Patient Information
(Important topics often requested by our patients regarding mental health in Colorado)
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Control Visits Every 6 Months
Medical Records
Release of Information & Medical Records Requests
At Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness, protecting patient privacy is a priority. Because mental health records may contain highly sensitive information, our office requires patients to complete and sign our own Release of Information form before we release, receive, or exchange records — even if a release has already been completed with another organization.
Mental health records may include information related to psychiatric history, substance use or substance abuse treatment, HIV status, communicable disease information, and other medical or mental health details. Our release process is designed to ensure that each patient is fully informed about what information may be disclosed and understands the potential risks of authorizing the release of these records.
Why We Require Our Own Release Form
Our office requires a completed Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness Release of Information form to help ensure:
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The patient clearly authorizes the disclosure of records.
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The patient understands the type of information that may be included.
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The release is specific to the records being requested.
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Records are sent only to the approved person, provider, organization, or entity.
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Protected health information is transmitted through secure and appropriate methods.
This process supports informed consent, protects patient privacy, and helps ensure that all disclosures are completed in accordance with applicable privacy standards.
How Records May Be Sent
Once we receive a completed Release of Information form, our office will process the request and send records within 30 business days or less, as permitted by law.
Records may only be released through secure methods, including:
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A confidential, HIPAA-compliant fax number
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A HIPAA-compliant platform such as Spruce
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Hard copy pickup from our office by the approved person or organization with proper identification
Please note that medical records cannot be sent by standard email, as email is not considered a secure or HIPAA-compliant method for transmitting protected health information.
Completing a Release of Information
If our office receives a request for your records, we may send you a secure link to complete our Release of Information form. Records will not be released until the completed form is received and reviewed by our office.
If you have questions about completing the form or how records may be released, please contact our office directly.
Please know there may be a fee charged to entities, insurance representatives, or to patients for expedited chart requests, and for hardcopies of medical records. (*SMG Pricing)
Spruce Account/Secured Messaging/Video Visits
Spruce Account Instructions for Video Visits and Secure Messaging
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness uses Spruce for secure messaging, phone communication, and video visits. Spruce is HIPAA compliant, password-protected, user-friendly, and provided to patients free of charge. Patients may access Spruce by downloading the Spruce application on a smartphone or by logging into their account through the Spruce website on another device, such as a tablet or computer.
Each patient will receive one assigned Spruce sign-up link from our office at intake. This link is specific to your account setup. Please use the link provided to you to create your secure Spruce account.
To sign up for Spruce, you will need your:
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Full legal name
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Date of birth
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Phone number
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Email address
You will also be required to create your own secure password. Please keep your login information in a safe place.
Once your Spruce account is created, you may use the same login information on any device. You do not need to create a separate Spruce account for each device. Only one Spruce account is needed.
If you are using a smartphone, you may download the Spruce application and log into your assigned account. If you are using any other device, such as a tablet or computer, you may log into your account by going to the Spruce website.
Once you are logged into your Spruce account, you may send secure messages or complete video visits from any device where you are signed in.
Please update our office as soon as possible if your email address or phone number changes. Your current email and phone number are necessary for account access, appointment communication, secure messaging, billing communication, and video visits.
Video Visits Through Spruce
For video visits, you will not receive a separate link or code. Please simply be signed into your Spruce account at the time of your scheduled visit, and your provider will call you there through Spruce.
The video call will come through your Spruce account, similar to FaceTime. Your provider will call you at the time of your scheduled appointment, not earlier.
Please be logged in and ready at your appointment time.
You may complete your video visit from any device where you are logged into your Spruce account, including a smartphone, tablet, or computer. If using a smartphone, please use the Spruce application. If using a tablet, computer, or another device, please log into your account through the Spruce website.
Using Spruce on a Smartphone
If you are using a smartphone:
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Use the assigned Spruce sign-up link provided by our office at intake.
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Download the Spruce mobile application.
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Create your account using your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address.
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Create your own secure password.
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Be logged into the Spruce app at the time of your scheduled appointment.
