New Patients
I see adults in San Francisco by appointment, in English or Spanish, without commercial insurance. A private-pay first appointment runs 85 minutes, costs $695, and starts with a note or a call.
On this page
At a glance
Private-pay appointments
- Initial diagnostic evaluation85 minutes · New patients
- $695
- Combined psychotherapy and medication management55 minutes · Returning patients only
- $495
Original Medicare charges depend on the services provided and applicable Medicare rates. See payment details.
- Who I see
- Adults, in English or Spanish.
- Location
- 450 Sutter St, San Francisco. California patients only.
- Payment
- Cash-pay, credit cards accepted.
- To begin
- Send a note or call. I follow up within 24 to 48 hours.
How to begin
Send a note through the contact form or call (415) 857-3575, and tell me roughly what you are looking for. I will follow up to arrange a first appointment, generally within 24 to 48 hours. There is no online scheduler and no intake coordinator – you are corresponding with me.
The first appointment runs 85 minutes and costs $695 for private-pay patients. Original Medicare charges depend on the services provided and applicable Medicare rates. It runs that long because its job is to produce a formulation rather than a prescription. By the end of it you should have a clear account of what I think is going on and explicit recommendations, which will usually cover more than medication: a psychotherapeutic approach, and often changes to sleep or daily structure that do real work on their own.
If you already see a therapist or a primary-care doctor, say so when you write, and I will coordinate with them from the start.
Where I practice, and who I see
Appointments are Monday through Friday, and every slot is scheduled – there is no drop-in hour or answering service. Appointments are held in my office at 450 Sutter St in downtown San Francisco. I am licensed to practice in California only, so I am not able to see patients who live outside the state.
I am an adult psychiatrist, so I typically see patients older than 18 and work with teenagers on a case-by-case basis. I generally do not prescribe controlled substances without a complete evaluation. For the conditions where they come up – attention and concentration, anxiety and panic, insomnia – I prioritize non-controlled medication and psychotherapy wherever that is appropriate. If a controlled medication is needed, that begins with a discussion during your visit.
Fees and insurance
What do appointments cost?
For private-pay patients, the first appointment is $695 and runs 85 minutes. After that, a combined psychotherapy and medication management appointment is $495 and runs 55 minutes. Original Medicare charges depend on the services provided and applicable Medicare rates. Cash-pay, credit cards accepted. Payment is due on the day of the appointment. I offer sliding scale fees on a limited basis, adjusted to income and need – ask about it when we first speak.
Do you take insurance?
I do not bill commercial insurance. I provide superbills for patients using out-of-network benefits. Original Medicare (Part B) appointments are available on a case-by-case basis. You pay me directly, and I submit your Medicare claim. Charges depend on the services provided and applicable Medicare rates; please contact me before booking.
Can I use my out-of-network benefits?
I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your plan and is not guaranteed.
What if I have Original Medicare (Part B)?
I see patients with Original Medicare (Part B) on a case-by-case basis as a non-participating provider. You pay me directly, and I submit an electronic claim to Medicare on your behalf. Charges depend on the services provided and applicable Medicare rates. Medicare determines reimbursement based on the approved amount and your coverage, with any applicable deductible and coinsurance. Please contact me before booking to discuss availability and expected charges.
What if I have Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) coverage is managed through your private insurance plan. Before booking, please contact me and your plan to confirm coverage, any out-of-network requirements, and your expected costs. Reimbursement depends on your plan and is not guaranteed.
Do you accept Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is not accepted at this time.
What happens if I cancel late or miss a visit?
Same-day cancellations and no-shows incur 100 percent of the appointment fee.
Booking and appointments
How long is each appointment?
The initial diagnostic evaluation runs 85 minutes. After that, a combined psychotherapy and medication management appointment runs 55 minutes. The shorter appointment requires the initial evaluation first.
Can we meet in English or Spanish?
Tell me which you prefer and the whole appointment happens in that language, with no interpreter in the middle.
What if I am already on medication?
Bring the list, including anything you have stopped and why. If your goal is to be on less than you are on now, say so at the first appointment – tapering is a planned piece of work, not something we improvise later.
Can I come just for a second opinion?
That is a normal reason to book, and it does not require leaving your current clinicians. I can give an opinion on both the medication and the psychotherapy, and hand it back to whoever is treating you.
If this is an emergency
Everything I offer is scheduled in advance and meant to continue over time. It is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Ready to book?
Send a note about what brings you here and I will follow up to arrange a first appointment.
Request a callCall (415) 857-3575Ready to start?
Tell me what is going on and when you tend to be free, and I will follow up to arrange a time.