Our Services

As an Adult Psychiatrist, please note that my practice is typically restricted to patients between the ages of 18 to 60. Psychiatrists undergo additional fellowship training and additional Board-Certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (to work with those under 18) and Geriatric Psychiatry (to work with those over 60).

Please be aware that I do not usually prescribe controlled substances, as there are increased regulatory requirements mandated by the DEA ( 21 USC 82921 USC 829 ). Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis and would require special planning between us.

Controlled substances are often used to treat the following conditions:

• ADHD/ADD: may be treated with stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin

• Anxiety/Panic: may be treated with benzodiazepines, like Ativan, Klonopin, Valium

• Insomnia: may be treated with Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata

If you are experiencing symptoms related to the above conditions, I will prioritize treating with non-controlled medications and psychotherapy. I can also refer you to other practices or providers who are able to prescribe controlled substances. I can also provide recommendations and liaise with your primary care physician to facilitate their prescribing of the controlled medications. Please note, this will also require their agreement.

Some mental health conditions require and deserve a higher level of care and closer monitoring than what can be safely provided by Elescend Psychiatry and me.

Examples include the following conditions:

• Active thoughts or urges to self-harm or attempt suicide

• Active thoughts or urges to harm other people or someone else

• Eating Disorders, such as anorexia, binging, or purging. These require in-person, frequent monitoring of vitals and lab work.

• Active alcohol or substance (drug) addiction or abuse

Any other conditions or symptoms deemed at any point to medically warrant a higher level of care. Your safety is the top concern, and some conditions can only be treated safely at a higher level of care.

Legal evaluations/certifications, such as permanent disability, child-custody, divorce proceedings. These require a trained and certified disability physician and/or a Board-Certified Forensics Psychiatrist.

Elescend Psychiatry does not contract with most commercial insurances. Therefore, I am out-of-network. This allows Elescend Psychiatry and me to work for my patients and not the insurance company.

As such, patients will pay Elescend Psychiatry directly. I will provide patients a superbill. This can then be submitted by the patient to the insurance company for reimbursement. Most insurances will reimburse 70-100% for out-of-network mental health treatment. Patients are encouraged to reach out to their insurances to inquire about policies and benefits before the consultation visit.

Financial fit is also an important aspect of the treatment relationship. So, patients are invited to bring this into session to discuss, as well. A sliding scale may be available.

Please note Elescend Psychiatry also does not accept Medicare or Medi-Cal. I am a Medicare/Medi-Cal "opt-out" provider.

I was trained to hold the doctor-patient relationship as sacrosanct - too sacred to be interfered with.

The patient’s treatment should always be the top priority. Treatment should be guided by the doctor and the patient.

When a doctor and patient route their relationship through an insurance company, the insurance company has the authority to access the patient’s records to dictate a patient’s treatment and care. Sometimes, the insurance company may prioritize what is financially more beneficial over what is medically necessary. Insurance companies can often interfere with what medications, medical tests/imaging, even the type of psychotherapy a doctor medically has deemed most beneficial for the patient.