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Your provider will call you directly through Spruce at your appointment time.
There is no separate video link or code that needs to be sent to you.
Using Spruce on a Tablet, Computer, or Other Device
If you are using a tablet, computer, or another device:
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Use the assigned Spruce sign-up link provided by our office at intake.
**Only if you have NOT created your account (do not create more than one account).**
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Create your account using your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address.
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Create your own secure password.
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After your account is created, go to the Spruce website.
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Click “Sign In” and enter the same login information you created.
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Remain signed into your Spruce account at the time of your appointment so your provider can call you through Spruce.
You do not need a separate Spruce account for your phone, computer, or tablet. Please use the same login information for all devices.
Secure Patient Communication Policy (Spruce)
At Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness, patient privacy and confidentiality are a priority. For this reason, our office does not communicate with patients by email regarding protected health information, clinical concerns, medication questions, refill requests, treatment planning, or other HIPAA-related matters.
Your provider will not email you directly. Email is not considered an appropriate or secure method for ongoing communication between patients and providers, especially when information may include personal health information, psychiatric care, medication management, or other confidential details.
Each patient will be assigned a HIPAA-compliant Spruce account, which is our secure communication platform. Spruce may be used for appropriate office communication, including:
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Scheduling questions
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Appointment-related messages
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Refill requests
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Brief updates or short messages to your provider
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Administrative communication with our office
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For paperwork requests from your provider- please send any forms or documents for review to your prover in your Spruce account by clicking the upload + option on your secure message window. There are fees associated with with completing paperwork. (*SMG Pricing)
Our office may occasionally respond by standard, unsecured text message regarding general administrative information only. However, any protected health information, health history, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment information, medication details, or other HIPAA-protected information will only be communicated through Spruce or during a scheduled appointment.
Please note that Spruce messaging is intended for brief, secure communication and is not a substitute for a scheduled appointment. Clinical care, medication management, treatment planning, and more detailed concerns must be addressed during an office visit.
New medications, medication changes, dose adjustments, or changes to your treatment plan will not be completed through email, standard text message, or secure messaging alone. These matters require a scheduled appointment with your provider to ensure safe, appropriate, and thorough care.
If you have an urgent or emergency concern, please do not use email, text messaging, or Spruce messaging.
Call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis service immediately.
Office Visits Required Every 90 Days
Ongoing Appointment Requirements to Remain Active in the Practice
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness is a specialty outpatient psychiatric practice. Because mental health symptoms, medications, medical conditions, safety concerns, and treatment needs can change quickly, patients are required to maintain regular follow-up appointments in order to remain active in the practice.
To continue receiving care, medication management, refills, documentation, or provider support through our office, patients must be seen at least every 90 days, unless a shorter follow-up interval is recommended by their provider. This allows our clinicians to monitor symptoms, review medication effectiveness and side effects, assess safety, update treatment plans, and ensure that care remains clinically appropriate.
Patients who have not been seen within the required follow-up timeframe may be considered inactive and may be asked to schedule an appointment before refills, forms, letters, medication changes, or other clinical requests can be completed. In some cases, patients who have been absent from care for an extended period may need to re-establish as a new patient, depending on provider availability and clinical appropriateness.
This policy is in place to support safe, responsible, and high-quality psychiatric care. It is not unique to our office; regular follow-up is a standard expectation in specialty mental health treatment, especially when medications are being prescribed or ongoing clinical documentation is needed.
Medication Refill Policy
Medication refills require four business days’ notice. Business days do not include weekends or holidays.
Refill requests are not completed on weekends, holidays, after hours, or during office closures. Please plan ahead to ensure you have enough medication, especially before weekends, holidays, travel, or scheduled provider time away from the office.
Refill requests should be submitted through your secure Spruce patient account. Please include the medication name, dose, pharmacy name, and pharmacy location when requesting a refill. We do not complete any early refills for any reason.
Medication refills are reviewed during regular business hours and may require an appointment if you are overdue for follow-up, if medication changes are needed, or if the refill request requires additional clinical review.
