Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, I am currently in-network with several major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross California, and Blue Shield of California.

    My private pay option is also available for those who are out-of-network.

  • I offer both virtual and in-person appointments located in Irvine, CA. Our initial evaluation will be conducted in person. After our first meeting, we will decide together on the best format for future sessions—whether in-person, virtual, or a blend of both—based on your specific clinical needs.

  • Payments for my practice are handled through a secure, HIPAA-compliant systems. Accepted payments include major credit cards, health savings accounts, and ACH bank transfers.

  • This free 15-minute introductory call is a chance for us to get to know each other. I’ll ask about your concerns and what kind of support you're seeking. You can also ask me questions about my approach and services. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule an initial assessment.

  • If this call is on behalf of a child or teen, I will typically speak with a parent or caregiver during the initial call. If you're reaching out as a young adult, we can speak directly.

  • Yes. For patients under 18, I view our work as a partnership between the patient, the family, and myself. For this reason, I require a parent or legal guardian to be present for at least a portion of each appointment.

    This collaborative approach ensures we can work together on treatment goals, discuss progress, and make any necessary medication decisions as a team.

  • Absolutely. I believe that supporting a child or teen also means supporting their family system.

    Family involvement can look different depending on your family's needs. This can range from regular parent check-ins during appointments to more structured family therapy sessions focused on improving communication and relationships.

    We will work together to determine the level of family involvement that will be most helpful for your child's success.

  • Yes, I do. I believe that the best care is often collaborative. If you or your child already has a therapist, I am happy to partner with them to ensure our approaches are aligned. My role as the psychiatrist is to provide diagnostic clarity and manage medication, which complements the excellent work your therapist is doing. With your permission, I will communicate regularly with your therapist to coordinate our treatment plan.

  • Yes, I work with children from divorced or separated families.

    My primary goal is to ensure your child receives consistent, coordinated care. To achieve this in a co-parenting situation, my policy requires the following:

    • Consent from All Legal Guardians: Before our first appointment, I must have a signed consent for treatment from all parents or legal guardians who have the right to make medical decisions for the child. A copy of the current custody agreement is also required to be kept in your child's chart.

    • Collaborative Communication: While I understand that co-parenting can be challenging, my role is to focus on your child's well-being. This requires a commitment from all parents to communicate respectfully regarding your child's care.

    This structure ensures that we can all work together effectively in the best interest of your child.

  • My primary focus is on understanding and treating the whole person. I work with children, teens, and young adults facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. While every individual is unique, I have particular expertise in helping those navigating:

    • Depression and Mood Disorders, including Bipolar Disorder

    • Anxiety, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Trauma and Stress-Related conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Psychotic Disorders, including Schizophrenia

    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Neurodevelopmental differences, including Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Some of the primary approaches I use include:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): To build skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships.

    • Exposure Therapy: To gently and gradually face fears in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

    • