Answers to the questions we are asked the most about appointments, care, and payment. Don’t see your question? Reach out and we are happy to help.
The easiest way to get started is to reach out through our contact form or call us at (301) 479-6966. We will follow up to learn a little about what brings you in and schedule your first appointment at a time that works for you.
We offer in-person appointments in Bethesda, Maryland, and secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth visits for patients located anywhere in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The Respire Center requires patients to be seen in-person at least once a year.
The Respire Center cares for children, adolescents, and adults aged 6-60 years. Karen Hennessy is a dual board-certified as both a pediatric/adolescent nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, which allows her to care for patients across the lifespan who are seeking answers.
We begin with a comprehensive, two-part psychiatric evaluation where we take time to understand your full story. We look at developmental history, school/work experiences, medical background, presenting concerns, and your goals for treatment. You will leave the second appointment with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
We specialize in ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, OCD, trauma and PTSD, learning differences, and co-occurring complex medical and mental health conditions. You can explore each area on our Conditions We Treat page.
Medication management is one of our core services — always approached carefully, and always as one part of a whole-person treatment plan. Some patients benefit from medication and some do not; we make that decision together, thoughtfully, and monitor closely over time.
The Ready Mind is our college-readiness consultation for rising freshmen and all college students with ADHD, learning differences, and mental health needs.
Collaboration is central to how we practice. With your permission, we coordinate with therapists, primary care providers, teachers, and school teams, including support with 504 plans and IEPs, so everyone caring for you or your child is working from the same plan.
The Respire Center is an out-of-network practice and does not accept insurance directly. Many clients receive partial reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits. Payment is due at the time of service, and you will receive a superbill after each visit that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
A superbill is an itemized receipt containing everything your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim — diagnosis codes, service codes, and payment details. You simply submit it to your insurer (most accept online uploads), and any reimbursement is sent directly to you. Our Insurance & Payment page walks through the process step by step.
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask whether your plan includes out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits, what percentage is reimbursed, and whether there is a deductible. Our Insurance & Payment page lists the exact questions worth asking.
Karen treats the whole person, not just a diagnosis. With 25+ years of experience spanning pediatric oncology, learning differences, and psychiatric care, she brings a thorough, unhurried, collaborative, and deeply caring style — taking time to understand your full story before recommending any treatment.
Karen Hennessy is dual board-certified as a Child/Adolescent Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Her career spans The National Cancer Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, The Chesapeake Center for ADHD, Learning & Behavioral Health, and The University of Maryland, College Park, Behavioral Health Center.
Yes — collaborative care is one of the practice’s core values. With your permission, Karen coordinates closely with your therapist and all members of your medical and educational team so that everyone supporting you or your child is aligned with the goals and treatment plan.
