secure videoconferencing technology, we connect patients throughout Montana with highly trained providers.
Patient Information
HOW DO I BECOME A PATIENT?
Click HERE to become a new patient.
DO YOU ACCEPT MEDICAID AND MEDICARE?
Yes, we accept both Medicare and Medicaid.
DO YOU ACCEPT PRIVATE INSURANCE?
Yes, we accept Pacific Source, Allegiance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, Triwest & First Choice Health. We also accept self pay.
WHAT IF I MISS MY APPOINTMENT?
If you miss your appointment, please contact us through the patient portal so that we can get your appointment rescheduled. If you are expecting to cancel your appointment, please do so 24 hours in advance.
DO I NEED A PSYCHIATRIST OR A PSYCHOLOGIST? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor that can prescribe medications and spend the majority of their time with the patient focusing on medicatino management. A psychologist focuses on psychotherapy and does not prescribe medications.
HOW DO I JOIN MY APPOINTMENT WITH MY DOCTOR?
Please click HERE to join enter your providers virtual waiting room.
DO YOU PROVIDE IN PERSON APPOINTMENTS?
No, we are a telepsychiatry company and all of our appointments are held over Zoom.
Patient safety. What will frontier psychiatry not prescribe?
Patient safety is our paramount concern. Given there is overwhelming evidence the use of certain medications may cause dependence and result in overdose, Frontier Psychiatry Providers do NOT prescribe:
-Opioids (including methadone and tramadol)
-Benzodiazepines considered to be high risk (including alprazolam)
-Opioids (including methadone and tramadol)
-Benzodiazepines considered to be high risk (including alprazolam)
What is MAT?
What is mat?
Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a "whole-patient" approach to the treatment of substance use disorder. Research shows that a combination of medication and behavioral therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery.
What are the benefits of mat?
- Facilitates safer withdrawal by relieving symptoms and controlling cravings
- Reduces the risk of death due to overdose
- Increases retention in treatment with safer, controlled medications
- Decreases illegal drug use and, with it, the potential dangers and legal consequences
- Prevents relapse when integrated with counseling and behavioral therapies
How do I know if mat will work for me?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) works for most people who try it. You and your provider will determine what treatment plan will work best for you, including the type and dosage of medication, and frequency of appointments.
Will I have to stay on medication forever?
How long you stay on medication-assisted treatment is dependent on your unique situation and history of drug use. While most of our patients can taper off their medication and maintain a stable long-term recovery, others find they need to stay on medication indefinitely. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that is treatable, but unfortunately, not curable. Just as many people with diabetes will need insulin for the rest of their lives, many people with substance use disorder will need medication for the rest of their lives as well.
Isn't mat just replacing one addiction with another?
No, it's not. A common concern and misconception associated with MAT is that it substitutes one drug for another. Instead, these medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. MAT programs provide a safe and controlled level of medication to overcome the use of an abused opioid. And research has shown that when provided at the proper dose, medications used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person’s intelligence, mental capability, physical functioning, or employability. Unlike people who are addicted to opioids or other substances, people who are dependent on buprenorphine lead normal lives; take care of their families, maintain friendships, excel at their jobs, go back to school, and pay their bills.
