Limitations and Instructions for Use | Yumi Mental Health Clinic

Limitations and Instructions for Use

Limitations;

・According to the regulations of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), there are certain limitations on online psychiatric treatment. Please make sure to read them carefully before making an appointment.

・For online consultations, the first appointment is limited to consultation only. Non-psychiatric medications, including herbal medicines, may be prescribed from the first consultation for up to seven days. Prescriptions for psychiatric medications can be issued only from the second consultation onward. Please take this into account and schedule your appointment with sufficient time.

・Patients who have previously had an in-person consultation with Dr. Yumi Nakao are eligible to schedule their initial appointment as a follow-up visit. In such cases, prescriptions may be issued at the first appointment.

・Yumi Mental Health Clinic accepts only patients who are 18 years of age or older.

・Yumi Mental Health Clinic do not treat alcohol use disorder or substance use disorders, if these are the primary presenting conditions. These conditions are best managed with group-based treatment, and we believe they are not suitable for online care.

There are three ways to receive your medication:

To receive prescription medication, counseling by a pharmacist is required, either online or in person.

We are in the process of setting up electronic prescriptions.

Prescription by mail
The clinic will mail the prescription to your home or hotel. Please take the prescription to a nearby pharmacy to receive your medication.
Please note that there may be a time lag due to mailing.
Fax to a local pharmacy
Please find a nearby pharmacy in advance. Immediately after your appointment, we will fax the prescription to that pharmacy. You can then visit the pharmacy to pick up your medication.
Online medication counseling in English
We can introduce a pharmacy that provides medication counseling in English online. Please make an appointment with the pharmacy and receive counseling online before receiving your medication.
Please note that pharmacies offering services in English are often closed on weekends, which may result in a time lag.

・At present, we do not provide Medical Care for Persons with Disabilities (Jiritsu Shien Iryo) or Medical Care under Public Assistance (Seikatsu Hogo Iryo).

・Benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medications and Z-drugs cannot be prescribed through online consultations. Non-benzodiazepine sleep medications, antidepressants and antipsychotics, can be prescribed from the second online consultation onward. However, some medications commonly prescribed in Western countries, such as Wellbutrin and Prozac, are not available in Japan. In such cases, doctor will consider suitable alternative medications whenever possible.

Medications That Cannot Be Prescribed via Online Consultations

Zopiclone (Amoban)
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Zolpidem (Myslee / Ambien)
Diazepam (Cercine / Valium)
Lorazepam (Wypax / Ativan)
Alprazolam (Solanax / Xanax)
Clonazepam (Rivotril / Landcen)
Etizolam (Depas)
Concerta (methylphenidate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Modiodal (modafinil)
Any other benzodiazepine and Z-drug

Important Notes Regarding ADHD Treatment;

・Medications commonly used for ADHD, such as stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines), are strictly regulated in Japan.

・We do not provide first ADHD diagnosis through online consultations.

・Patients who have already been diagnosed with ADHD and wish to receive prescriptions for Strattera (atomoxetine) or Intuniv (guanfacine) may have these medications prescribed from the second consultation onward.

・Prescriptions for Concerta (methylphenidate) are only available for patients who already have a valid Concerta card issued in Japan and are formally transferring their care to our clinic. Documentation confirming a diagnosis of ADHD is required.

・Please note that the issuance of a Concerta card requires an in-person consultation and we do not provide the card.

Instructions for Use;

For residents in Japan;

・Please make your appointment via the "BOOK" botton on the resident appointment page.

・Please use a translation on your device for the appointment app.

・Whether you have a Japanese health insurance card or wish to pay out-of-pocket, residents of Japan should use the “BOOK” button. Please prepare your health insurance card or My Number card, smartphone, and credit card before your appointment.

・It is also possible to schedule your next appointment at the end of your consultation.　

For Travelers;

・If you are visiting Japan, please check in advance whether your travel insurance covers psychiatric care before making an appointment.

・Please note that, even for travelers, prescriptions for psychiatric medications cannot be provided during the first online consultation. Prescriptions are available from the second consultation onward. In addition, please be sure to review the Medications That Cannot Be Prescribed via Online Consultations listed above.

・If you need your second consultation sooner, please inform the doctor during your first consultation.

Please make your first appointment using the “BOOK (Press here)” button on the travelers' appointment page.

・Please use translation on your device for the appointment app.