The word behind the practice
“Tentie” is an old Scottish word meaning attentive, careful, watchful — the quality of paying attention to you and noticing what is being said, carefully and skillfully. This is not a common word to search for, but it was chosen as a way to emphasize that the quality of your evaluation depends on taking the time to listen without judgment, being attentive to your needs and working closely with you.
At Tentie Psychiatry, time is a clinical tool, not a courtesy
A 90-minute initial psychiatric evaluation, or 30-45 minute follow-up appointments, are meant to really understand you as a person.
Having clarity about your psychosocial history, past medication trials, medical conditions, what really works for you and what doesn’t; your preferences, your family background; whether you had a head injury many years ago, or whether you need time to disclose what’s inside, with no pressure — and many other details that can only arrive with the proper time.
At Tentie Psychiatry, mind and body work together
A significant number of psychiatric (mind) presentations have a medical (body) contributor that needs to be ruled out. The opposite is also true: many medical illnesses also lead to psychiatric symptoms or presentations. Thyroid dysfunction, chronic pain, perimenopause, autoimmune illnesses, neurological illnesses and heart conditions, among others, can present with significant psychiatric symptoms. The same is true for medications used to treat medical conditions, whose adverse effects can have psychiatric manifestations. Medications used to treat psychiatric conditions can also cause physical adverse effects.
At Tentie Psychiatry, Dr. José Torrijos will make a careful and thorough review of any medical conditions you have and medications you take, in coordination with your medical provider when necessary. Laboratory work or any other necessary medical tool will be recommended if warranted, and we will carefully monitor for any adverse effects from psychiatric or medical treatment that could be contributing to your symptoms.
At Tentie Psychiatry, you make an informed decision
You are the one who makes decisions about your care at all times. You will not be pressured into making a decision right away — you can discuss it with family or loved ones if you prefer.
You will have a good understanding of the treatment plan and of the benefits versus risks of medications — even if medication is not currently recommended or you decide to wait.
If behavioral therapy is your main recommended treatment modality, you can be referred to specialized care based on your needs, if you do not currently have a therapist.
At Tentie Psychiatry, we provide care without a cultural filter
Dr. José M. Torrijos trained and practiced psychiatry in both emergency and outpatient settings in Brooklyn, NY and Houston, TX, cities with some of the most culturally diverse populations in the US.
This experience has given him ample expertise treating a diverse population, regardless of cultural background, religious beliefs, language or sexual orientation.
At Tentie Psychiatry, patients are met without judgment, whatever their cultural background, life experience, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
Care is available in both English and Spanish.
Why, at Tentie Psychiatry, we don’t take insurance
This statement requires a careful explanation. Insurance contracts and reimbursement rates often make short appointments a financial necessity. The authorization requirements placed on providers can take important clinical time away from the visit.
Operating outside these contracts means that your appointment at Tentie Psychiatry takes as long as the situation requires, and we are not constrained in time, allowing a better understanding and careful assessment of your condition.
A superbill can be provided upon request, so you can potentially be reimbursed for some out-of-network benefits by your own insurance carrier.