New medications, medication changes, or controlled medication concerns will not be managed through refill messaging and may require a scheduled appointment.
We encourage patients to monitor their medication supply and submit refill requests early to avoid interruptions in treatment.
Video Visits
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness offers video visits through Spruce, a HIPAA-compliant platform, in accordance with privacy and healthcare regulations. Video visits are intended to provide convenient access to care while still maintaining the same level of professionalism, privacy, and clinical quality expected during an in-person appointment.
To participate in a video visit, patients must be located in a private, secure setting where they can speak openly and confidentially. Appropriate locations include a private room in a residence or another quiet, confidential space. Patients may not participate in a video visit while driving, riding in a moving vehicle, walking through a store or public area, lying in bed, showering, sitting on the toilet, or engaging in any activity that interferes with privacy, safety, attention, or respectful communication.
Patients must be fully dressed and appropriately prepared for the appointment, as they would be for an in-person visit. Patients may not attend a video visit while undressed, partially dressed, lying in bed, showering, using the restroom, or otherwise participating in a way that is inappropriate for a professional healthcare appointment.
Patients must also be able to participate meaningfully and safely in the appointment. Patients may not attend a video visit while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while appearing impaired in a way that interferes with clinical assessment, communication, safety, or the ability to participate appropriately in care.
We expect the same decorum, attentiveness, and respectful interaction during video visits as we do during in-person appointments. Patients should be seated in a private location, fully dressed, attentive, and prepared to fully participate in the appointment.
If a patient is not in a secure, private, and appropriate location, is not fully dressed, appears impaired, or is otherwise unable to safely and appropriately participate at the time of the video visit, the appointment may need to be rescheduled. In these situations, the appointment may be considered a late cancellation and may be subject to the applicable late cancellation or no-show fee. (*SMG Pricing)
These expectations are in place to protect patient privacy, support safe and effective clinical care, and ensure that each appointment can be conducted in a professional, confidential, and clinically appropriate manner.
Location Requirements for Video Visits
Due to state healthcare regulations and professional licensing requirements, patients must be physically located in the state where their provider is authorized to practice at the time of the video visit. For patients receiving care through our Colorado-based practice, this generally means the patient must be physically located in Colorado at the time of the appointment.
If a patient is out of state at the time of the scheduled video visit, the appointment cannot proceed. The patient will need to reschedule the appointment for a time when they are physically located in the appropriate state. If the patient is out of state at the time of the appointment and the visit cannot be completed, the appointment may be considered a late cancellation and may be subject to the applicable late cancellation or no-show fee. (*SMG Pricing)
No-Show and Late Cancelation Policy
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness requires at least 24 hours’ notice for all appointment cancellations or rescheduling requests.
If a patient does not attend a scheduled appointment or cancels with less than 24 hours’ notice, a no-show/late cancellation fee may be assessed. (*SMG Pricing)
Some exceptions may apply for certain federal or state insurance panels where fees are restricted by law.
Because we are a specialty outpatient psychiatric practice with a waiting list, missed appointments limit access for other patients in need of care. If a patient has two or more no-shows or late cancellations, whether or not they occur back-to-back, their chart may be reviewed for possible discharge from the practice.
This policy helps us maintain timely access, safe continuity of care, and availability for patients actively engaged in treatment.
Patient Concerns, Complaints, and Feedback
At Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness, we take patient concerns very seriously. Your care, your experience, and your trust are extremely important to us. Our patients are the reason we are here, and we are committed to listening, reviewing concerns carefully, and addressing issues in a thoughtful and appropriate manner.
If you have a concern, complaint, or feedback of any kind, we ask that you contact us directly so we have the opportunity to fully understand the situation and respond appropriately.
Patients may submit concerns in one of the following ways:
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Call our office to schedule an appointment with our management or leadership team
This may be scheduled as either an in-person or video appointment. -
Submit a formal written complaint by email
Formal complaints may be sent to: management@strockmedicalgroup.com
This email is reviewed only by the leadership team.
