FAQs
Business Hours & Contact Information
1What are the practice business hours?
The practice operates in a hybrid model, meaning sessions can be done virtually or in-person. The practice is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9a to 5p PT, excluding holidays. Please note that in-person office hours and appointment times may vary, even if the practice is open.
2Are weekend hours available?
On occasion, Saturday hours may become available. This availability is for virtual appointments and for established patients only.
Signing up for Treatment
1How do I sign up for treatment?
You can complete a brief questionnaire through the website. You will
be notified within 3 business days whether you have been accepted into treatment.
2What happens after I’m accepted into treatment?
Once accepted, you can schedule an appointment for an initial evaluation and complete an intake packet. Payment is collected at the time of booking to guarantee the intake time slot. Please note that an intake appointment does not guarantee that you will continue with treatment.
3What if I’m not accepted into treatment?
Because of the limited availability, not all prospective patients will be eligible for treatment, depending on the nature and intensity of their clinical needs. However, if
you are declined for services, you will be given a reason as well as a list of resources. If you have concerns about the outcome, please contact us at [email protected]
to schedule a 10 min phone consultation.
After the Initial Visit
1What happens after the initial visit?
After the initial visit, the provider will confirm with you that you have officially been accepted into treatment. A treatment recommendation will be provided at that time, which may include lab work and/or a release of information (ROI). You will also be instructed to schedule a follow-up visit to begin treatment.
Treatment Models
1What are my treatment options?
Depending on your needs, you can elect to pursue medication management, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
2How does medication management work?
Medication management visits are generally 25 minutes and can be done biweekly, monthly, bimonthly, or every 3 months. In general, patients needing dose adjustments should do biweekly or monthly visits, and those on stable doses of medications can do every 3 months. Despite the name, medication management visits come with
education about your diagnosis, self-guided content, and supportive psychotherapy. The goal is to use the least amount of medication necessary to achieve the results
you want. Please note that patients must be seen at least every 4 months, regardless of treatment modality.
3Do you prescribe controlled substances?
The practice does not prescribe controlled medications, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, and sedative hypnotics, at this time.
4How does therapy work?
Therapy is a tool to reduce symptoms and improve self-efficacy. A short-term, evidence-based approach is selected depending on the patient’s goals and needs. Standard therapy sessions are 45 minutes and scheduled weekly, biweekly or monthly. Weekly therapy sessions are recommended to start. As symptoms stabilize and self-efficacy increases, some patients elect to schedule biweekly or even monthly ‘refresher’ sessions. Therapy can be done alone or combined with medication management. For combination treatment, time is reserved at each visit to discuss medication(s).
5What kind of therapy do you provide?
There are a variety of options for psychotherapy modalities, including brief dynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and supportive psychotherapy. Brief dynamic therapy is a short-term, evidenced-based version of psychoanalytic therapy and works best for those who want intensive self exploration. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to reduce negative emotions (e.g., anxiety) by addressing the thoughts and behaviors that drive or maintain them. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), an offshoot of CBT, takes a more behavioral approach to reducing the emotions that lead to problematic behaviors. Interpersonal therapy focuses on depression associated with role transitions that lead to interpersonal conflict. Supportive therapy works best for those who need guidance, support or just a listening ear, without the constraints of the more structured treatment modalities.
6How do I decide what treatment modality is right for me?
Through a collaborative conversation during the initial evaluation, you will choose the best path forward for treatment based on your diagnosis, goals, time commitment, and finances. If you identify changing needs during the treatment process, you can revise the treatment modality at any time.
Treatment Cost
1How much does treatment cost?
The 75 minute initial evaluation is $625, which includes a comprehensive assessment and treatment proposal. The 25 minute medication management visit is $325, which includes prescriptions and prior authorizations as indicated. The 45 minute therapy (with or without medication management) is $425, which includes a
treatment plan. Phone calls between sessions for clinical questions or concerns are billed at $10 per minute in 10 minute increments. There is no extra fee for medical records, prior authorizations or medication refills.
2How do I pay for treatment?
Payment may be made directly on the website or in the patient portal at the time the appointment is scheduled.
3Do you take insurance?
Insurance is not accepted at this time. However, patients with out-of-network benefits may easily create their own super bill through the patient portal for submission to their insurance plan. Please note that the superbill does not guarantee that the insurance plan will reimburse the visit.
4How do I know if I have out-of-network benefits?
Most health insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits after meeting a deductible, and those with a high deductible plan may be eligible for a health savings
account (HSA). Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance plan to find out their deductible and the typical reimbursement for common CPT codes (e.g.,
99214 + 90833 for medication management, 90834 for 45 min therapy only and 99214 + 90836 for combined treatment).
5What else should I know?
All self-pay patients may ask for a good faith estimate as outlined in the No Surprises Act. This estimate outlines the expected cost of treatment depending on the session type and frequency. This is generally provided after the initial evaluation.
No-Show & Cancellation Policies
1What is the no-show and cancellation policy?
Patients must cancel the session at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund, otherwise the full fee will be charged. Patients in excess of 5 no-shows and cancellations per calendar year may be subject to discharge from the practice. Please note that arrival 15 minutes after the start of a session is considered a no-show. Also note that insurance plans will generally not reimburse missed appointment fees.
Prescriptions
1How do I request a prescription refill?
Refill requests can be made at the time of the visit or through the secure patient portal. Refills are sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. In order to
receive a refill, you must have been seen for an appointment within the past 90 days. Please note that refill requests directly from pharmacies will not be honored.
2What if my insurance doesn’t cover my prescription?
Prior authorizations for medications not covered by insurance are typically done within 3 business days at no cost. If the coverage is still denied after the prior
authorization request, you can elect to switch to a different medication, pay out of pocket or search for a coupon to reduce the cost.
Medical Records
1How do I request my records?
Patients may request their medical records at any time by contacting the office directly. A release of information is required for medical records requests if going to a
third party.
2How do I request my labs?
Patients may access their laboratory test results online through the patient portal. The practice is integrated with both Quest and LabCorp, conveniently located
throughout the Bay Area.
Communicating Between Sessions
1What is the best way to contact a provider?
Established patients may contact their provider directly via a secure portal message for scheduling, refill and other requests. New and established patients may contact the practice by calling (925) 940-8396 or emailing [email protected]. Non-urgent questions or concerns may be sent through the portal system and are
generally responded to within 2 business days. Please note that messages are not monitored outside of business hours. If the question or concern requires further
discussion, you may be required to schedule a follow-up visit or a phone consultation.
Special Circumstances
1What are your policies for disability letters?
Accommodation and disability letters may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Patients must be established within the practice prior to receiving letters, and disability letter requests should include a proposal for intensive treatment for any time off requested. The practice does not provide letters for emotional support or service animals.