1What is the process for becoming a new client?
Becoming a new client at my practice is a straightforward process designed to ensure your needs are met effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Book an Appointment
Start by clicking book appointment anywhere on the website. Choose "Intake/New Appointment". Then select "Video Office". From there, choose an appointment time, complete the short intake form, and enter your credit card information.
Step 2: Appointment Approval
I will review your appointment request and reach out with any further questions or to address scheduling concerns.
Step 3: Completing New Patient Paperwork
Before your first appointment, I will send you new patient paperwork to complete as well as important practice policies. These forms provide essential information about your medical history, current symptoms, and any specific concerns you may have. Please fill these out thoroughly as they help me tailor my approach to your care.
Step 4: First Appointment
During your initial appointment, we will review the information you provided in the Intake Questionnaire. We will delve deeper into your history, current symptoms, and anything you wish to address. This comprehensive discussion forms the foundation for your treatment.
Step 5: Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Following our discussion, we will work together to formulate a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan will be periodically reviewed to ensure it aligns with your evolving needs and to assess our progress in achieving your mental health goals.
At each step of the process, my goal is to provide you with a supportive and collaborative experience, tailored to your individual needs and designed to help you achieve the best possible outcomes in your mental health journey.
2How do existing clients schedule appointments and view charts?
Existing clients who have already completed their initial visit with me can schedule follow-up appointments and view their charts on the Client Portal.
3What psychiatry services do you offer?
I offer a wide range of psychiatry services tailored to address various mental health needs. Some of the common conditions and concerns I specialize in treating include:
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Depression and Mood Disorders: I provide assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood-related conditions.
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Anxiety Disorders: My services encompass anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder.
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Trauma and PTSD: I have expertise in working with individuals who have experienced trauma or are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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LGBTQ+ Affirming Psychiatry: I have a particular focus on LGBTQ+ affirming care, creating a safe and affirming space for gender diverse and LGBTQ+ individuals.
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Medication Management: I offer medication evaluation and management to help clients find the right treatment for their specific needs.
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Individual Psychotherapy: My practice provides one-on-one therapy sessions that are tailored to your unique goals and priorities.
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Telehealth Services: For your convenience, I offer virtual consultations, allowing you to access our services from the comfort of your own space.
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Holistic Approach: My holistic approach means I consider not only your mental health but also the broader aspects of your life that may impact your well-being.
If you have a specific concern or condition not mentioned here, feel free to reach out for more information. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to address your individual needs and support your mental health journey.
4What are your fees and payment terms?
Payment must be provided at the time of service. Please be aware that services provided may not be covered by your insurer, but you are ultimately responsible for payment of all services rendered. You will be provided with a superbill on request to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. Any balance that remains outstanding for more than 90 days may be referred to a collections agency. Please note that we require a valid Credit Card to be placed on file and will charge the card for visits as well as paperwork or other discussed expenses. In the event the Credit Card is declined, an alternate card or form of payment must be provided in order to receive the service. We do not accept payment by check or cash.
Fees:
- 50-minute initial appointment: $550
- 20-minute follow-up appointment (med management): $275
- Miscellaneous services (see below): TBD
Miscellaneous Services: You agree to pay for any time spent in your care outside of session time on a prorated basis. Unfortunately, insurance companies typically do not reimburse for this. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
- Time spent addressing no-shows or rescheduling
- Phone calls, messages in the patient portal, voicemails, letters, video sessions, and texts between me and: you, or other physicians, therapists, teachers, family members, insurance companies, etc.
- Prescription refills outside of session time
- Time spent obtaining prior authorizations
- Coordination of care for emergencies, hospitalization, intensive outpatient, residential treatment, rehabilitation, etc.
- All forms (insurance, worker’s compensation, school, employer; doctor’s notes, letters, or reports) and chart reviews not filled out in session
- Testimony in court, at depositions, administrative hearings, board reviews, and all time required for preparation and travel, whether requested by you or ordered by a court, board, government agency, or other legal authority
You are financially responsible for all charges, whether or not:
- Insurance pays for any services
- We decide to proceed with treatment
- Treatment is successful, for which there cannot be any guarantee
Fees may be subject to change.