We prefer to hear concerns directly from patients whenever possible. Direct communication allows us to better understand what happened, review the details, investigate internally, and determine whether follow-up, correction, additional training, disciplinary action, or other appropriate steps are needed.
Why Direct Communication Matters
Online reviews often do not provide enough information for us to fully understand or investigate a concern. In many cases, a review may not include the details needed for us to identify what occurred, who was involved, or what internal follow-up may be appropriate.
Because we are a healthcare practice, we are also limited by federal and state privacy laws. We cannot publicly respond to online reviews in a way that confirms or discusses a patient’s care, diagnosis, treatment, appointments, medications, or any other protected health information. This means that even when a review does not reflect the full situation, our ability to respond publicly is extremely limited.
We respect every individual’s right to share their opinion. At the same time, we believe that concerns about healthcare are best handled through direct, private, and respectful communication so they can be fully heard and appropriately addressed.
Our Commitment to Patients
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness has served patients across Colorado for more than 11 years and has provided care to more than 30,000 patients. We work hard to provide safe, compassionate, thoughtful, and high-quality mental health care. We also recognize that, despite our best efforts, there may be times when a patient feels we did not meet their expectations.
When that happens, we want the opportunity to listen, understand, and address the concern directly.
We believe in open, honest, and respectful communication, including difficult conversations. As a mental health practice, we understand the importance of being heard, and we welcome the opportunity to speak with patients directly about their concerns.
A Note About Online Reviews
We understand that patients may sometimes feel frustrated, upset, or disappointed. However, online reviews may not allow for a complete or balanced understanding of a situation, particularly in healthcare settings where privacy laws prevent the practice from responding with context.
We also recognize that negative online reviews may influence others who are considering seeking mental health treatment. Sometimes a person may be in crisis or finally ready to ask for help, and a review that does not reflect the full picture may discourage them from reaching out for care.
For this reason, we encourage patients to bring concerns directly to our leadership team whenever possible. Our goal is not to silence feedback, but to make sure concerns are heard in a way that allows us to understand, investigate, and respond appropriately.
How to Reach Leadership
If you have a concern, complaint, or feedback, please contact us directly:
Call the office to schedule a management or leadership appointment at 303-720-1845.
or
Email: management@strockmedicalgroup.com
Your concerns matter to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to address them directly, respectfully, and privately.
Respectful Communication and Safety Expectations
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for our patients, providers, staff, and leadership team.
We understand that healthcare concerns can feel emotional, frustrating, or urgent. However, we will not tolerate abuse of any kind toward our team or other patients. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Verbal abuse
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Threats or intimidation
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Harassment
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Profanity directed at staff or providers
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Aggressive or hostile communication
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Discriminatory or degrading language
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Violence or threats of violence
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Destruction of property
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Repeated inappropriate messages, calls, or conduct
Concerns and complaints are welcome when communicated respectfully and through the appropriate channels. We are willing to have difficult and important conversations, but those conversations must occur in a manner that allows for safety, professionalism, and productive resolution.
If a patient, family member, guardian, or other involved party engages in abusive, threatening, violent, or inappropriate behavior, Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness reserves the right to take any action necessary to protect our staff, providers, patients, and practice. This may include ending the interaction, limiting communication to written channels, involving law enforcement when appropriate, discharging the patient from the practice when clinically and legally appropriate, or taking any other action needed to maintain safety.
Our goal is to provide excellent care in an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Discharge Policy
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness is committed to providing safe, appropriate, and clinically responsible care. At times, a patient may be discharged from the practice and referred to another provider, group, agency, or higher level of care when it is determined that continued treatment with our office is no longer clinically appropriate or is no longer the best fit.
Discharge may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at any time and may occur for reasons including, but not limited to:
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The patient’s medication regimen is stable and may be safely managed by a primary care provider.
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The therapeutic relationship between the patient and provider has been damaged or is no longer effective.
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The patient’s symptoms, acuity, or treatment needs would be better managed by another provider, group, agency, or higher level of care.
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The patient requires services outside the scope of what our practice can safely or appropriately provide.
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There are repeated missed appointments, late cancellations, noncompliance with office policies, or failure to maintain required follow-up.
