MD

Thank you for allowing me to participate in your care.  I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as I believe this information may be of use as you make important decisions regarding your care, or that of your children.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with subspecialty training and Board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.   I received my child psychiatry training in Little Rock at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.  I am a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  Although I am originally from India, I feel very much at home in Huntsville, especially since I already have family here. My husband is also a physician and we have two children.

I provide Outpatient diagnostic evaluations, medication consultation & management, individual psychotherapy, behavior management techniques, parent education, play therapy and family therapy services for children and adolescents ages 2 to 20 (and their parents or other custodians).  My training involved extensive outpatient work with children with Attention Deficit & disruptive behavior disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, pervasive developmental disorders such as Autism & Asperger’s, learning disorders, anxiety disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, sleep disorders, tic disorders, enuresis and mental retardation. I work closely with other mental health professionals and physicians to coordinate the child’s treatment when necessary.

If you experience any psychiatric emergency, you can reach me by calling the office anytime at 256-883-3231 or toll free at 800-375-3231.  I do not provide Hospital services, so I will have to refer to appropriate inpatient facilities as needed.  Non-emergent phone calls/ e-mails (I encourage you to e-mail me at aparna.vuppala@trinitycounseling.com when the situation is not urgent) are returned within one business day.  I see patients weekdays from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Though my office hours are limited, you will always be able to contact me, or another child psychiatrist covering for me (Dr. Vennam or Dr. Adams), by calling the office. If you are calling me after hours please leave a phone number that you can be reached that accepts calls in the event my phone number is blocked/not displayed in your caller ID.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, I ask that you please give at least 24 hrs. notice and call to cancel, as schedule delays and changes affect many and since that time is allotted only to you, it cannot be used for any other.  Because I do not file with insurance companies (except NAMCI & Federal BCBS), our office will provide all of the information necessary for you to file your own claims so that you will be reimbursed.  You may always discuss any financial concerns with me. Fees will be charged for not keeping your apppointment but not for filling school forms, telephone calls or refilling prescriptions (unless it is a same day instant refill as it requires additional staff time) Please call a few days ahead for refills.

I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,        

Aparna Vuppala, MD

Trinity