DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
To allow PERSONALIZED care without any limitations by insurance companies, we are NOT in-network with any insurance provider, Medicaid, or Medicare. Thus, we DON’T accept or bill insurance, or submit an invoice to your insurance provider on your behalf. We also DON'T accept patients with Medicare, even if you are self-pay.
Upon request, we may provide a “superbill” if you wish to submit a receipt to your insurance for possible reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
ARE THERE SERVICES NOT PROVIDED?
Given the federal law restrictions on prescribing controlled medications via telehealth, we do not prescribe:
Stimulants (Adderal, Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, etc.)
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, etc.)
Controlled sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, etc.)
If a controlled medication is needed, we will let you know and suggest an alternative option.
We don’t perform any legal evaluations, certifications, or letters, including:
Disability (FMLA, school, or work accommodations)
Emotional support animals
Given our telehealth setting, we are not clinically appropriate for conditions that require a higher level of care, such as:
Active suicidal or homicidal thoughts
Substance use disorders (alcohol or drug addiction/abuse)
Schizophrenia
Eating disorders
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR FREE 15-MINUTE INITIAL PHONE CALL?
We want to learn more about you, your situation, and what you’re looking for to determine if our service is the best fit for you. If your needs are best met by another doctor, we'd be happy to provide suggestions.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR 60-MINUTE INITIAL EVALUATION?
We’ll explore your symptoms, medical and mental health history and treatment, family history, lifestyle, social environment, and more. We'll go over your diagnosis and treatment options in detail, and work together on an individualized treatment plan, so you can be fully informed and content with your next steps.
We'll go over lab tests and medications as indicated, evidence-based lifestyle optimization (sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress management and others), and various options for your specific situations (e.g., athletic performance, preconception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.).
HOW I CAN HELP
WHY SEE A PSYCHIATRIST?
Psychiatrists are specialized medical doctors that require at least 12 years in higher education:
4 years of undergraduate studies (“pre-med” or otherwise)
4 years of medical school (7% acceptance rate on average)
4 years of specialty training or “residency” in psychiatry (1,904 positions across the US)
8-hour exam by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, which certifies 1,500 new psychiatrists per year
Medical doctors (MD), including psychiatrists, require at least 15,000 hours of clinical training before being allowed to independently diagnose, treat or prescribe. In comparison, nurse practitioners (NP) require 500 clinical hours (typically supervised by a medical doctor); and physician assistants (PA) require 2,000 clinical hours.
WHY SEE A PERINATAL PSYCHIATRIST?
My additional training offers an in-depth understanding of the nuances when diagnosing, treating, or prescribing medications for moms and moms-to-be. One major hesitation of taking medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding is the fear that it may negatively affect the baby. As a mom of 2 under 2, I understand.
A few examples of such nuances:
50% of pregnancies in the US are unplanned. However, fetal organs such as neural tube and the heart are formed by 2-5 weeks and 2-8 weeks after conception, respectively, when most people are unaware that they’re pregnant. This means avoiding medications that may interfere with fetal organ formation is imperative for women of reproductive age, especially during preconception planning.
Pregnancy lowers or increases the serum level of some medications. For instance, lithium requires a dose reduction 24-48 hours prior to delivery to lower the chance of infant toxicity.
WHY SEE A SPORTS PSYCHIATRIST?
My additional training offers an in-depth understanding of the nuances when diagnosing, treating, or prescribing medications for athletes. You may be reluctant to take medication that can impair your athletic performance or is classified as a “performance enhancer” and is prohibited in your sport. As a former student athlete, I understand.
A few examples of such nuances:
Propranolol is a common medication for performance anxiety. However, it can also lessen tremors and improve fine motor control, and therefore is prohibited at all times in archery and shooting, and in competitions for golf, automobile, billiards, darts, and some skiing, snowboarding, or underwater sports.
Most bipolar medications may cause weight gain, tremors or sedation that can undoubtedly impair athletic performance. Thus, lamotrigine, which is less likely to produce these side effects, is preferred for athletes.
WHAT SETS ME APART?
My additional Masters in Psychopharmacology and Applied Psychology add even more insights on all things medication and human behavior.
Every patient is different, and my recommendations are always made on a case-by-case analysis. If together we determine that medication is beneficial, I'll walk you through different options, thoroughly explain their risks, benefits, alternatives and potential side effects, so you can be fully informed and content with your next steps.