FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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What should I ask my insurance company to determine out-of-network reimbursement?

  • How do I submit a claim for out-of-network reimbursement?
  • How much is my "out-of-network deductible"?
  • After I meet my deductible, how much will I be reimbursed (expressed as an exact dollar amount, not as a percentage of the "allowed amount") for an initial diagnostic evaluation (billing code 90792 with modifier 95) and follow up psychotherapy session (billing codes 99212 + 90836 with modifier 95)?

Do you offer coaching as a service?

Yes, though it should be noted that regardless of treatment strategy, I always act in the capacity of a physician.

Although some have written about the ways coaching and psychotherapy are different, in practice often there is a great deal of overlap between the two. It should be noted that the field of psychotherapy is well over a century old and was first called "the talking cure" by Sigmund Freud. Today there are hundreds of different theoretical models and methodologies of therapy such that it can look like many different things in practice. Coaching is a much newer field, drawing upon principles and methods that have been employed in therapy for decades, particularly in the realms of cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology.

My coaching style is similar to the way in which I do psychotherapy, characterized by spirited dialogue, philosophical exploration, playful sparring of ideas, openness, and vulnerability. The objective is to encourage growth in individuals through conversation—exploring thought/behavioral patterns, employing situational analysis, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and formulating strategies for self-improvement to assist a person in reaching maximum potential.

What types of conditions do you treat?

As a psychotherapist and coach, I work with people from all walks of life who present with a wide variety of personal struggles and goals. As a psychiatrist, I treat and help patients cope with all kinds of mental health conditions including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, personality disorders/difficulties relating to others, addiction, insomnia, chronic pain, and more. Some psychiatric conditions may warrant specific subspecialty expertise or services that I do not offer, in which case I can provide referrals to appropriate providers.

Do you address specific cultural, LGBT, or other minority-related issues?

While I do not consider this to be an area of expertise in my practice, I absolutely welcome all individuals regardless of gender, sex, orientation, race, nationality, political views, religion, spiritual practices, or any other form of self-identification. Witnessing the beautiful diversity among individuals and participating in their unique life narratives is one of the primary reasons that I love what I do. Come as you are.

Are there mental health-related services you do NOT provide?

Yes. Some common examples would include:

  • Controlled-substance medication prescriptions
  • Couples, family, or group therapy
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Intensive outpatient chemical dependency treatment
  • Case management
  • Emotional support and service animal letters
  • Disability evaluations
  • Forensic evaluations
  • Labor & Industries (L&I) assessments
  • Court-ordered treatment
  • Assessments for work, weapon ownership, ability to drive a certain vehicle, child custody, etc.

How do I schedule an initial appointment?

All visits are by appointment only and may be scheduled by contacting my office through the contact form on this website.

While communication will be returned as promptly as possible, I do not provide any urgent, after-hours, or emergency services. If you are having a medical or psychiatric emergency, do not wait for a call back. Instead, take steps to keep yourself safe by contacting emergency services as specified below.

What should I do if I am in acute crisis?

If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, you should tell a loved one and seek immediate attention by calling 911, calling the local crisis line, or going to the nearest emergency room.

Ready to start a better life?