What happens at the first visit?
Therapy begins with a comprehensive evaluation. For adults, the initial evaluation is 90 minutes. I dedicate 60 minutes to get to know you, and the remainder 30 minutes focus on discussing my diagnostic impressions and recommended treatment plan. For youth, the initial evaluation is 2 hours. Forty-five minutes is dedicated to the youth and 45 minutes is needed to obtain the caregivers’ impressions. The final 30 minutes focus on discussing my diagnostic impressions and recommended treatment plan.
How often will I be seen?
The frequency of visits depends on the modality of therapy used. If you already have a therapist who is willing to regularly collaborate with me, I am happy to split treatment with the therapist and provide only the pharmacotherapy. If your primary form of therapy with me is pharmacotherapy (i.e. medications), visits are scheduled every 2-4 weeks until you are stabilized. Stabilization can require up to 3 months and in some cases longer. Once stabilized, maintenance therapy may be indicated which could last about 9-12 months. Visits during this period of time can be every 2-4 months. If we agree that I will also provide the therapy, you are often reserved a specific recurring day and time. Depending on need, frequency of visits can be as often as twice a week or as infrequent as once a month.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a patient and psychiatrist. Successful treatment requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the psychiatrist's office. Every psychiatrist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your psychiatrist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney).
State law and professional ethics require psychiatrists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
- Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the patient or collateral sources.
- If the psychiatrist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.
How is my medical information protected?
Click here for the notice of privacy practices.
Do you take insurance?
In order to provide the most personal and optimal care, I do no take insurance. However, as an out-of-network provider, I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider to obtain partial reimbursement. You will need to contact your insurance provider to confirm your particular benefits and for further details.
What are your rates?
Because your actual cost depends on your particular needs, please contact me by phone to obtain an estimate.