Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Who do I call to make my first appointment?
The Charak Center for Health and Wellness is open for appointments at all five offices Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm. We are closed on Saturday and Sundays.
When are you open for appointments?
The Charak Center for Health and Wellness has five locations in Northeast Ohio. Please follow this link to access address and contact information.
What information do I need to set up my first appointment?
At Charak Center, we understand that making your first appointment is an important first step in your mental health and wellness. Our intake coordinators are available to guide you at 855.4CHARAK (855.424.2725).
If you are calling to make your first appointment, we will need your name, address, phone number, age, social security number, the type of service you are requesting, and your insurance card. The process is simple and it should only take about 10 minutes to complete. You may also be required to come in 20 minutes before your first appointment to fill out additional paperwork.
What will happen during my first appointment?
Your first appointment will give you the opportunity to provide our staff with the information they need to conduct a thorough and confidential assessment to help you. You will be asked several questions about yourself, and there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, just be open and honest and the process will go smoothly. Typically, your first appointment may be one of the longest as you may spend anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes with your clinician.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
What if I cannot make it to my appointment in time?
At Charak Center, we understand that child care isn’t always an option for everyone. If your child is 5 and under, feel free to bring them into your appointment with you. Or, children over the age of 10 can be left in the waiting room. However, children between the ages of 6 and 10 cannot be left unattended in the waiting room. If you have questions or need to reschedule, please give us a call.
Can I bring my child to my appointment?
Always be prepared to provide your ID or driver’s license, current insurance card, and any changes to your address, telephone number or email.
What if I cannot get to my appointment on my own?
If you are running late by more than 15 minutes, please give us a call to reschedule your appointment. Or, if something has come up and you cannot make your scheduled appointment, give us a call and we will reschedule your appointment to a time that is more convenient.
The Charak Center offers free transportation to Medicaid clients. Our case managers are available to transport you to any of our offices. To schedule transportation please follow this link
What happens if I forgot my appointment?
While we understand that this happens from time to time, we cannot guarantee that you will be seen in a timely fashion if you miss your scheduled appointment. Give us a call and we will do our best to reschedule you, however, chronic missed appointments are frowned upon at the office.
If I am located out of state, can I be seen at your practice?
What is telemedicine or telepsychiatry?
Psychiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders with the use of medication, neuromodulation and psychotherapy. Therapists, or psychotherapists, help clients to develop coping strategies, reduce the symptoms of mental illness, and develop better cognitive and emotional skills. Counselors help clients manage and overcome mental and emotional issues by developing treatment plans and creating coping strategies. Case managers help clients who are in difficult situations by locating services to assist them, providing guidance, advice, and creating plans for treatment or recovery.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, therapist, counselor, and case manager?
Yes, we can see out of state residents at our practice. Just give our intake department a call, and they will guide you through the process of setting up your first appointment.
What is the process for telemedicine appointments?
Basically, these terms mean the same thing at the Charak Center. The purpose of telemedicine is to provide services via telecommunications technology
It’s really quite simple to access your appointment via your smart phone, tablet or computer. Simply visit our website and follow the telehealth prompts. If you need more assistance, one of our staff can help you through the process until you feel comfortable If you do not have technology at home, just let us know and we will make other accommodations.
Can I reach the doctor after hours?
Our answering service screens all calls after hours and in the event of an emergency can contact the doctor for you if you are unable to wait until the next morning.