Journey Psychiatric Care FAQ

No. Joseph Lavoie, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He evaluates, diagnoses, treats and prescribes for mental health conditions, but he is a nurse practitioner, not a physician. PMHNP vs. psychiatrist explains the difference.

Yes. Psychiatric nurse practitioners in Massachusetts can prescribe medication for mental health conditions under the state’s advanced practice nursing rules. Joseph prescribes only after a full evaluation, and only when medication makes sense for you.

Journey Psychiatric Care is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and Evernorth, Oscar Health, Oxford, Point32Health and UnitedHealthcare (UHC/UBH). We do not accept MassHealth or Medicare. Call your plan before your first visit to confirm your behavioral health benefits. See insurance.

We provide invoices you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Ask your plan about out-of-network behavioral health benefits before your visit. How out-of-network reimbursement works.

Contact us for current self-pay rates. Call 617-858-8276 or email info@journeypsychiatric.com, and we will give you a straight answer before you book.

No. Every visit is by telehealth. Our Somerville address, 519 Somerville Ave #337, is a mailing address only.

You must be physically in Massachusetts during each visit, because that is where Joseph is licensed. You can join from anywhere in the state. See how telehealth works.

Yes. Joseph handles your evaluation, diagnosis, therapy and medication follow-ups. You do not get passed between providers or re-tell your story.

Yes. Journey Psychiatric Care sees teens and adults, and younger children case by case. For patients under 18, a parent or guardian completes intake and joins the first visit.

Journey Psychiatric Care offers ADHD evaluation and treatment, including medication when appropriate. Whether medication fits, and which kind, is decided after a full evaluation. See ADHD evaluation.

Yes. Joseph offers psychotherapy on its own or alongside medication. Many people start with an evaluation and decide together what fits. See psychotherapy.

Book online through the secure patient portal, then complete the intake forms it sends. Your first visit is a full psychiatric evaluation by video. Step-by-step details are on the new patients page.

Prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy you choose. Refills are handled at or between follow-up visits. If you are running low, message the practice through the portal or call.

Yes, when you ask and give written permission. Coordinating with your other providers helps keep everyone on the same page about your care.

No. Journey Psychiatric Care in Somerville, MA, run by Joseph Lavoie, PMHNP-BC, is not affiliated with other practices that use the name Journey, including practices called Journey Psychiatry.

Do not wait for an appointment. Call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. In Massachusetts you can also call or text the Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445, any time. See crisis resources.