What to Expect
Initial Evaluation
New patient evaluations last between 45 and 60 minutes. During this initial visit, we review and explore various aspects such as medical and psychiatric history, family history, social and environmental factors, situational variables such as work and school, and how this affects the patient’s thinking and feelings. This information is used to formulate a diagnosis.
We prefer to present our patients with the various options for their treatment as no two patients/situations are the same and there is no “one size fits all” treatment plan. The practitioner considers that patient’s concerns and the two together decide on the best treatment plan.
Lab studies and EKG may be ordered, especially depending on the medication prescribed.
If you are skeptical about psychiatric treatment, we encourage you to undergo a psychiatric evaluation with us. An evaluation is not a guarantee to initiate treatment, but rather to formulate a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Serenity Psychiatry of North Texas PLLC | Erin Willbanks | Mental Health
Follow up
Follow-up visits usually last between 20 and 30 minutes. This is the time where we listen to our patents’ feedback regarding the treatment plan and its effectiveness. We review the pertinent symptoms, evaluate their progress, and make any updates to their histories as needed. We offer lifestyle coaching and Brief Supportive Therapy. Frequently, more in depth psychotherapy is needed and referrals are available to build your best treatment team.
If a patient is experiencing any adverse side effects or feeling like the dose of the medication is too high or too low, follow-up visits are the time to discuss and decide whether any medication changes or adjustments need to be made.
When starting a new medication or making changes to the treatment plan, it is usually recommended to follow-up within 2-4 weeks. In more severe cases, it may even be recommended to follow up sooner. Based on progress and medication tolerance, recommended follow-up visits may be extended out to a month or more and eventually to every 3 months once symptoms are stabilized. Follow-up visits are required at a minimum of every 3 months as recommended by current practice guidelines. Ultimately, the frequency of follow-up visits is determined at each visit and is based on the complexity of the conditions being treated and the progress being made by the patient.
Please note, medication changes will only be done during a follow up visit. This allows proper time to discuss options, potential side effects and any other information that is important for the patient to know.
After Hours
There is a clinician on call to help established patients in the event of an after-hours crisis. If you are experiencing an emergency and need immediate medical assistance, always call 911 first.
Medication refills and other non-emergent concerns will be handled during normal business operating hours. Note: it is important you plan ahead for refill requests. A fee may be incurred if after-hours returned calls are not deemed to be urgent.
Billing
We are now credentialed with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford and United Healthcare thru Headway.
If we are not contracted with your insurance, we are happy to provide you with a superbill so you can file for out of network benefits.
We are not contracted with Medicare or Medicaid.
Cash paying patients will be charged $300 for initial evaluation and $150 for follow-up or transfer appointments.
Company Mission
Serenity Psychiatry of North Texas, PLLC was founded in 2023 with the vision of empowering patients to become their best self. Mission: provide high quality, individualized care in a safe and caring environment.
Our Services
Serenity Psychiatry of North Texas, PLLC treats adults ages 12 and up. Conditions we treat include but are not limited to:
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Mood disorders (including depression, postpartum depression and bipolar disorder)
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Anxiety disorders (including panic, OCD and PTSD)
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Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
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Impulse control disorder
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Attention deficit disorders
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Adjustment disorder
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Insomnia
Our Providers
Erin Willbanks APRN
Erin Willbanks is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP). She is licensed by the state of Texas and Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Erin received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 2011. While a student at UTA, she received awards for clinical and academic excellence and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Prior to completing her MSN, Erin was employed as a Registered Nurse (RN). Her experience includes bedside nursing in adult neuro ICU and pediatric neuro/trauma ICU. After completing her MSN, she practiced at Tarrant County MHMR, serving adults with serious mental illness before transitioning to private practice in 2015. Areas of specialty include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders and attention deficit disorders.
Staying true to her nursing background, Erin uses a holistic approach to treatment. Erin views mental health as an integral part of overall health and wellness. She prioritizes patient-centered care that considers the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. She puts a strong focus on patient education, promoting self-care and healthy lifestyles. She believes patient education and advocacy empowers patients with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their own health and treatment plan, then supports them through the process.
Erin is a member of the Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of North Texas, Texas Nurse Practitioners and Neuroscience Education Institute. She has been a Preceptor for the UTA Graduate School of Nursing.
Erin has lived in the DFW area all of her life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercise, outdoor activities and traveling.
Sara Stokes-Hubert APRN
Sara began her nursing career in 2011. She attended Wayland Baptist University and received undergraduate degrees in nursing from Tarrant County College and Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. In 2023, she received her Master of Science in Nursing from Texas State University and became board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. While in school she received awards for excellence in nursing and was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society.
As a registered nurse, Sara worked her entire career in pediatrics. Although she now treats patients of all ages, she is excited to combine her experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with her passion for providing quality mental health services. Sara believes that our mental health is strongly interconnected with our physical and spiritual health and desires to provide a balanced treatment approach that addresses the health needs of the whole person. Sara hopes to offer every patient compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers them to achieve optimal health in all areas of their life. She considers it a privilege to partner with patients and families to assist them to thrive and reach their health and wellness goals. She specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and attention deficit disorders.
Originally from NM, Sara has lived in Texas for over 25 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves the outdoors and spends as much time as possible outside, camping and hiking. Sara also loves to travel and experience different cultures and the natural beauty of new places.
