Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer both virtual and in-person appointments?
Yes, I offer both virtual and in-person appointments, potentially we can also do in home appointments or appointments in a outdoor setting or park. However, patients must be located in California to receive services.
For in-person visits, my office is located at:
528 Arizona Avenue, Suite 211
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2110
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance directly and am considered an out-of-network (OON) provider with all insurance plans. However, upon request, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, a pmhpm, a psychologist, a therapist, and a LCSW (licnesed clinical social worker), MFT (marriage and family therapist)
The main difference between psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) is the length and depth of their training. Psychiatrists complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in the sciences, followed by four years of medical school and four years of psychiatric residency, totaling about 12 years of education and clinical training. This includes extensive medical and supervised psychotherapy training, preparing psychiatrists to diagnose, treat, and provide medication and therapy for complex mental health conditions.
PMHNPs complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) followed by about two years of specialized psychiatric mental health training, often through programs that are partly or fully online, totaling roughly six years of education and training. Their training focuses on nursing and mental health care but generally includes less medical and psychotherapy education. While PMHNPs can prescribe medications and provide care for many mental health conditions, their scope of practice is usually more limited, and they often collaborate with or work under the supervision of psychiatrists, especially for complex cases..
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments must be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance. Late cancellations and missed appointments will be charged the full appointment fee.
How frequently should I be seen?
When starting a new medication or making significant changes to your treatment, I will schedule monthly follow-up visits to monitor how you're responding and to address any side effects promptly. As long as you are feeling well and your medication regime is stable, we can shift to follow-ups every three months for ongoing care and prescription refills. To stay active in my practice, I require that patients are seen at least once every three months.
During pregnancy and the first six months after childbirth, I recommend monthly check-ins, even if you're feeling well.
Do you do psychotherapy?
Yes, I provide psychotherapy as part of my practice. My approach includes several evidence-based modalities, such as Exposure Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I tailor treatment to each individual’s needs, drawing from these and other approaches to support your goals.
Do you prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, when appropriate, I do prescribe controlled substances such as stimulants and benzodiazapines.
Do you prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, when appropriate, I do prescribe controlled substances such as stimulants and benzodiazapines.