FAQ

How do I schedule an appointment on the patient portal?

Can I have a consultation phone call with the doctor before scheduling?

To ensure you receive the most thorough and personalized care, all consultations take place during your scheduled initial consultation appointments. This dedicated time allows the doctor to perform a comprehensive assessment and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. We currently do not offer phone consultations with the doctor prior to scheduled appointments.

How do I establish care with your practice?

To provide you with the most thorough and safe care, we begin with an initial consultation period. This helps us get to know each other and decide if we are the right fit for your needs.

Adults: We ask that you schedule at least two visits within your first 30 days.
Children/Adolescents: We ask for at least three visits within the first 30 days.
Please note that medication is not prescribed until this consultation process is complete, regardless of past prescriptions. If we collectively decide a different path is better for you, we are happy to provide referrals to ensure you get the support you need.

How long are appointments?

Appointment lengths vary based on the visit type and typically range from 30 to 60 minutes.

Do you see people in person or via telehealth?

We provide both in-person and secure, virtual appointments for your convenience. After completing your initial in-person appointment, you and your provider can decide if telehealth is a good fit for your ongoing care. While availability depends on treatment needs and state regulations, we strive to make your care as accessible as possible.

Do you see children?

Yes! Please contact us for availability.

Do you see patients outside of California?

To make sure we’re following state licensing rules, we can only see patients who are physically in California during their visit. This applies to both our in-person and telehealth appointments—we look forward to seeing you here in the Golden State!

What is your cancellation or no-show policy?

We understand that life happens and schedules change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance. This allows us to offer that time to another patient who may be waiting for care.

Because your appointment time is reserved specifically for you, late cancellations (less than 48 hours’ notice) or missed visits will result in a fee of $200 for psychiatrists or $150 for MFTs. We appreciate your help in keeping our schedule running smoothly for everyone.

Can you refill prescriptions between visits?

To ensure your treatment is monitored safely and effectively, we typically handle refills during your scheduled appointments. If you find yourself needing a refill between visits, we are happy to help! You can reach out via the Patient Portal or give us a call.

Please allow about 48 business hours for us to process these requests. If you require an urgent refill after hours through our on-call provider, a $150 fee will apply. To avoid this, we encourage you to check your supplies a few days before you run out!

Do you offer therapy, or only medication management?

We can provide both medication management and therapy.

Do you administer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

Yes, we do! We are pleased to offer TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) as part of our care options. We’d love to chat with you more about how it works and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your wellness journey. Please feel free to reach out to us for more details on eligibility and how to get started.

What should I bring or do before my first appointment?

We want your visit to be as smooth as possible! Before we meet, please finish your forms prior to your appointment time and head to the Patient Portal to upload your ID and insurance card. This helps us prepare everything for you in advance.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, ComPsych, CSULA, HMC Healthworks, Lyra, UCSHIP. Coverage may vary by plan and benefits.

What happens if I am out of network? Can I submit a superbill for reimbursement?

While we provide courtesy out-of-network billing, you may also choose to submit claims on your own. Payment is due at the time of service, and any reimbursement issued by your insurance company will be applied toward future sessions. Our Out-of-network / cash rates are $600 for the Initial visit, $475 for 60-minute follow-up appointments, and $325 for 30-minute follow-up appointments.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

At this time, we do not offer a sliding scale for our fees. We understand that navigating care costs is important, and we are happy to provide you with a transparent breakdown of our standard rates so you can plan accordingly.

Where are you located, and is there parking?

We’re proud to serve you across three different offices. Here is everything you need to know about reaching us:

Encino Office 6345 Balboa Blvd., Suite 365 (3rd Floor), Encino, CA 91316. Conveniently located next to the elevator with paid on-site parking.

Pasadena Office 525 Cordova St. (1st Floor), Pasadena, CA 91101. Easy access with free on-site and street parking available.

Oakland Office 1970 Broadway, Suite 940 (9th Floor), Oakland, CA 94612. Located in the heart of Oakland; street parking is available nearby.

How do I get access to my medical records?

You may request medical records through the Patient Portal or by contacting our office directly. Requests are processed securely and may take a few business days.

How do I schedule an appointment on the patient portal?

You can schedule an appointment on the Patient Portal website by following the steps in the video below:

Another option is scheduling through the athenaPatient app, which is the quickest way to find a time that works for you. Just follow these easy steps:

Launch the App: Open the athenaPatient app on your device.
Find the Calendar: Tap the calendar icon in the lower-right corner.
Select Your Name: Choose the patient you are scheduling for.
Choose Your Visit Type: Select your Specialty and Reason for Visit** from the drop-down menus, then tap "Show Appointments." (See the guide below for help choosing!)
Pick Your Provider: Choose your provider's name to see their available dates and tap to select one.
Select Your Time: Pick the time slot that fits your schedule.
Add a Note: Review the details and add a brief note about what you'd like to discuss.
Confirm: Once everything looks right, tap "Schedule Appointment"—and you're all set!
​**Reason for Visit - Understanding Appointment Types

To help you choose the right session length and format, here is a quick guide:

Behavioural Health (1 hour): An in-person session for a deeper dive into your care.
Behavioural Health – Telehealth (1 hour): The same comprehensive care, held virtually.
Follow-up (30 mins): A shorter in-person visit to check progress.
Follow-up – Telehealth (30 mins): A convenient virtual check-in for your busy schedule.
Note: In-person options may vary depending on provider availability.