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There are outstanding balances or billing concerns that remain unresolved.
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Any other clinical, administrative, or safety-related concern discussed between the patient and provider.
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Should there be threats, foul language, or inappropriate comments on any paperwork or messa with our group we will not proceed with intake process and/or discharge.
When appropriate, Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness may provide referral recommendations and/or a bridge medication refill to support continuity of care. Bridge refills are not guaranteed and will be reviewed individually based on clinical appropriateness, safety, medication type, patient history, and provider judgment.
Our office maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abusive, threatening, harassing, violent, or destructive behavior toward staff, providers, patients, or office property. Any such behavior may result in immediate discharge from the practice and may be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness also reserves the right to take appropriate legal action in response to public defamation, libel, slander, threats, harassment, or other harmful conduct directed toward the practice, its providers, or staff.
Patients who are discharged will be asked to seek care elsewhere and are responsible for establishing care with another appropriate provider or agency.
Controlled Medication Follow-Up Visits
At Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness, patient safety, responsible prescribing, and continuity of care are central to how we manage controlled medications.
Patients who are prescribed controlled medications through our office are required to complete an in-person controlled medication follow-up visit at least every six months. This is an office policy and applies to patients receiving controlled medications from Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness.
Controlled medications may include, but are not limited to, stimulant medications, benzodiazepines, certain sleep medications, and other medications regulated under federal or state controlled-substance guidelines.
Why In-Person Visits Are Required
Although this six-month in-person visit requirement is not a specific DEA law, it is consistent with recommended safety practices for prescribing controlled medications. Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness has determined that in-person follow-up visits every six months are an important clinical safety standard for patients prescribed controlled medications.
This type of monitoring is not unique to our office. Many psychiatric and medical practices throughout Colorado follow similar safe-prescribing standards for patients receiving controlled medications, including periodic in-person visits, vital sign monitoring, and urine drug screening when clinically indicated. These practices are designed to support patient safety, responsible prescribing, and compliance with pharmacy and regulatory expectations.
These visits allow our providers to:
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Obtain updated vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and weight when clinically indicated
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Review medication effectiveness, side effects, and ongoing need for treatment
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Confirm that the medication remains appropriate for the patient’s diagnosis and current symptoms
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Review safety concerns, medication interactions, and any changes in medical or psychiatric history
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Complete controlled-substance monitoring when clinically indicated
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Support accurate documentation for pharmacies, insurance companies, and regulatory expectations
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Reduce risk of medication misuse, diversion, or unsafe prescribing
Urine Drug Screening Requirement
As part of controlled-medication monitoring, patients prescribed controlled medications through our office are also required to complete a urine drug screen when requested by their provider or as part of the six-month controlled medication follow-up process.
The urine drug screen is used for confirmatory and safety purposes, including helping verify that prescribed medications are being taken as directed and that no unexpected substances are present that could affect treatment safety.
Urine drug screening is not intended to be punitive. It is a standard monitoring tool used in many medical and psychiatric settings when controlled medications are prescribed.
If completed in our office, the urine drug screen at a cost to the patient (*SMG Pricing), payable by the patient at the time of the visit.
If this cost is prohibitive, patients must contact their provider at least one week before the appointment so alternative arrangements can be discussed. In some cases, the provider may be able to order the urine drug screen through an outside laboratory of the patient’s choice, such as Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp, depending on clinical appropriateness, insurance coverage, and lab availability.
Pharmacy Requirements
Since May 2023, many Colorado pharmacies have increased their review processes for controlled-substance prescriptions. Pharmacies may contact our office to confirm whether a patient has been seen in person within a certain timeframe before filling a controlled medication.
Pharmacies have their own professional and regulatory responsibilities and may decline to fill a controlled-substance prescription if they determine their requirements have not been met.
For this reason, completing required in-person follow-up visits helps reduce delays or interruptions in medication access.
