The Mentalizing Collaborative
Frequently Asked
Questions.
A little clarity can make getting started easier. Find answers about Erica Richards' approach to care, appointments, fees, and professional collaboration in Portland, Maine.
Care & Approach
What areas of concern does Erica specialize in?
Erica works with a range of emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns. Her areas of focus include anxiety, stress and emotional regulation, depression and mood concerns, ADHD and learning challenges, relationship and personality patterns, and reproductive and family mental health.
Rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis, her approach considers each person's experiences, relationships, and circumstances.
Do you see children?
Erica provides care for adolescents ages 12 and older, as well as adults and families. Treatment is tailored to each person's developmental needs, experiences, and circumstances.
Do you see couples?
Relationships and communication are important parts of Erica's therapeutic approach, including the ways we understand ourselves and others.
If you're seeking dedicated couples therapy, please contact the practice to discuss whether this service is available and appropriate for your needs.
What is MBT, and how is it different from CBT?
Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) is a collaborative approach to psychotherapy that begins with curiosity about ourselves and others.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often focuses on recognizing patterns in thoughts and behaviors and developing strategies for changing those that may be unhelpful.
MBT places particular emphasis on understanding the thoughts, feelings, and intentions that influence our actions and relationships. It encourages us to slow down, consider different perspectives, and recognize that we cannot always know exactly what another person is thinking or feeling.
Both approaches can be helpful. MBT offers a distinctive emphasis on curiosity, relationships, and developing a more flexible understanding of ourselves and others.
Does medication management involve therapy?
Medication management and psychotherapy are distinct services, but they can complement one another.
Medication appointments focus on reviewing symptoms and experiences, evaluating treatment, monitoring progress, and making thoughtful decisions about medication. These conversations may address emotional concerns, but they are not the same as a dedicated psychotherapy session.
Erica offers both services, allowing care to be coordinated when a combination is appropriate.
Can I bring prescriptions from another provider?
If you're currently taking medication prescribed by another clinician, you can discuss your existing treatment during an initial psychiatric evaluation.
Erica will review your medication history, current needs, and treatment goals to determine an appropriate plan. Existing prescriptions are not automatically continued, and prescribing decisions are made following clinical evaluation.
Appointments & Location
How long are appointments?
Appointment lengths depend on the type of care you're receiving.
- Psychiatric Intake 60 minutes
- Medication Follow-up 30 minutes
- Psychotherapy 45 minutes
- Introductory Consultation 15 minutes
The introductory consultation is complimentary. You can find current appointment fees on the New Patients page.
How often will we meet for therapy or medication management?
Appointment frequency depends on your individual needs, treatment goals, and the type of care you're receiving.
Whether you're seeking psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both, Erica works collaboratively with you to establish a schedule that supports your care. The frequency of visits may change as treatment progresses.
Where are you located?
The Mentalizing Collaborative is located at 225 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine .
The practice serves adolescents, adults, and families throughout the Greater Portland area.
Do you offer virtual or telehealth appointments?
Please contact the practice to ask about virtual appointment availability and whether telehealth is appropriate for the type of care you're seeking.
Availability may depend on clinical needs and location.
Fees & Practice Policies
Do you accept insurance?
The Mentalizing Collaborative is an out-of-network practice and does not participate in insurance networks.
Depending on your insurance plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your coverage.
If you need documentation for an out-of-network reimbursement request, please ask the practice about availability.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Please contact the practice to confirm which payment methods are currently accepted, including whether HSA or FSA cards may be used.
Current appointment fees are $300 for a 60-minute psychiatric intake, $200 for a 30-minute medication follow-up, and $250 for a 45-minute psychotherapy session.
What is your cancellation and no-show policy?
Please contact the practice for its current cancellation and missed-appointment policies, including any required notice and applicable fees.
Professional Collaboration
I'm a therapist interested in supervision or professional development. Do you offer these services?
The Mentalizing Collaborative extends beyond individual patient care through continued learning, education, and professional collaboration.
Erica brings a mentalizing perspective to conversations with healthcare professionals, educators, and others interested in deepening their understanding of emotional development, relationships, and clinical practice.
If you're interested in formal clinical supervision, individual consultation, or professional development, please inquire about current availability and offerings.
Still have questions?
A conversation is a good place to begin. Ask questions, explore Erica's approach, and consider whether the practice is the right fit for you.