Pinnacle Behavioral Health & Wellness — Same-Day Telepsychiatry in North Carolina
Virtual psychiatric care statewide for ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and medication management. Insurance and Medicaid accepted. No in-person visit required.
About Pinnacle Behavioral Health & Wellness
Pinnacle Behavioral Health & Wellness is a North Carolina–based psychiatric practice providing 100% virtual mental health care statewide. Founded by Afi Kpakossou, PMHNP-BC, the practice is staffed by board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners who specialize in evidence-based evaluation and medication management for adults and adolescents across North Carolina.
We offer same-day and next-day telehealth appointments for ADHD evaluation, anxiety treatment, depression treatment, PTSD care, bipolar disorder management, insomnia treatment, and psychiatric medication management. All appointments are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video — accessible from Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Wilmington, Asheville, Fayetteville, and every other city and county in North Carolina.
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, and NC Medicaid (Healthy Blue, WellCare, Trillium Health, and Carolina Complete Health). Tricare is also accepted. Self-pay rates are available.
Our Psychiatric Services
Pinnacle Behavioral Health offers a full range of outpatient telehealth psychiatric services for adults and adolescents throughout North Carolina. All care is delivered via secure video appointments — no in-person visits required.
ADHD Evaluation and Treatment — comprehensive adult and adolescent ADHD assessments, diagnosis, and medication management including stimulant and non-stimulant options
Anxiety Treatment — evidence-based care for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and health anxiety
Depression Treatment — evaluation and medication management for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and postpartum depression
PTSD Treatment — trauma-informed psychiatric care and medication management for post-traumatic stress disorder
Bipolar Disorder Treatment — mood stabilization, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric support for bipolar I and bipolar II disorder
Insomnia Treatment — evaluation and treatment of chronic insomnia and sleep disturbances with both behavioral and pharmacological approaches
Psychiatric Medication Management — ongoing prescription refills, medication adjustments, and collaborative monitoring for stable patients
Psychiatric Evaluation — thorough 45- to 60-minute initial evaluations covering mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment planning
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
Our providers are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions via telehealth in North Carolina, including:
Our team of board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care across North Carolina via telehealth.
Afi Kpakossou is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Pinnacle Behavioral Health & Wellness. She specializes in ADHD evaluation and treatment, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychiatric medication management for adults and adolescents in North Carolina. Afi provides all care via HIPAA-compliant telehealth and is dedicated to accessible, culturally sensitive psychiatric care statewide.
Fred Amematsro is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Pinnacle Behavioral Health & Wellness. He specializes in ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Fred conducts psychiatric evaluations and medication management visits via telehealth for patients throughout North Carolina.
Serving All of North Carolina
Because all of our psychiatric services are delivered via telehealth, we serve patients across every region of North Carolina — from the mountains to the coast. You can see a provider from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere with a stable internet connection.
We serve patients in major cities and metro areas including:
Charlotte and the greater Charlotte metro area including Concord, Gastonia, Mooresville, and Monroe
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Research Triangle region
Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and the Triad region
Wilmington and the coastal NC region including Jacksonville and New Bern
Fayetteville, Fort Liberty, and surrounding Cumberland County
We also serve patients in Coastal NC, the Triad region, and the Charlotte metro region, as well as many other cities including Burlington, Kannapolis, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Goldsboro, Greenville, Huntersville, Hickory, and Concord.
Insurance We Accept
Pinnacle Behavioral Health accepts most major insurance plans. Telehealth psychiatric visits are typically covered at the same rate as in-person visits. We accept:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBS NC)
Aetna
Cigna / Evernorth
UnitedHealthcare / UHC / Optum
Humana
Medicare (Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage)
NC Medicaid — including Healthy Blue, WellCare, Trillium Health, and Carolina Complete Health
Tricare (for active-duty military, veterans, and their families)
Self-pay rates are $179 for an initial psychiatric evaluation and $99 for follow-up medication management visits. No referral is required to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pinnacle Behavioral Health & Wellness?
Pinnacle Behavioral Health & Wellness is a North Carolina–based psychiatric practice providing 100% virtual mental health care statewide. The practice is led by licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) and specializes in ADHD evaluation, anxiety treatment, depression treatment, PTSD care, and psychiatric medication management via secure telehealth appointments.
Can I see a psychiatric provider online in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina law allows fully virtual psychiatric care via telehealth. Pinnacle Behavioral Health serves patients throughout the state — from Charlotte and Raleigh to Asheville and Wilmington — with no in-person visit required. All appointments are conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant video.
Can I book a same-day psychiatric appointment in North Carolina?
Yes. Many patients are scheduled the same day or within 24 hours of requesting an appointment. Same-day telepsychiatry is available across North Carolina for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and medication management — no referral required.
Does insurance cover telepsychiatry in North Carolina?
Yes. Most major insurance plans cover telehealth psychiatric visits at the same rate as in-person visits. Pinnacle Behavioral Health accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, NC Medicaid (including Healthy Blue, WellCare, Trillium Health, and Carolina Complete Health), and Tricare.
What mental health conditions does Pinnacle Behavioral Health treat?