If fees are to increase, I will provide you a thirty-day notice to alert you to the change.
5Do you accept insurance?
I do not currently accept insurance policies. If you are on a PPO plan, I will be considered “out of network”. If you wish to be reimbursed for your sessions, you will need to consult your insurance company to determine their policies regarding mental health benefits for out-of-network providers. I will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Most PPO plans will reimburse between 20%-60% of the fee. Many insurance companies have limitations on the number and frequency of visits, and types of medications that will be covered. Occasionally, certain forms of treatment or large number of sessions require prior authorization. If this is the case, I may need to provide information about your diagnosis, history, and treatment plan to your insurance company. Once this information is provided, it will be subject to the privacy policies of the insurance provider and is out of my control.
I cannot accept clients enrolled in Medicare, Tricare, or Medicaid.
6What is your cancelation policy?
The relationship between a provider and his/her patient is a partnership and regular attendance at appointments is a critical part of your care. Although regularly scheduled visits may at times feel burdensome, this commitment helps ensure that you receive the highest quality care possible.
If you must cancel or reschedule an appointment, I require at least a 48-hour notice. Cancellations that occur with less than a 48-hour notice or failure to show up for an appointment will be charged the full fee for the session. A 10-minute grace period is permitted and may be deducted from the appointment length. A pattern of missed or late appointments may result in the termination of the provider-patient relationship.
7Do you prescribe medication?
I approach medication prescriptions with a balanced and patient-centered perspective. While I do prescribe medications when appropriate, I do not always recommend them as the first line of treatment. My philosophy prioritizes therapy and non-pharmacological interventions as valuable starting points.
It is important to me that we explore alternative methods and interventions whenever possible before turning to medication. I believe that a holistic approach that includes therapy and lifestyle adjustments can often be highly effective in addressing mental health concerns.
I recognize that some patients may require medications as a long-term solution, and I am realistic about this possibility. However, for most patients, my goal is to work collaboratively to periodically evaluate and potentially reduce medication dosages to the lowest necessary level or ideally, none at all. This approach is rooted in the belief that mental health care should be tailored to each individual's unique needs and preferences, with a focus on achieving the best outcomes for your well-being.
8Do you prescribe controlled substances?
I prioritize non-medication approaches whenever possible and prescribe medication only when necessary for treatment (see above). Please note that I can prescribe controlled substances in California but not in Indiana. However, I can prescribe non-controlled substances to clients in both states.
9In what states do you offer telemedicine?
I am currently licensed to provide telemedicine services in the states of California and Indiana. To be eligible for my services, clients must reside in one of these two states. Additionally, I am only able to conduct telemedicine visits with clients who are physically located within the borders of California or Indiana during our sessions. If a client is traveling and not physically in one of these states at the time of our visit, unfortunately, I am unable to provide services during their travel period. It's essential to ensure that you are within the geographical boundaries of California or Indiana when scheduling and participating in our telemedicine appointments.
10Do you offer in-person services?
At this time, I exclusively provide telemedicine services and do not offer in-person appointments. My practice is fully committed to delivering care through telehealth to ensure accessibility and convenience for all clients. Telemedicine allows for flexibility and the opportunity to receive quality mental health services from the comfort of your own space. If you have any questions or concerns about telemedicine, please feel free to reach out, and I will be happy to provide additional information and support.
11Can you work with my existing therapist on medication management?
Absolutely, I strongly encourage individuals to pursue therapy in conjunction with medication management. It's important to note that you are not required to receive therapy from me to access medication services. If you already have an external therapist, I fully support coordinating your care to ensure a holistic approach to your mental health.
To facilitate this collaboration, I will request that you sign a Release of Information form. This form grants me permission to communicate with your therapist, allowing us to align our treatment strategies and ensure that your overall mental health needs are met effectively. This collaborative approach enhances the quality of care you receive and promotes a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan that takes into account both therapy and medication management.
12Do you complete disability paperwork?
I am committed to providing compassionate and personalized care for all individuals; however, I do not accept patients seeking treatment for the sole purpose of obtaining disability benefits or patients seeking long-term disability benefits.
