Private Practice Policies
Brief Phone/Video Call
If you are interested in my services, we would begin with a free, brief phone/video call (15 min) to see if my practice might be a good fit for you and/or your family member. If so, we would then proceed with an initial consultation.
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation includes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation — a diagnostic assessment; review of personal, medical, and psychiatric histories; gathering of collateral information; and review of available assessment and treatment records — followed by a feedback session with diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations.
For children and adolescents, the initial consultation takes at least three 60-minute sessions: one with the youth, one with parents, and one feedback session.
For adults, the initial consultation takes at least two 60-minute sessions: one assessment session and one feedback session.
Autism, ADHD, and gender health evaluations each typically require an additional 60-minute assessment session — for example, an evaluation covering both autism and ADHD would add two 60-minute sessions.
Record review and collateral gathering may add additional billed time, typically up to 60 minutes.
A physician-patient relationship is established only if we mutually agree that my practice is a good fit for your treatment; if not, I will provide an appropriate referral.
Session Frequency
If a physician-patient relationship is established, we will schedule follow up appointments for psychotherapy and/or medication management.
Psychotherapy appointments with or without medication services are typically once a week.
Medication management appointments are typically once a month, though may be more frequent (e.g. when initiating a new medication).
Parent/family sessions vary depending on need.
Payment
Full payment by credit card is required to book a consultation. If a treatment relationship is established, payment is due in advance of each appointment.
Billing and Insurance
Although I do not accept insurance directly, I will provide you with a billing statement which has the information necessary to obtain reimbursement for out-of-network services covered by your health insurance. You can call your insurance company to determine your out-of-network benefits, deductible, and how much you are able to be reimbursed for common mental health services. Unfortunately, I cannot provide treatment if you are a Medicare or Medicaid recipient due to the restrictions on self-pay arrangements.
Cancelling/Rescheduling Appointments
If you need to cancel/reschedule an appointment, it must be done at least 2 business days prior to the appointment (e.g. Thursday 2pm prior to a Monday 2pm appointment) or the full appointment fee will be charged.
Telehealth and In-Person Appointments
Services are conducted in-person in San Francisco (Union Square) or virtually on a HIPAA-compliant secure video platform on Mondays. Patients must be physically located in the states of California or New York at the time of appointment.
Fees
$800 per 60-minute session (e.g. initial consultation, psychotherapy and/or medication management, parent session, family meeting)
$600 per 45-minute session (e.g. psychotherapy and/or medication management, parent session, family meeting)
$500 per 25-minute session (e.g. medication management)
$200 per 15 minutes prorated rate for time requested outside of sessions (e.g. phone consultations, forms filled, and other administrative tasks over 5 minutes. Letters/reports written are typically charged for 1 hour of time)
No cost for short administrative phone calls under 5 minutes
NOTICE TO PATIENTS
Medical doctors are licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California. To check up on a license or to file a complaint go to
www.mbc.ca.gov,
email: licensecheck@mbc.ca.gov,
or call (800) 633-2322.