Pinnacle Behavioral Health treats ADHD (adult and adolescent), generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, major depressive disorder, seasonal depression, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and OCD. All care is delivered via HIPAA-compliant video appointments accessible from anywhere in North Carolina.
What should I expect at my first psychiatric appointment?
Your first appointment is a 45- to 60-minute evaluation via secure video. Your provider will review your current symptoms, mental health and medication history, family history, and how your condition is affecting your daily life. If medication is appropriate, a prescription is sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy the same day. Follow-up appointments are typically 20–30 minutes.
How is a psychiatrist different from a therapist?
A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. A therapist provides talk therapy and coping strategies but cannot prescribe. Many patients benefit from both — Pinnacle's providers can coordinate with your existing therapist for comprehensive care.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatric provider at Pinnacle?
No referral is required. You can book directly online through our website or via Zocdoc. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Simply select a provider, choose a time that works for you, and complete your intake forms online before your appointment.
Mental Health Resources & Blog
Our blog covers a wide range of mental health topics including ADHD symptoms and treatment, anxiety management, depression signs and recovery, medication guides, sleep health, and telehealth tips. Recent articles include:
Your first visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation — not a quick check-in. Here's exactly what happens, how long it takes, and what you'll leave with.
60–90 minute first visit
Secure video — no download needed
Prescriptions often same day
Follow-up scheduled before you leave
Before Your Visit
A few minutes of preparation will make your appointment smoother and ensure your provider has everything they need to help you effectively.
Have your ID & insurance ready
Photo ID and insurance card (front and back). Self-pay patients have their payment method ready.
List your current medications
Write down every medication you currently take — including dosages, prescribing provider, and how long you've been on them.
Gather prior records (if available)
Previous psychiatric diagnoses, hospitalizations, or records from prior providers are helpful but not required.
Find a private space
You'll need a quiet, private location with reliable internet. A closed room at home, your car, or a private office all work.
Complete your intake forms
You'll receive intake forms via email after booking. Completing them beforehand saves time during your visit.
Appointment Timeline
First 10 min
Introductions & intake review
10–40 min
Psychiatric history & symptom review
40–60 min
Diagnosis discussion & questions
60–75 min
Treatment plan & next steps
Before you leave
Prescriptions sent + follow-up booked
Total time: 60–90 minutes for initial evaluation. Follow-up appointments are typically 30–45 minutes.
During Your Appointment
Your provider will conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Here's what they'll cover — and why.
Current Symptoms
Your provider will ask detailed questions about what you're experiencing — how severe symptoms are, how long they've been present, and how they affect your daily life, work, and relationships.
Psychiatric & Medical History
This includes past diagnoses, prior treatment (including medications that worked or didn't), family mental health history, and any relevant medical conditions that could affect your care.
Current Medications
A complete review of every medication you take — psychiatric and non-psychiatric — to check for interactions, identify what's working, and inform any new prescriptions.
Functional Impact
Your provider will explore how symptoms affect your daily functioning — sleep, concentration, energy, relationships, work performance, and quality of life.
Your Goals
What do you want to change? What does feeling better look like for you? Your goals directly shape your treatment plan — this is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Safety Screening
A brief standardized safety assessment is a routine part of every evaluation. It's confidential, non-judgmental, and helps ensure your care plan addresses all of your needs.
After Your Appointment
Your first visit doesn't end with a "see you later" — you leave with a concrete next step.
Prescription (if indicated)
If your provider recommends medication, they'll send a prescription electronically to your preferred pharmacy before you log off. Many patients pick up their prescription the same day.
Treatment Plan
Your provider documents a personalized treatment plan, including diagnosis (if applicable), recommended medications, dosing, and any non-medication recommendations.
Follow-Up Appointment
Before you leave, you'll schedule your next visit — typically 2–4 weeks out for new medication starts, or 4–8 weeks for stable follow-up care.
Between Visits
You can request medication refills, ask questions, and communicate with your care team through the patient portal between appointments. If you have urgent concerns before your next scheduled visit, call us at (336) 828-2599.
Common Questions
How long does the first psychiatric appointment take?
Your initial evaluation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. This gives your provider enough time to conduct a thorough evaluation and discuss your options in detail.
Will I get a prescription at my first appointment?
In many cases, yes — if medication is appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to your pharmacy the same day. Not every patient requires medication after the first visit; your provider will discuss all options with you.
What do I need to bring?
Photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications with dosages, and any prior psychiatric records you have available. You should also complete your intake forms before the visit.
Will I receive a formal diagnosis?
Your provider will discuss their clinical impressions during your visit and document a diagnosis in your treatment plan when appropriate. Some presentations require more than one visit to assess fully.
What if I'm nervous about my first appointment?
That's completely normal. Our providers are experienced, non-judgmental, and focused on understanding your experience — not rushing through a checklist. You can also call us before your appointment if you have questions.
Can I bring someone to my appointment?
Yes. A trusted family member or support person is welcome to join your telehealth visit. Just let your provider know at the start of the session.
Ready to Book Your First Appointment?
Same-day availability. No referral required. Medicaid accepted statewide.
