FAQ

I provide appointments by video-conferencing technology. I use a secure, encrypted, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform. Due to licensure rules, you must be physically present in WA for all appointments.

Do you provide visits in your office?

No. Several studies have shown that treatment outcomes from telemedicine appointments are on par with in-person visits. By providing appointments by video I can serve a wider area and make my services available to people anywhere in our state.

What happens after I contact you?

If you want to become a patient, my practice manager will call you back within 2 business days, and see if I provide the services you are looking for and schedule a first appointment, if you wish.

What will happen in my first appointment?

Our first 1-3 visits will be a consultation. We will meet and go over what your concerns are, your medical and personal history, preferences for treatment and so forth. That will also be an opportunity to see if we are a good fit to work together, and discuss treatment options. If what I can offer is not compatible with your needs, I will provide you with a list of resources that may be more appropriate for you.

Services

How long are the appointments?

I offer 60-minute evaluation visits (1-3 appointments), and 25 minute medication management follow-up visits. I am not able to provide 1-hour psychotherapy appointments at this time.

What conditions do you treat?

I treat most psychiatric conditions. If you have a question about a specific concern, just ask.

What services do you NOT provide?

Controlled substance prescriptions (for example, stimulants and some sedatives)
Emotional Support Animal Letters
Disability Evaluations
Forensic Evaluations
L&I assessments
Assessments for ability to return to work, ability to own a weapon, ability to drive a certain vehicle, etc.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Electroconvulsive Therapy – I can refer you to outside services.
Suboxone Treatment
Couples or Family Therapy
Court-ordered treatment, or treatment under the Washington Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA)

What is the age range of patients you serve?

18 years old and above.

Are there medications you don't prescribe?

I do not prescribe controlled substances (e.g. stimulants for treatment of ADHD, benzodiazepines, certain sleep aids, among others). This is in compliance with federal laws regarding telemedicine services (Ryan Haight Act).
If you need a controlled substance to treat your condition, I can refer you to a psychiatrist who can provide in-person treatment (to fulfill DEA requirements).
My fees apply whether you agree with my evaluation or not. I believe in partnering with people in their treatment and will do my best to provide with alternatives to these medications, if they are not indicated.

Communication

Do you respond to phone calls outside office hours?

No, I do not provide after-hours and weekend coverage. I return most emails and phone calls within 2 business days.

Do you correspond with patients by email?

Yes, through secure messages in my patient portal.

Will you communicate with my PCP or other specialists?

Communication between providers is very valuable, especially when it comes to medication management. At the same time, you may want to keep some matters private. We can discuss your preferences and decide how much information you feel comfortable sharing.

Cancellations / Billing / Fees / Insurance

What if I have to cancel or miss my appointment?

Since time is my only "inventory", please keep in mind the following policies:

You will not be charged for cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance.
You can cancel by sending me an email, or leaving me a voice mail. Do not send SMS texts to my office number, as they will not go through.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are billed at 1/2 of the appointment rate.
Missed appointments are billed at the same rate as the scheduled length of time of your visit.
If you are more than 15 minutes late I consider that a missed appointment.
Your insurance will likely not reimburse you for this type of fee.

Do you charge other fees?

Yes. Besides appointment fees, I charge hourly based fees for a few services:

Phone call - less than 5 minutes: no charge
Phone calls over 5 minutes, prior-authorization for medications, forms, letters, etc: Pro-rated charge based on an hourly rate of $300.
Your insurance will likely not reimburse you for this type of fee.

How do I get paid by my insurance?

Depending on your policy, your insurance may reimburse you for part of the visit cost. After paying me directly for my services, you will download a statement from the patient portal, and send it to your insurance to be reimbursed by them. Some insurances may not reimburse you, while others make it easy and cover some or even most of the cost. Click on "Fees / Insurance" above for a guide on what to ask your insurance.