Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our services, insurance, telehealth, medication, and appointments at Lansdowne Mental Health Services.
Getting Started
Is Lansdowne Mental Health Services accepting new patients?
Yes. We are currently accepting new patients for both in-person appointments at our Lansdowne, VA office and telehealth appointments throughout Virginia.
How do I schedule a new patient appointment?
New patients can call our office at (571) 510-0607 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) or send us a message through our Contact form and our team will reach out to get you scheduled. The online patient portal is for existing patients only.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, any prior medical or psychiatric records, and a list of current medications. For a child's appointment, bring any school evaluations or IEP documentation that may be relevant.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telehealth appointments may also be available outside standard hours depending on provider availability.
Where is LMHS located?
Our office is at 19440 Golf Vista Plaza, Suite 230, Lansdowne, VA 20176 — approximately 5 miles from Ashburn and 12 miles from Leesburg. We serve all of Loudoun County and offer telehealth throughout Virginia.
Services & Conditions
Do you treat children and adolescents?
Yes. Dr. Sangeeta Chitlu, MD is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. We treat children as young as 5 years old, adolescents, and adults.
Do you treat ADHD in children?
Yes. We provide comprehensive ADHD evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for children and adults. This includes clinical assessments, medication management, and collaboration with Loudoun County Public Schools.
What conditions does LMHS treat?
We treat ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, phobias, mood disorders, learning disabilities, grief, and other mental health conditions in children, adolescents, and adults.
Does LMHS offer therapy and counseling?
Yes. In addition to psychiatric services, we offer individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, marriage and couples counseling, and trauma-focused therapy through our licensed professional counselors and therapists.
Does LMHS offer autism assessments?
Yes. We offer autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evaluations for children and adults. Our assessments help determine whether a diagnosis is appropriate and guide treatment planning and school accommodations.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist (like Dr. Chitlu, MD) is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. A psychologist specializes in psychological testing and therapy but does not typically prescribe medication. LMHS has both on staff.
Insurance & Billing
What insurance does LMHS accept?
We accept Aetna, United Health (UnitedHealthcare), Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). Contact our office to verify your specific plan and benefits. Self-pay options are also available.
Do you accept BCBS federal employee plans?
Yes. LMHS accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield including federal employee plan (BCBS FEP), which is common among government and contractor employees in the Dulles corridor and Loudoun County area.
Telehealth
What are the telehealth requirements?
You must be physically located in Virginia during your telehealth appointment — this is required by Virginia state law. You need a stable internet connection. Do not drive while attending a virtual appointment.
Can LMHS prescribe medication via telehealth?
Yes. Our licensed psychiatric providers can evaluate and manage medications via telehealth for Virginia residents. Controlled substance prescriptions are subject to additional requirements under federal and Virginia law — contact our office for details.
Does LMHS serve Ashburn and Leesburg patients via telehealth?
Yes. Patients from Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, and all of Loudoun County can book telehealth appointments from home. In-person appointments are also available at our Lansdowne office.
Medications & Treatment
How do medication refills work?
Refills are typically provided during scheduled appointments. Controlled medications will NOT be refilled between appointments unless the physician deems it medically necessary. If you experience side effects, stop the medication and contact our office. Never adjust your dosage without consulting your physician.
Does LMHS offer GeneSight genetic testing?
Yes. We offer GeneSight genetic testing, which analyzes your DNA to identify which psychiatric medications may work best for your unique genetic makeup — reducing the trial-and-error process of finding the right medication.
What is Exomind TMS therapy?
Exomind TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared neurostimulation therapy for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions — no medications, no significant side effects. It is especially helpful for patients who have not responded well to medication.
Safety & Emergencies
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. For psychiatric emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). LMHS is not an emergency or crisis service.
Is LMHS available after hours for urgent issues?
LMHS is not a 24/7 crisis line. For urgent mental health crises, contact 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. For non-emergency questions, you can leave a message at our office and we will respond during business hours.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're new to LMHS or an existing patient, we've made it easy to connect with our team.
New Patients
Not a patient yet? We'd love to hear from you. Call our office or send us a message and our team will reach out to get you scheduled.
Existing Patients
Already a patient at LMHS? Log in to your secure patient portal to schedule appointments, view records, and message your care team.