FAQs and Policies

In-Person and

Virtual Visit Expectations

Initial evaluations are conducted in-person at Dr. Chen's office in Quincy, MA on Tuesdays. Follow up appointments may be conducted virtually for convenience. However, Dr. Chen may require follow up appointments in-person if there is medical necessity or if regulations dictate the need for further in-person evaluation. If a controlled substance prescription is indicated for treatment, then an in-person appointment is needed before Dr. Chen can prescribe.

Dr. Chen has the following expectations for telehealth appointments in order to make them the most productive and efficient use of time:

1.) Telehealth laws require patients be in the state of Massachusetts during the time of the appointment.

2.) It is best that patients are seated in a private space with adequate wi-fi or signal strength. Dr. Chen may ask to reschedule the appointment if there are significant connectivity issues that prevent effective communication. For safety, parents/patients cannot be actively driving during the virtual visit.

3.) For pediatric patients, a parent must be present for a portion of the appointment time in order to provide collateral information and discuss/consent to treatment recommendations. Multiple meeting participants can log into the appointment from different locations.

Directions for In-Office Visits

Dr. Chen offers in-person visits every other Tuesday. An in-person appointment is required before Dr. Chen can prescribe controlled substance prescriptions.

Office Address:

1359 Hancock Street, Ste 9

Quincy, MA 02169

The office is a 2 minute walk from the Quincy Center/Red Line T stop. If driving, there is street parking or patients can park at the Hancock Garage (25 Cottage Ave, rate $1/hour) which is a 4 minute walk from the office.

The office is on the second floor of the building with stairs. There is no elevator access. The suite includes other mental health provider offices with a shared waiting area. The building includes gendered bathrooms.

Scheduling and Cancellation Policy

-Dr. Chen offers appointments Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. After school hours may be limited due to high demand. Initial evaluations are typically scheduled between 9AM and 11AM or at 1PM. Patients should anticipate meeting between 9AM-2PM especially when starting treatment or when symptoms are worsening and more urgent appointments are necessary. Many schools allow students to leave class to go to the counselor or nurse's office for their telehealth appointments. Dr. Chen will also write an excused absence note if needed. Dr. Chen does not offer weekend appointments.

-If your plans change, please cancel your appointment 24 business hours in advance. This allows Dr. Chen to offer the appointment to another patient who may be waiting. Late cancelled appointments will be charged 50% of the fee and no showed appointments will be charged the full fee of the session at the end of the appointment time. This fee is waived in the event of illness or emergencies. If this is the case, please let Dr. Chen know as soon as possible to avoid your session being charged.

-To account for technical issues, Dr. Chen makes every effort to connect with you during your appointment time. She will call your provided number five minutes into your appointment if she does not see you in the telehealth link. She will leave a message and remain in the telehealth appointment for 2/3 of the appointment time before considering it a no show.

Prescriptions & Refills

-Dr. Chen takes care to prescribe enough refills to last until your next scheduled appointment. However in the event that a refill is needed, please allow 48 business hours for prescription refill requests to be completed. Dr. Chen is not in the office on weekends and federal holidays. Please plan accordingly when requesting refills. In general, it is best to reach out to Dr. Chen if you have 1 week of medication remaining with no refills and your upcoming appointment is more than 1 week away.

-Special Note Regarding All Controlled Substance Prescriptions: Federal regulations require an in-person evaluation before prescribing controlled substances. Dr. Chen may require additional in-person visits or urine drug testing as clinically indicated.

-Special Note Regarding Schedule II Controlled Substance Prescriptions (Stimulants): Federal regulations require an appointment every 3 months for stimulant prescriptions and do not allow stimulant medications to have refills. Please schedule your follow up appointment accordingly to be in compliance with these regulations. Dr. Chen may require more frequent appointments if dosing is being adjusted or if symptoms are not well managed. Additionally, please keep prescriptions in a secure space as Dr. Chen cannot fill controlled substance prescriptions early due to loss or theft.

-Dr. Chen generally does not prescribe benzodiazepines due to lack of evidence for their use in pediatric patients as well as their addiction potential.