What if I’m in crisis—should I wait for an appointment?
If you’re in an immediate crisis or feel unsafe, please don’t wait. Mosaic MindCare does not provide emergency services. Call 911, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24/7.
How do I know if I need psychiatric medication?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like your symptoms are affecting daily life, we can talk through whether medication might be helpful. You’ll never be pressured—just supported with honest, thoughtful guidance.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first session is a 60-minute psychiatric evaluation. We’ll take time to understand your story, explore what’s been working (or not), and build a personalized plan that feels right for you.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. All visits are completely virtual, using a secure and HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. You can attend sessions from anywhere in New York State.
What types of concerns do you treat?
I work with adolescents and adults navigating:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Mood Disorders (Including Depression and Bipolar Disorder)
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Panic Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Adjustment Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Social Anxiety Disorder
Personality Disorders
Our work will always center around your unique needs and goals.
Do I need a referral to get started?
No referral is necessary. You’re welcome to reach out directly—whether you’re new to mental health care or looking for a fresh start.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Requesting care is simple. You can:
● Fill out the contact form on my website
● Call or text the practice directly
● Reach out through Psychology Today
● Submit a request via the TherapyNotes client portal (if you’re an existing client)
Once I hear from you, I’ll personally follow up to answer your questions and help you schedule your free consultation or initial appointment.
Will you collaborate with my therapist or doctor?
Yes. With your consent, I’m happy to coordinate with your therapist, primary care provider, or other professionals to ensure your care is connected and consistent.
How often will we meet after the first session?
Follow-up visits typically take place every 2–4 weeks, depending on your needs and progress. As we move forward, we’ll adjust the schedule together.
What insurance plans do you accept?
I currently accept the following:
● 1199SEIU
● Aetna
● Cigna
● Fidelis Care
● Healthfirst
● Medicare
● Oxford Health Plans
● TRICARE
● UMR
● United Healthcare
● Blue Cross and Blue Shield
● Northwell Direct
Have questions about coverage? I’m happy to walk you through your options or provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement.
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) share a great deal in common. Both are licensed to evaluate, diagnose, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing care for people living with mental health conditions. The main difference lies in training background and professional perspective.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who complete medical school, followed by a residency in psychiatry. Their education is deeply rooted in the medical sciences, with a strong emphasis on diagnosis, treatment planning, and the use of medications to manage a wide range of mental health conditions. They bring valuable expertise in complex cases and often work in both hospital and outpatient settings.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners begin their careers as registered nurses, then complete advanced graduate-level education — typically a master’s or doctoral degree — in psychiatric-mental health nursing. PMHNPs are also board-certified and fully licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan, including prescribing medications. Our nursing foundation often encourages a holistic, whole-person approach, considering not only symptoms but also life circumstances, support systems, and personal goals.
While the training paths differ, both psychiatrists and PMHNPs are dedicated to helping patients achieve better mental health. My approach at Mosaic MindCare blends the science of psychiatry with the human connection of nursing. I focus on collaboration, open communication, and tailoring treatment plans to each individual’s unique needs — always with respect, empathy, and a commitment to evidence-based care.
How long does it take for medication to start working?
It depends on the type of medication and your unique response. Some people begin noticing changes within 1–2 weeks, while others may need 4–6 weeks or more for full effect. We’ll monitor closely and adjust as needed.
Can I talk to you about stopping medication if I’ve had bad experiences in the past?
Absolutely. Your comfort and safety are my priorities. If you’ve had difficult experiences with medication before, we’ll talk through them openly and explore whether a new approach—or no medication at all—is right for you.
Do you offer therapy too?
I don’t provide therapy, but I strongly believe in its value. I often work in collaboration with therapists and am happy to help connect you with one if needed. Medication and therapy often work best when used together.
Can you prescribe controlled medications (like stimulants or benzodiazepines)?
Yes, when clinically appropriate and after a thorough evaluation. I follow best practices and safety guidelines when prescribing any controlled substances, and I’ll always explain the reasoning and risks clearly.
