Thank you for the essential work you do for our community. At East Valley Psychiatric Services, we value the critical
role you play as the first point of contact for your patients. We are committed to serving as your trusted partner for
psychiatric care, providing timely evaluations and expert medication management for your patients.
East Valley Psychiatric Services welcomes referrals from primary care physicians, therapists, and
healthcare providers throughout the East Valley. We provide timely psychiatric evaluations and expert
medication management for your patients with mental health concerns.
My name is Joseph Caracci, PMHNP, and I founded this practice to offer accessible, high-quality psychiatric services to the residents of Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley. I believe in a team-based approach to healthcare and promise to keep you informed throughout your patient's treatment with us. As a fellow healthcare professional, I understand the complexities of patient care and the importance of clear communication between providers.
Knowing when to refer is key to effective patient care. You may consider a psychiatric referral for patients who present with symptoms that significantly impact their daily functioning, quality of life, or ability to engage in treatment. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides guidance on common indicators that specialist psychiatric care may be beneficial.
Our practice specializes in the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of mental health disorders across the lifespan. We provide evidence-based care tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. The following conditions represent our areas of particular expertise and focused clinical attention:
Comprehensive evaluation using computerized testing (QBCheck), standardized rating scales and clinical interviews for children, adolescents, and adults. Multimodal treatment incorporating medication management, behavioral strategies, and coordination with schools/workplaces.
Expert management of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, and specific phobias utilizing SSRIs, SNRIs, cognitive restructuring, exposure techniques, and mindfulness practices.
Specialized treatment for major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorders, and cyclothymia. We employ comprehensive approaches including mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and adjunctive therapies.
Trauma-informed care for PTSD and acute stress disorders incorporating evidence-based medications, trauma-focused interventions, and somatic approaches to address hyperarousal symptoms.
Comprehensive assessment and treatment of insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and sleep disturbances related to psychiatric conditions using multimodal approaches including sleep hygiene education and targeted medications.
We also evaluate and treat adjustment disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and other mental health conditions. Please contact us to discuss referrals for specific psychiatric needs beyond those listed.
We have designed our referral process to be as straightforward as possible for busy providers. We understand the time constraints you face and aim to minimize administrative burdens while ensuring your patients receive timely, appropriate care.
The referring provider or their office staff can contact us via phone at (866) 387-7924 or fax the referral to our office at (800) 606-3492. During this initial contact, we will gather basic information about the patient and the reason for referral to determine the appropriate urgency and type of appointment needed.
To ensure the best care, we appreciate receiving any relevant patient records prior to the appointment. This may include recent clinical notes, relevant lab results, current medication lists, and previous mental health treatment records. A brief summary of your concerns and treatment attempts is immensely helpful for tailoring our assessment.
Our team will contact the patient directly to schedule an appointment, typically within 1-2 days of referral, depending on urgency and availability. We handle all scheduling logistics and will provide the patient with intake paperwork and preparation instructions to maximize the efficiency of their first visit.
After the evaluation, we will send you a detailed initial assessment and follow-up notes to keep you informed and involved in your patient's care plan. We maintain open communication channels for ongoing collaboration regarding treatment progress, medication adjustments, and any concerns that may arise.
When you refer a patient to East Valley Psychiatric Services, you can expect professional, collaborative care that respects your ongoing relationship with the patient. We view our role as complementary to your care, not replacement for it. For most patients, we will manage psychiatric medications while encouraging continued work with you for overall health maintenance and with their therapist for ongoing counseling needs.
Within 7-10 business days of the initial evaluation, you will receive a comprehensive assessment report outlining our diagnostic impressions, treatment plan, and any recommended interventions. For ongoing care, we provide progress updates following significant medication changes or at least quarterly for stable patients. We are always available for phone consultations regarding shared patients and welcome your insights about their care.
Selecting a psychiatric referral partner is an important decision that affects both your practice and your patients' outcomes. Our practice offers distinct advantages that set us apart from other options in the Gilbert area and throughout the East Valley.
To facilitate a smooth transition for your patients, we provide clear information about what to expect from their psychiatric care experience. You may share these details with patients when making a referral to prepare them for their first visit and address common questions.
Initial evaluations typically last 60-75 minutes and involve a comprehensive assessment of current symptoms, personal history, family history, and previous treatments. Patients should bring their insurance card, list of current medications (including dosages), and any relevant medical records. We encourage patients to prepare questions in advance and consider inviting a family member for support if desired.
We accept most major insurance plans and will verify benefits prior to the appointment. For uninsured patients, we offer competitive self-pay rates and payment plans when needed. After the evaluation, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, therapy recommendations, lifestyle modifications, or additional testing based on individual needs.
We want to be a true resource for your practice. Below you'll find all necessary contact information and resources to facilitate the referral process. Our staff is trained to handle provider inquiries efficiently and can answer questions about the referral process, appointment availability, or specific patient concerns.
For referral questions or to discuss a potential patient:
Phone: (866) 387-7924 (M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm)
Fax: (800) 606-3492 (For referrals and records)
Email: contact@eastvalleypsych.com (For non-urgent inquiries only)
Address: 4365 E Pecos Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295 (For records or correspondence)
We typically schedule new patient evaluations within 3-7 days of referral, depending on availability. Urgent cases are prioritized and can often be seen within 1-2 business days. We maintain a limited number of same-day slots for emergency situations that require immediate psychiatric attention.
While we can proceed with minimal information, optimal care coordination is achieved when we receive recent clinical notes, relevant lab results (especially metabolic panels and thyroid function tests), current medication lists, and a brief summary of your concerns and treatment attempts. This information helps us tailor our assessment to address specific questions and avoid redundant testing.
Our focus is on psychiatric medication management. We will manage psychotropic medications while deferring to you for non-psychiatric medications. We may make recommendations about medications that interface with psychiatric drugs (such as sleep aids or medications that cause psychiatric side effects), but we will always consult with you before making changes to medications outside our specialty.
After the initial evaluation, we will send you a comprehensive assessment report. For ongoing care, we provide progress updates following significant medication changes or at least quarterly for stable patients. We are always available for phone consultations regarding shared patients and encourage you to contact us with any concerns or observations about your mutual patients.
We offer limited therapy services integrated with medication management for appropriate patients. For patients needing more intensive psychotherapy, we maintain a network of trusted therapists throughout the East Valley and can provide referrals while coordinating medication management. We believe in collaborative care and will work closely with your patient's therapist to ensure coordinated treatment.
We value our relationships with referring providers and are committed to making the referral process seamless and efficient. Together, we can provide comprehensive care that addresses both the mental and physical health needs of our shared patients.
