Frequently Asked Questions & Practice Policies

  • We provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and telehealth services for a range of mental health conditions. Our practice incorporates integrative modalities to offer a holistic approach to mental health care. Additionally, we specialize in reproductive psychiatry consultations, collaborating with other physicians and healthcare providers to support patients with hormonally related mental health conditions such as PMDD and postpartum depression. We treat mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and related conditions with personalized, evidence-based care.

  • Yes! In July 2026, we will be accepting new patients for both in-person visits at our Bonita Springs, FL location and telehealth appointments throughout Florida.

  • While we are pending completion of credentialing with insurance companies, you can still access our expert services as an out-of-network patient. A good-faith estimate of your services will be provided prior to booking your initial evaluation.

  • If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed for all or part of your visit by submitting a superbill, which we will provide to you after your appointment. You just need to send this superbill to your insurance company for processing, following their reimbursement procedures. Please check directly with your insurer regarding your specific coverage and reimbursement rates.

  • We are accepting new patients in July 2026. Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office or through submitting your information through under “Contact us”.

  • Integrative psychiatry is a holistic approach to mental health care that combines conventional psychiatric treatments with complementary therapies to address the full spectrum of a patient's physical, emotional, and psychological needs. This approach may include medication management, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, lifestyle modifications, and mind-body practices such as meditation or yoga. The goal of integrative psychiatry is to create a personalized treatment plan that supports overall well-being and enhances mental health outcomes by considering all aspects of a patient’s life and health.

  • Reproductive psychiatry is the field of mental health care that focuses on mental wellbeing of women during times of hormonal transition- such as pregnancy, postpartum, weaning from breastfeeding, and perimenopause.

  • Yes, Dr. Ranieri is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She completed specialized training and received a certificate in perinatal interpersonal psychotherapy. She is deeply committed to creating a supportive and compassionate environment where each patient feels heard, valued, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

  • Please bring a valid ID, insurance card, list of current medications, and any relevant medical or psychiatric records. Additionally, be sure to fill out the new patient paperwork prior to your appointment to ensure a smooth check-in process. You will also need to provide a form of payment, such as a credit card, at the time of your visit.

  • We require at least 24 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee.

  • Yes, telehealth psychiatric services are available to patients residing in Florida.

  • Patient safety and well-being are our highest priorities. If you are a current patient experiencing suicidal thoughts, please utilize the safety plan we developed together during your psychiatry visit. Additionally, you may contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or the Crisis Text Line for immediate support.

    For any medical emergencies, please call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room. It is important to understand that our practice does not provide emergency services.

    If you have an urgent question or concern, you may leave a voicemail for your psychiatrist. Messages are carefully triaged and responded to based on the level of urgency, with the goal of providing timely and appropriate care while ensuring your immediate safety is addressed through emergency resources when necessary. An urgent appointment may be scheduled to address your concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Practice Policies

Appointment Policy:
Appointments are required and scheduled in advance. Please arrive on time to make the most of your session. If you are running late, please notify us as soon as possible. You must cancel at least 24 hours prior to your appointment; otherwise, a late cancellation or no-show fee will apply.We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled. However, repeated no-shows or late cancellations can impact our ability to provide timely and effective care to you and other patients. To ensure that all patients receive the attention and support they deserve, we may need to consider the termination of the doctor-patient relationship if these occurrences become frequent. Our goal is always to work with you collaboratively and compassionately to support your mental health journey while maintaining a care environment that respects everyone's time and well-being. If you are experiencing challenges that make attending appointments difficult, please let us know so we can explore ways to accommodate your needs.

Salt + Light Psychiatry requires patients to attend at least one in-person appointment annually. This policy helps ensure a thorough clinical evaluation and a stronger therapeutic relationship. Depending on individual needs and treatment plans, more frequent in-person visits may be recommended to provide optimal care and closely monitor progress. This approach allows us to maintain high standards of care while offering the convenience of telehealth services throughout Florida.