What’s the cancellation or no-show policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows me to offer your appointment time to another patient who may be waiting for care. Because I hold this time specifically for you, late cancellations or missed appointments make it difficult to provide timely access for everyone.
If a session is canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice or is missed without notice, a fee may apply. This will be clearly outlined in your intake paperwork so there are no surprises. The goal is never to penalize, but to ensure fairness, maintain consistent care, and respect the time and commitment we both bring to the therapeutic process.
Will I always meet with you, or do you have other providers?
At Mosaic MindCare, you’ll work directly with me—Chet Hughes, PMHNP-BC. From your first consultation to ongoing follow-ups, I’ll be your point of contact throughout your care.
How long will I need to stay on medication?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people take medication short-term to get through a rough patch, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll make that decision together based on your progress and preferences.
Is it normal to feel nervous before starting?
Yes—completely. Reaching out for mental health support can feel vulnerable, especially if it’s your first time. I aim to create a calm, supportive space where you feel safe to be yourself, without judgment.
Will I have to take medication forever?
Not necessarily. Some people benefit from long-term support, while others may use medication as a bridge through a tough season. We’ll check in regularly and revisit what feels right for you. You should never adjust your treatment plan without first discussing options with your healthcare professional.
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. Whether you’re seeking clarity, a second opinion, or you’re just not feeling like yourself, you’re welcome here. We’ll take the time to understand what’s going on together.
Do you treat LGBTQ+ individuals?
Yes. Mosaic MindCare is a safe, affirming space for people of all identities. Your experience is valid, and your care should reflect who you are.
Do you help with stress from work or life transitions?
Absolutely. Burnout, grief, relationship strain, big changes—these can all impact mental health. I work with people navigating life stress even when it doesn’t “look” like a diagnosable condition.
Can you help me understand my diagnosis?
Yes. I believe in transparency and education. I’ll take the time to explain things clearly and answer your questions—no jargon, no talking over you.
What’s your communication style between appointments?
For non-urgent needs (like rescheduling or brief follow-up questions), you can message me securely through the client portal. I check messages regularly and do my best to respond promptly.
Can I involve a family member or support person?
Definitely. With your consent, we can include a loved one in part of your visit if it feels helpful—especially during the intake or when discussing complex decisions.
What is genesight testing?
GeneSight testing is a type of pharmacogenetic test that analyzes how your unique genetic makeup may affect your response to certain psychiatric medications. The goal is to help identify which medications are more likely to work well for you — and which ones may cause more side effects or be less effective. The process is simple, quick, and completely painless. A soft cotton swab is gently rubbed on the inside of your cheek for about 30 seconds to collect a DNA sample, which is then sent to the GeneSight lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a week and include a personalized report that helps guide treatment decisions. This test can be especially helpful if you’ve tried several medications without finding the right fit. As for cost, coverage varies depending on your insurance plan. Some plans cover the test fully or partially, while others may involve out-of-pocket costs.
Wondering how supportive therapy with a psychiatric nurse practitioner fits alongside the care you’re already getting from your therapist?
Supportive therapy with a psychiatric nurse practitioner is different from, yet highly complementary to, the care you receive from your therapist — and when the two are coordinated, they create a powerful, seamless approach to your mental health. As a psych NP, my primary role is to evaluate symptoms, prescribe and adjust medications, and monitor your overall mental health from a medical perspective. But our time together is not limited to prescriptions. I also offer supportive therapy during our visits, which means we talk about what’s happening in your life right now, identify what’s helping and what’s getting in the way, and reinforce the coping strategies you’re building. This style of therapy is generally briefer and more present-focused than weekly counseling, aimed at helping you manage symptoms day-to-day, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and feel encouraged and understood between therapy sessions.
Your therapist’s role, on the other hand, is to go deeper into the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral work — helping you process difficult experiences, explore patterns in your thinking or relationships, and develop long-term coping skills. They may work with specific therapeutic models such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, or psychodynamic therapy to create structured, transformative change over time.
