Orange County Psychiatrist, Adult Psychiatry

Commonly asked questions:

What is a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are physicians (M.D. or D.O.) who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They complete medical school and pass the same courses and licensing exams as other physicians. As part of their evaluation of patients, psychiatrists are one of only a few mental health professionals who may prescribe psychiatric medications, conduct physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory tests and may order brain imaging studies such as MRI and CT scans.

If you are taking psychiatric medications (for depression, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia...), psychiatrists have the medical background to explain to you the risks and benefits of those medications and any potential interactions with other medications you are taking. For example, there are medications that can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills or medications that may be harmful to the fetus if you are pregnant.

How can a psychiatrist help me?

First, a psychiatrist should do an evaluation with you, inquire in depth regarding symptoms which you are seeking help for, and determine the severity of your symptoms and how they are interfering with your goals, relationships, work, school, and quality of life. Then, your psychiatrist should go over different treatment options with you. Therapy and/or medication may be recommended to you, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how disruptive they are to your life.

Since psychiatrists are medical doctors, they can also make clinical judgments as to whether you may have a non – psychiatric medical condition that may be causing your symptoms. For example, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, or anemia may all cause fatigue & low energy, which are two common symptoms of depression. Psychiatrists can also assess whether or not your current medications may be interacting in a such a way as to cause anxiety, insomnia or irritability.

Do I still need to see a therapist if I see a psychiatrist?

This will depend on a case to case basis. Often time therapists are an integral part of your progress. A therapist is a person who can help you recognize behaviors and reactions you have that may not be working for you. A therapist can help guide you through difficult situations and teach you coping techniques that match your personality. They are also there to help you gain insight into your situation.

What will the first visit be like?

On your first visit, we will explore your symptom in details. Here are some examples of questions regarding your symptoms you may be asked: what triggers them (if anything), how often do you get them, how long do they last, how severe are they, what problems are they causing in your life. I also believe that other aspects of your life are an important part of the “big picture”, for example, your support system, your environment, and your job. I will explore some of those areas with you, to the degree that you are comfortable.

At the end of the visit, I will discuss with you what I think is going on. I will discuss the various treatment options. If any medications are recommended, I will explain the risks and benefits and why I think it may help you.

How can I prepare for the first visit?

You do not have to do anything special to prepare for the visit. You may want to write down any questions you would like me to answer, as you may forget them during the session. Please come 30 minutes prior to the initial visit to fill out some basic paperwork. Also, please bring all your pill bottles of the medications that you are currently taking.

When are medications needed to treat my condition ?

Each person has his/her individual circumstance. Whether or not medication would be helpful will depend on many factors that you and I will discuss. For example, it will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how much they are interfering with your areas of functioning (work, relationship, family, school).

How often will I have to return to see the psychiatrist?

Assuming you will be taking medication, the medication should be monitored more closely at the beginning to make sure you are not experiencing uncomfortable side effects. At first, depending on how well the medication works for you, the follow-up visits may be every two weeks. When your symptoms are well controlled, we can consider meeting less frequently. Many of my patients return for a visit once every 1 to 3 months if they are doing well on their medication.

How do I find the right psychiatrist for me?

The bottom line is really whether or not you feel the psychiatrist cares about you and listens to you. You should trust your instincts. There are a couple of key points to keep in mind. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you feel the psychiatrist is listening to you?
2. Do you feel the psychiatrist is compassionate?
3. Does the psychiatrist keep up with the most recent literature?
4. Does the psychiatrist explain to you the diagnosis that you have been given?
5. Does the psychiatrist explain the rationale why a certain treatment was chosen?
6. Does the psychiatrist take the time to explain the benefits and risk of the treatment?
7. Does the psychiatrist give you a chance to ask your questions?
8. Do you feel comfortable with the psychiatrist?
9. Does the psychiatrist return your calls in a prompt manner?
10. When you have concerns, does the psychiatrist address them?
11. Does the psychiatrist keep you waiting for an unreasonable amount of time?

What about payment information?

All payments are due at time of appointment. My office does not participate in insurance plans. I will provide you with a "superbill" which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Many of my patients are getting reimbursed 20-60% of the office visit. Please check with your insurance company to see what their policy is on reimbursement.

Payments can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard. I do not participate in or bill any insurance plans because I believe:

1. They often interfere with patient care issues.


2. They often take up a lot of my time filling out paperwork to justify medication regimens and treatment, which takes time away from direct patient care.


3. Insurance companies may share your personal psychiatric information with other organizations.


4. They may dictate which medication(s) they are willing to pay for, which may not be the best option for you, but the cheapest option for them.