What to Expect at a Controlled Medication Follow-Up Visit
During a controlled medication follow-up visit, your provider may:
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Review your current symptoms and treatment response
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Discuss medication benefits, side effects, and any concerns
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Review your current medication list and any changes from other providers
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Check vital signs
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Review pharmacy fill history or prescription monitoring information when clinically indicated
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Complete or order a urine drug screen
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Discuss treatment goals and whether medication changes are needed
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Review office policies related to controlled medications
If You Do Not Complete the Required Visit or Screening
If a patient does not complete the required in-person controlled medication follow-up visit, urine drug screen, or other monitoring requested by their provider, Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness may be unable to continue prescribing controlled medications.
If you have concerns about this policy, please discuss them with your provider before your appointment. We understand that scheduling, transportation, distance, cost, and other barriers may arise, and we will do our best to discuss reasonable options when appropriate.
However, because this is an office requirement for patients prescribed controlled medications, patients who do not agree with this policy may need to seek care from another practice with controlled-medication policies that better align with their preferences.
Our Commitment
Our goal is to provide safe, thoughtful, and responsible psychiatric care. Controlled medications can be helpful and clinically appropriate for many patients, but they require careful monitoring. These follow-up requirements are designed to protect patient safety, support responsible prescribing, and help ensure continuity of care with pharmacies and other healthcare partners.
This policy reflects common safe-prescribing practices used by many healthcare offices throughout Colorado and is not unique to Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness.
Minor Consent, Parent/Guardian Involvement & Mental Health Care in Colorado
At Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness, we are committed to providing safe, ethical, developmentally appropriate mental health care for children, adolescents, and families. We understand that questions about consent, confidentiality, and parent or guardian involvement can be especially important when a minor is receiving mental health services.
Our goal is to support minors while also partnering with parents and legal guardians whenever clinically appropriate and legally permitted. We believe that collaborative care is often the most effective care, especially when supporting children and adolescents.
Parent and Guardian Involvement
For most minors, we encourage parent or legal guardian participation in treatment planning, safety planning, medication decisions, scheduling, and ongoing care coordination. Mental health treatment is often most effective when families are involved in a supportive and constructive way.
However, Colorado law recognizes that certain minors may have the legal ability to seek specific mental health services without parent or guardian consent. In those situations, our office follows Colorado law, professional ethical standards, clinical judgment, and applicable privacy requirements.
Colorado Law Regarding Minor Consent for Outpatient Psychotherapy
Under Colorado law, a licensed mental health professional may provide outpatient psychotherapy services to a minor who is 12 years of age or older without the consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian if the professional determines that the minor is knowingly and voluntarily seeking services and that the services are clinically indicated and necessary to the minor’s well-being. Colorado law also states that a minor may not refuse psychotherapy services when a mental health professional and the minor’s parent or legal guardian agree that psychotherapy is in the minor’s best interest. (Justia Law)
When a minor age 12 or older voluntarily seeks outpatient psychotherapy services on their own behalf, the mental health professional may notify the parent or legal guardian with the minor’s consent, unless doing so would be inappropriate or detrimental to the minor’s care and treatment. (Justia Law)
Colorado Law Regarding Mental Health Services for Minors Age 15 and Older
Colorado law also provides that a minor who is 15 years of age or older may consent to receive certain mental health services, including services rendered by a facility, professional person, or licensed mental health professional. Colorado law further provides that a minor age 15 or older, or a parent or legal guardian on the minor’s behalf, may make a voluntary application for hospitalization, subject to the requirements and review procedures set out in Colorado law. (Justia Law)
Because different laws may apply depending on the type of service, setting of care, and clinical situation, our office evaluates consent and confidentiality requirements carefully.
Confidentiality for Minor Patients
Confidentiality is an important part of mental health treatment, including treatment for adolescents. When a minor has the legal right to consent to certain services, confidentiality may apply to those services, subject to exceptions required or permitted by law.
There are important limits to confidentiality. Information may need to be shared when required by law, when there are safety concerns, when there is suspected abuse or neglect, when there is risk of harm to self or others, or when disclosure is otherwise legally or clinically necessary.
Our office will explain confidentiality and its limits as part of the informed consent process.