When you have both, you benefit from two distinct but connected layers of care: your therapist helps you understand and reshape the “why” behind your experiences, while I help you support the “how” through targeted medication management and ongoing encouragement. If you already have a therapist, I coordinate closely with them to ensure our approaches align. If you don’t, I can help connect you with one, so you receive both the emotional depth and medical support needed for lasting progress. This collaboration means you’re never navigating your mental health alone — you have a dedicated team working together with your goals at the center.
What specific steps do you take to ensure that telehealth appointments are accessible, comfortable, and supportive for people with disabilities or special needs?
I am deeply committed to making telehealth appointments not only accessible but also welcoming and comfortable for everyone, including those with disabilities or special needs. To ensure this, I start by taking the time to understand your unique situation and any challenges you may face with technology or communication. Before your appointment, we can discuss what accommodations might be most helpful for you—whether that means walking you through the telehealth platform step-by-step, scheduling extra time to make sure you feel settled, or using assistive technologies and tools designed to support your needs.
I’m also flexible in how we conduct sessions, adapting the format or pacing to what feels best for you. Your comfort and dignity are at the forefront of everything I do, and I want to create a space where you feel fully supported and empowered to engage in your care. I encourage open and ongoing communication, so if at any point you feel something isn’t working or could be improved, we can adjust together.
Ultimately, my goal is to remove any barriers that might make accessing care difficult, so you can focus on healing, growth, and living your best life without added stress or frustration. Your well-being matters deeply to me, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
What if I’m not comfortable using video—can I do a phone appointment instead? Can someone legally provide care this way?
Your comfort and privacy are very important. Many patients find video sessions helpful, but I understand that’s not always the best option for everyone. Telehealth laws and regulations vary by state, but in New York State, providers can legally offer care through phone appointments when video is not possible or preferred—especially when it supports access to care.
While video sessions are generally preferred because they allow for more comprehensive communication, phone appointments are a valid and legal option to ensure you still get the support you need. However, some types of visits, such as initial assessments or more detailed evaluations, may be more effective or required to be done via video to gather the full clinical picture. I’ll work with you to find the format that feels safest and most effective for your specific needs, always prioritizing your comfort and quality of care.
Please note that insurance companies have varying policies on coverage for phone versus video visits, so I recommend checking with your insurer beforehand to understand your benefits. If you’d like, I’m happy to help you navigate this process as well.
Trusted Mental Health Support Groups & Resources
Find strength in connection. These expert-led or peer-supported communities offer a safe, structured space to heal, grow, and be heard — in-person or from home.
NAMI Support Groups
Who it’s for: Individuals and families affected by mental illness
What to Expect: Peer-led groups with trained facilitators, including NAMI Connection (for individuals) and Family Support Groups.
Why It’s Trusted: The nation’s leading grassroots mental health organization .
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Who it’s for: People managing depression or bipolar disorder
What to Expect: Free peer-run support groups, online or in-person, built on shared experience and empathy.
Why It’s Trusted: A long-standing, focused organization for mood disorders.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Who it’s for: Adults and teens with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or related conditions
What to Expect: Professionally moderated online communities where members share support and resources.
Why It’s Trusted: A leader in research-based mental health advocacy.
HeyPeers
Who it’s for: Anyone seeking guided virtual support groups for mental health, grief, trauma, or wellness
What to Expect: Live, topic-specific groups led by certified peer specialists and facilitators.
Why It’s Trusted: Over 1,000 sessions offered monthly with structure and safety.
Psychology Today Group Directory
Who it’s for: People looking for therapist-led group support
What to Expect: A national directory of professional groups focused on topics like trauma, relationships, ADHD, anxiety, and more.
Why It’s Trusted: Only licensed clinicians can list here.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Who it’s for: Anyone seeking treatment or support referrals for mental health or substance use
What to Expect: Free, confidential 24/7 guidance and referral to local support, including group programs and recovery services.
Why It’s Trusted: Operated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.