New Patients

How to Get Started

Everything you need to know before your first appointment.

The Process

Simple, clear, no surprises

I've kept the intake process as straightforward as possible. Here's exactly what to expect, from your first message to your first appointment.

01

Reach Out

Fill out the form on my Contact page or email me at office@montereybaypsychiatry.com. Tell me a bit about who you are, who needs care (you or a family member), and what's bringing you in. I'll respond within one business day.

02

Brief Intake Conversation

I may follow up with a few quick questions to make sure I'm the right fit, confirm your location (for telehealth eligibility), and go over my financial policy before scheduling.

03

Complete Intake Forms

Once scheduled, you'll receive a link to complete your intake paperwork securely online — before your appointment. This includes your medical and psychiatric history, a consent to treat, and my financial policy. Doing this ahead of time means we spend your appointment on you, not paperwork.

04

Your First Appointment

Initial appointments are 60 minutes — longer than most psychiatric practices allow. I take the time to understand your full history, your goals, and the context of your life. At the end of your first visit, you'll have a clear diagnosis (or working assessment), a treatment plan, and a follow-up scheduled. Nothing is set in stone — we'll tweak and shift as we learn what works.

05

Ongoing Care

Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your needs — typically monthly early in treatment, spacing out as your condition stabilizes. I'm your ongoing psychiatric provider, not a one-time consultation service.

Request Your First Appointment

Before Your Appointment

What to have ready

Coming prepared helps us make the most of your time together. Please have the following available before or at your first appointment:

  • A list of current medications, including dosages (psychiatric and non-psychiatric)
  • Names of any previous psychiatric providers and approximate dates of treatment
  • Any prior psychiatric evaluations, psychological testing, or IEP/504 plans (for children)
  • Your pharmacy name and location (or preferred pharmacy)
  • Insurance card — I'm in-network with United Healthcare, Meritain Health, and Optum (please bring it to your appointment)
  • A quiet, private space for telehealth appointments — headphones recommended
  • For children's appointments: a parent or legal guardian must be present for minors under 18

Financial Policy

Payment & insurance

I'm in-network with United Healthcare, Meritain Health, and Optum (Behavioral Health). Self-pay rates are available for all other plans.

Payment Due at Time of Service

Payment is collected at the time of your appointment. I accept major credit and debit cards.

In-Network Insurance

I'm in-network with United Healthcare (UHC), Meritain Health, and Optum (Behavioral Health). If you have one of these plans, I bill your insurance directly and you're responsible only for your plan's copay or coinsurance.

Out-of-Network & Self-Pay

For all other plans I'm out-of-network. Self-pay rates apply, and I provide detailed superbills (itemized receipts) on request that you can submit to your insurer for potential reimbursement. Many PPO plans reimburse part of the cost.

Cancellation Policy

24 hours' notice required to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows are subject to a fee. Please reach out as early as possible if you need to make changes.

Telehealth

Requirements for telehealth patients

You must be:

  • ✓ Physically located in California at the time of your appointment
  • ✓ In a private, quiet location
  • ✓ Using a device with a working camera and microphone
  • ✓ Connected to a stable internet connection

Good to know:

  • → You'll receive a secure video link before your appointment
  • → No app download required — browser-based access
  • → Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy
  • → Parental presence required for minors
⚠️

If you are in crisis or having a psychiatric emergency

Monterey Bay Psychiatry is an outpatient practice and is not equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please:

Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate danger
Text HOME to 741741 — Crisis Text Line (24/7)