FAQS

How to Join a Telehealth Session as a TherapyPortal User – TherapyNotes Help Center

Use the Patient Portal link at the top of this website. To request care, complete the Get Started inquiry form first. Our staff will help establish portal access and provide registration instructions. Please contact the office if you need assistance.

How to Request and Manage Appointments as a TherapyPortal User

How to Review or Sign a Document as a TherapyPortal User

It can be frustrating the first time you use technology especially when you have a scheduled appointment. It is highly recommended to test the platform before your first appointment. If you are unable to attend the appointment through TherapyPortal, it is better to use an alternative rather than lose important time. You can call the practice at (800) 578-1471 for help and to have the appointment through a phone call. Each clinician also has a Vsee account which is our preferred back up. Vsee Messenger is available at Vsee.com. It is also a great way to message your clinician in between appointments.

Telepsychiatry provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and follow-up care through secure video visits. Patients receive care from a psychiatric clinician while remaining at home or another private location in California.

Research supports telepsychiatry as an effective way to provide appropriate psychiatric assessment and follow-up care. Your clinician will determine whether telehealth is suitable for your needs.

Patients currently in crisis are not appropriate for online care and require emergency services.

People with symptoms that are severe will need a support person to help with providing history, appointments, medication, and laboratory visits,.  Without the additional support this platform is not appropriate.

New patient intakes are available within 5 working days. Select Get Started to send an inquiry; our office will help with coverage verification, registration, and scheduling.

We provide telepsychiatry throughout California for adolescents age 13 and older and adults. You must be physically located in California at the time of your appointment.

We begin with an inquiry form to understand your main concerns and create access to the patient portal. You will then meet with a psychiatric provider for a comprehensive evaluation that may include validated rating scales and an in-depth clinical interview. Together, you and your provider will develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, medical history, prior response, preferences, and treatment goals.

Follow-up visits may include measurement-based care, medication adjustments, side-effect monitoring, laboratory review, and coordination with outside clinicians or caregivers when appropriate.

The suicide prevention lifeline is 988 which you can call or text.  Emergency services can be reached by calling 911.  Outpatient services are not sufficient in situations that can result in loss of life.

Measurement-based care uses brief, validated questionnaires to establish a starting point and track symptoms over time. We review your results alongside your experience, functioning, side effects, and clinical assessment to guide shared treatment decisions.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) examines how genetic differences may affect the way your body processes certain medications. For selected medications, results may help inform dosing or identify increased risks of side effects. Testing is considered when clinically appropriate, is only one part of clinical decision-making, and cannot guarantee which medication will work. PGx testing is billed separately; costs are discussed before ordering.

Our practice focuses on patient centered care.
In patient-centered care, an individual’s specific health needs and desired health outcomes are the driving force behind all health care decisions and quality measurements. Patients are partners with their health care providers, and providers treat patients not only from a clinical perspective, but also from an emotional, mental, spiritual, social, and financial perspective

The vast majority of patients seen in outpatient mental health services can be well cared for without additional supports.  However, in cases of more significant difficulties (autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia etc.) the patient may not be able to accurately self-report, be able to manage their appointments or medication.  In these cases a family member or caregiver becomes a critical member of the treatment team. 

Yes, at this time we can through e-prescription. 

The comprehensive initial assessment is $300. Medication-management follow-up appointments are $150 per visit. PGx testing and other laboratory tests are billed separately, and costs are discussed before ordering. If you use insurance, coverage and patient responsibility depend on your plan and are verified by our office.

If you miss an appointment, contact our office at (800) 578-1471 to arrange the next step. Please review the cancellation and missed-appointment terms provided during registration, or ask our office for a copy.

You can call the office.  But the fastest method for quick questions is through the Vsee app or email. 

You can reschedule or request a change  through the portal.

Please contact our office at (800) 578-1471 for the payment and refund terms that apply to your appointment before making a payment.

We can provide Medication-Assisted Treatment when clinically appropriate, including coordination with outside counseling or residential care. 

Opioid Use  Disorder:

1. Suboxone
2. Naltrexone

Alcohol Use Disorder

1. Naltrexone
2. Acamprosate
3. Disulfiram