FAQs

I live in Minnesota and work with people in MN and CA by video only.

It’s so confusing, isn’t it? Psychiatrists like me are medical doctors who can prescribe medication in addition to being trained in psychotherapy. I went to four years of medical school and did the anatomy labs and worked in the hospital and held retractors during surgeries. Then I went to four years of residency training to learn psychiatry specifically. My residency program emphasized psychotherapy alongside the pharmacology (medication).

“Therapist” is a big umbrella term with lots of different degrees under it. Someone could be a social worker, marriage and family therapist, or licensed clinical counselor, or they might hold a doctoral degree, like a PsyD or PhD in psychology. The amount of time spent earning these credentials varies widely. Therapists may have training in different specific methods of therapy. They do not prescribe medication.

The landscape is hard to understand, even for people who work in the field, but feeling a good “fit” with your provider matters more than what letters they have after their name.

Another good question! Both psychiatrists and psych NPs can prescribe medication and do therapy. The main difference lies in years and style of training.

Psychiatrists like me are medical doctors who go to four years of medical school just like surgeons, pediatricians, neurologists, and other doctors. The medical school part is the same for all physicians; residency is when we train in our specialty. Between college, medical school, and four years of psychiatry residency, psychiatrists spend 12 years in education and training.

Psych NPs come up through nursing school and are trained in the nursing model. The duration of their education and training can vary but is typically around 8 years.

There are excellent providers in both paths, and I have lots of respect for my NP colleagues.

No. Sadly, I’ve found that for-profit corporations and mental health care don’t mix. I previously worked for a group that took insurance, and while it makes care accessible in many ways, insurance companies too often impede and deny care, as well. I aim to bring you high quality treatment free from interference from a third party whose motivations don’t align with ours.

I provide documentation to submit to your insurance company, and you may receive partial reimbursement.

If you want to call your insurance company and ask about out-of network benefits, these are the codes to give:

Intake: 90792

50 minutes: 99213 + 90836

25 minutes: 99213 + 90833

60-minute intake session: MN $375, CA $475

50-minute session: MN $325, CA $360

50-minute weekly therapy: MN $295, CA $330

25-minute session: MN $220, CA $240

You may be eligible for partial out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company. I can provide you with the paperwork to submit to them.

These rates are higher than my non-MD mental health colleagues, partially because my services include prescribing for those who want medication. I believe my rates represent my level of training, experience, and expertise, and I hope you will feel that the benefits of work together are priceless.

I review a detailed intake questionnaire from you prior to the appointment so we have a running start. We meet for an hour and discuss your current state of mind, mental health and medical history, a lot about who you are as a person, and goals for treatment.

After the appointment, I write a detailed treatment proposal with my initial recommendations and send it to you prior to our second meeting. The proposal invites your input and revision.

With your consent, I also call to speak with your therapist, primary care doctor, or someone close to you.

I find that this combination covers as much as other providers typically get to in 2-3 sessions, and it’s a great way to get the treatment off to a robust start!

No, I’m passionate about those sub-specialities, but I have a general adult practice and treat patients with all types of depression, anxiety, and trauma.

We do! Some psychiatrists only prescribe medication, but our profession is rooted in the practice of psychotherapy, and many of us continue to value it highly. I chose a residency program with strong psychotherapy training and pursue additional therapy education and supervision. If you already have a therapist, I love collaborating in “split care,” but if you don’t, I’d love to be your one-stop shop.

I don’t treat psychosis, eating disorders, active suicidal impulses, or substance use because those folks need specialized treatment that my small practice cannot offer.

If you take daily or frequent benzodiazepines (Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax), I will likely recommend coming off of them. Folks who want to continue with regular benzo use would be best served by another provider.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts/impulses should call 911 or go to the emergency room. I don’t know you, but you matter.

Yes. I would really love to meet your cat.