New Patients

How to Get Started

Everything you need to know before your first appointment.

The Process

Simple, clear, no surprises

We've designed the intake process to be as straightforward as possible. Here's exactly what to expect from your first message to your first appointment.

01

Reach Out

Complete the contact form on our Contact page or send us an email at office@montereybaypsychiatry.com. Let us know a bit about who you are, who needs care (yourself or a family member), and what's bringing you in. We'll respond within one business day.

02

Brief Intake Conversation

We may follow up with a few quick questions to make sure we're a good fit for your needs, confirm your location (for telehealth eligibility), and review our 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 our financial policy. Completing this ahead of time means we spend your appointment time on you, not paperwork.

04

Your First Appointment

Initial appointments are 60 minutes — longer than most psychiatric practices allow. We take the time to understand your full history, your goals, and your life context. At the end of your first visit, you'll have a clear diagnosis (or working assessment), a treatment plan, and a follow-up scheduled.

05

Ongoing Care

Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your needs — typically monthly early in treatment, spacing out as your condition stabilizes. We are 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 (even if we're currently cash-pay — we'll need it when credentialing is complete)
  • 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

We are currently a self-pay (cash-pay) practice with insurance credentialing in progress.

Payment Due at Time of Service

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

Superbill Available

We provide detailed superbills (itemized receipts) upon request, which you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many PPO plans provide partial reimbursement for out-of-network psychiatric care.

Insurance Coming Soon

We are credentialing with Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We will notify existing patients when we begin accepting these plans.

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)