Referral collaboration guide

Therapy and medication management collaboration in New Mexico

Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management can address different parts of a patient's needs. Clear roles, relevant information, and privacy-aware communication can help both clinicians contribute without blurring responsibilities or disrupting an established therapy relationship.

By Kevin Lazar, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC · Published and clinically reviewed July 29, 2026 · Editorial standards

Print or save the collaboration sheet Provider referral information

Two roles, one clearer care plan

Some patients use psychotherapy, medication management, or both. The right approach depends on the individual's symptoms, goals, medical situation, preferences, and clinical evaluation. One service does not automatically replace the other.

At Wellness RX, Kevin Lazar provides telehealth psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy for New Mexico patients age 6 and older. A referral does not guarantee acceptance, a diagnosis, a prescription, or any particular outcome.

The therapist may contribute

  • Psychotherapy goals, themes, and progress.
  • Patterns in mood, behavior, coping, relationships, school, or work.
  • Functional changes observed over time.
  • Skills practice and non-medication treatment.
  • Clinically relevant concerns that may support a psychiatric evaluation.

The psychiatric clinician may contribute

  • Psychiatric and relevant medical history review.
  • Diagnostic assessment within the scope of the visit.
  • Medication education and shared decision-making.
  • Prescribing and monitoring when clinically appropriate.
  • Evaluation of benefits, side effects, safety considerations, and next steps.

These roles can complement one another without requiring the therapist to manage medication or the psychiatric clinician to replace the patient's ongoing therapy relationship.

Information that may make a referral more useful

When clinically relevant and shared through an appropriate secure process, useful information may include:

  • The reason for referral and the patient's main goals.
  • Current diagnoses being considered or treated.
  • Recent changes in symptoms or daily functioning.
  • Current medications, prior medication trials, and significant adverse effects.
  • Relevant medical history, allergies, laboratory results, or substance-use concerns.
  • School, work, family, or caregiving context that affects treatment.
  • A recent higher level of care, emergency evaluation, or major care transition.
  • The therapist's preferred method for clinically appropriate follow-up.

Only information needed for care should be shared. Separately maintained psychotherapy notes receive additional protection and are not requested as a routine part of a Wellness RX referral. A concise treatment summary is often more useful than a full record.

Privacy and communication

HIPAA generally permits treating health care providers to share relevant information for treatment and care coordination. Additional requirements may apply to separately maintained psychotherapy notes, substance-use treatment records, state law, professional rules, organizational policies, and the patient's preferences.

Wellness RX may request a written release or another documented permission when needed for the communication. Collaboration depends on clinical relevance, applicable privacy rules, patient preferences, and the availability of a secure communication route.

Protect patient information. Do not send patient details through ordinary marketing forms, social media, unsecured email, or unsecured text. The public Wellness RX referral page is for general referral information and booking directions, not clinical records.

A simple referral path

  1. Share the Wellness RX provider-referral page with the patient or family.
  2. The patient or responsible party uses Kevin's direct Headway profile to enter insurance information and view available appointments.
  3. Kevin completes an individualized psychiatric evaluation.
  4. If ongoing collaboration is clinically appropriate, the patient and clinicians establish a secure communication plan.

Wellness RX psychiatry is currently in network through Headway with Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Cigna. Benefits and estimated cost are checked through the Headway booking process.

Common questions

No. Separately maintained psychotherapy notes receive additional legal protection and are not requested as a routine part of a Wellness RX referral. A concise treatment summary or other clinically relevant information may be more useful when sharing is appropriate.
Not always. HIPAA generally permits treating providers to share relevant information for treatment and care coordination, but psychotherapy notes, substance-use treatment records, state law, professional rules, organizational policies, and patient preferences may create additional requirements. Wellness RX may request a written release when needed.
No. A referral or appointment request does not guarantee acceptance, a diagnosis, a prescription, or any particular outcome. Recommendations are individualized after a clinical evaluation.
Yes. Medication management can complement an existing therapy relationship when that arrangement fits the patient's needs. The therapist does not need to transfer psychotherapy care simply because a psychiatric evaluation is requested.

Important boundaries

  • Wellness RX psychiatry is currently available by telehealth to patients physically located in New Mexico.
  • Ages served are 6 through 65.
  • Patient appointments are virtual. There are no walk-ins.
  • Autism diagnostic evaluations are not provided.
  • No specific medication, diagnosis, acceptance decision, or treatment outcome is promised.
  • This guide does not provide patient-specific clinical or legal advice.
If help is needed now. For an emergency or immediate safety concern, call 911. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 988, or use the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-662-7474. Wellness RX is not an emergency service and does not monitor website messages continuously.

Related professional resources

Sources and further reading

Educational information only. This page does not provide a diagnosis, individualized medical advice, legal advice, or clinical direction for any specific patient. It does not create a provider-patient or consulting relationship. Care is individualized after a clinical evaluation.
Check insurance and request an appointment Open printable collaboration sheet