Medication Management and Minor Patients
Medication management for minors often requires careful parent or guardian involvement, review of medical history, pharmacy information, safety concerns, and ongoing monitoring. Even when Colorado law allows a minor to consent to certain mental health services, medication management may involve additional clinical, legal, and practical considerations.
At Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness, we evaluate each situation carefully and follow applicable Colorado law, prescribing standards, safety practices, and professional guidelines. Parent or guardian involvement is strongly encouraged and may be required depending on the service, medication, clinical circumstances, and applicable law.
Our Clinical Approach
When working with minors and families, our office strives to:
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Provide care that is clinically appropriate and legally compliant
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Support minors in accessing needed mental health services
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Encourage healthy parent or guardian involvement whenever appropriate
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Protect patient privacy within the limits of the law
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Prioritize safety, stabilization, and continuity of care
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Clearly explain consent, confidentiality, and treatment expectations
Important Note
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace legal advice. Colorado laws regarding minor consent, confidentiality, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and hospitalization can be complex and may vary depending on the specific facts of the situation. Our office follows applicable Colorado law and may consult legal, ethical, or clinical guidance when needed.
Patients, parents, and legal guardians are encouraged to contact our office with questions about consent, confidentiality, or treatment expectations before or during care.
Duty to Report, Safety Concerns, and Emergencies
At Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness, patient privacy and confidentiality are extremely important. However, there are specific situations under Colorado law and professional ethical standards where confidentiality may be limited in order to protect the safety of a patient, child, family member, or the public.
Our providers and clinical team are required to take appropriate action when there are concerns about safety, abuse, neglect, or serious risk of harm.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect
In the State of Colorado, certain professionals, including healthcare and mental health professionals, are mandatory reporters. This means that if our office has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been abused, neglected, or is at risk of abuse or neglect, we are required to make a report to the appropriate child protection agency or law enforcement.
Reports may be made to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS or to local law enforcement. If there is an immediate threat to a child’s safety, emergency services may be contacted by calling 911. Colorado mandatory reporters must report suspected child abuse or neglect within 24 hours. Reporting concerns internally to a supervisor or another staff member does not remove a mandatory reporter’s legal responsibility to report. (CO4Kids)
A report to child protective services does not mean that our office has made a final determination that abuse or neglect occurred. It means that our office has a legal obligation to report reasonable concerns so the appropriate agency can review and respond.
Threats of Harm to Self or Others
If a patient expresses thoughts, intent, plans, or behavior that suggest an imminent or serious risk of harm to themselves or another person, our office may need to take action to protect safety. This may include contacting a parent or legal guardian, emergency contact, crisis services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, or 911, depending on the situation.
Examples of safety concerns that may require action include, but are not limited to:
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Suicidal thoughts with intent, plan, access to means, or inability to maintain safety
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Threats to harm another person
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Statements or behavior suggesting imminent danger
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Severe psychiatric symptoms that create safety concerns
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Concerns that a minor or vulnerable person is unsafe
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Situations where emergency evaluation or a higher level of care may be clinically necessary
When possible and clinically appropriate, our office will involve the patient and family in safety planning. However, if there is an urgent or serious safety concern, our office may act without prior permission in order to protect the patient or others.
Emergency and Crisis Situations
Strock Medical Group Psychiatry & Wellness is an outpatient mental health practice and is not an emergency or crisis-response service. Our office does not provide 24/7 crisis monitoring, emergency response, or immediate safety intervention through voicemail, email, Spruce messages, portal messages, or appointment requests.
If a patient is experiencing a mental health emergency, is at immediate risk of harm to self or others, or cannot maintain safety, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact a crisis service immediately. You can also visit the Colorado Crisis Services Website
For mental health crisis support, patients may also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Website
Our Priority
Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our patients. We take concerns about abuse, neglect, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, threats toward others, and unsafe environments seriously. While we respect privacy and confidentiality, our office will follow Colorado law, professional standards, and clinical judgment when safety concerns require reporting, emergency intervention, or coordination with appropriate agencies.