Confidentiality:
All patient information is kept confidential in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Information will only be shared with your consent or as required by law.

Medication Policy:
Medication management will be provided as part of your treatment plan. Please inform your physician about all medications and supplements you are currently taking. Patients are required to be seen at least every three months for prescription renewals. Depending on your treatment needs, more frequent visits may be necessary. To prioritize your safety and well-being, it is important to have adequate follow-up visits to monitor for any side effects and assess how well your medication is working. Refills will be provided during these appointments, so scheduling your follow-up visits promptly helps ensure continuous and effective care.

Payment Policy:
Co-pays, deductibles, and any fees not covered by insurance are due at the time of service. We accept various forms of payment; please inquire at the front desk.

Telehealth Policy:
Telehealth appointments require a private, secure environment with a reliable internet connection and a compatible device. Patients must be located within Florida during the session.

Communication:
For non-urgent questions, please contact the office during business hours. Clinical questions should be submitted via the secure patient portal to protect your privacy and ensure timely responses. At Salt + Light Psychiatry, your well-being is our priority. If you find that you have many questions or need frequent communication between appointments, this may indicate that more frequent follow-up visits are needed. Please note that phone calls may incur additional fees, and any extra appointments will be billed to insurance or based on our fee schedule.We encourage you to discuss this during your sessions so we can adjust your care plan accordingly.

Records and Transfers:
Requests for medical records or transfer of care must be made in writing and may require a signed release form. Please allow adequate time for us to process these requests to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.

Patient Termination Policy

At Salt + Light Psychiatry, maintaining consistent and effective care is essential for the well-being of our patients. To ensure optimal treatment outcomes, the following policy applies regarding patient termination due to non-engagement:

  1. Inactivity Period
    If a patient has not been seen for a period of three (3) months without scheduling or attending appointments, the patient will be considered inactive. After this period, the practice will initiate communication to offer re-engagement. Should the patient fail to respond or schedule an appointment within 30 days of contact, the patient’s care may be formally closed.

  2. No Show and Late Cancellation
    Patients who no-show or cancel appointments with less than 24 hours’ notice on three (3) separate occasions may be subject to termination from the practice. This policy is in place to promote responsible scheduling and ensure availability for other patients.

  3. Zero-Tolerance Policy on Threatening and Inappropriate Behavior

    Salt + Light Psychiatry maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding threats, aggressive behavior, or any inappropriate conduct directed toward our staff, including psychiatrists. Any patient who issues threats of violence, displays threatening behavior, or engages in inappropriate sexual behavior toward our psychiatrists will face immediate termination of services. This action is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, other patients, and the therapeutic environment. In such cases, patients will be informed promptly, and resources for alternative care options will be provided when appropriate.

  4. Non-Payment

    Patients are expected to pay for their appointments at the time of service unless other payment arrangements have been made in advance. Failure to pay outstanding balances may result in termination of care. Salt + Light Psychiatry reserves the right to discontinue treatment for patients with unpaid accounts after reasonable attempts to collect payment have been made. Patients will be notified in writing prior to termination and provided with resources to assist in transitioning care to another provider.

  5. Termination Process

  • The practice will notify the patient in writing when termination is being considered due to non-engagement or repeated no-shows/late cancellations.

  • Patients will have an opportunity to respond and schedule an appointment within 30 days of notice.

  • If no response or scheduling occurs within this timeframe, Salt + Light Psychiatry reserves the right to terminate the doctor-patient relationship.

  • Upon termination, patients will be provided with referrals to alternative mental health providers for continuity of care.

    Exceptions
    Exceptions to this policy may be made in cases of documented emergencies, hospitalizations, or other extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the treating psychiatrist.

This policy is designed to support effective treatment and mutual respect for appointment times. Patients are encouraged to communicate proactively with the office regarding scheduling needs or challenges.For further information or specific inquiries, please contact our office directly.