FAQs

ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY MY INSURANCE PLAN?

Dr. Huchingson's office does not participate with any insurance network or third-party payor at this time.  However, services are often reimbursable by your insurance company at rates that differ based on your benefits package or insurance plan.  We encourage you to contact your insurer or visit their website to verify your level of coverage for mental health.  Our office is happy to provide a detailed statement, which you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, within 48 business hour of each visit.  Payment is expected at the time of service.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHIATRIST AND A PSYCHOLOGIST?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is trained in psychotherapy AND psychopharmacology.  This allows a psychiatrist to approach both the psychological and biological causes of many conditions without limitations.  While a psychologist may achieve a PhD or PsyD in psychotherapy, he or she cannot prescribe medications in South Carolina.

WHAT ARE DR. HUCHINGSON'S THOUGHTS ON MEDICATION VERSUS THERAPY?

"Objective clinical evidence has demonstrated that the best treatment for several conditions is therapy and medication in combination.  However there are many cases in which medications are not indicated and therapy would be preferable for long-term resolution.  In these kinds of cases, I don not prescribe medications.  There are also cases in which ones genetics and/or biology are the main components of illness.  In these cases, I absolutely encourage the use of medical treatments as indicated.  Additionally, if the way you are feeling is affecting your ability to function in your career or in your social life, temporary medication regimens may be considered.  In these cases, medication can sometimes work as a life raft the keep you afloat while you work through difficult issues."   - Dr. Huchingson

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

Initial appointments are 75-90 minutes in length and the focus is on conversation regarding the basic details of your life, your condition, and your goals for treatment, as well as on developing a treatment plan for meeting those goals.

HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE?

The length of treatment is highly variable - it is entirely dependent on the nature of the presenting problems and the patient's goals for treatment.

WHY CHOOSE DR. HUCHINGSON?

Dr. Huchingson practices with an integrated treatment approach.  He is well-trained in both the biology and the psychology of behavior and emotions.  Being trained in both fields, he is able to provide his patients with the broadest possible spectrum of treatment options and thus, to most effective treatment or combinations of treatments.  Being also trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Dr. Huchingson is able to call upon additional tools and knowledge in order to further customize each individual's treatment.  

While many psychiatrists do not practice therapy, Dr. Huchingson has extensive training in several modalities of therapy.  He feels that splitting treatment between a psychologist who does therapy and a psychiatrist who is seen separately for medications is not the most effective or efficient method of achieving wellness.  Dr. Huchingson offers individualized and integrated treatment, which he believes produces the best outcome.  

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?

Dr. Huchingson sees patients each weekday - Monday through Friday.  His office hours always occur between the times of 8am and 5pm, however the specific hours vary according to the day.  When Dr. Huchingson is out of town, another physician will be available by phone to address situations that cannot wait until his return.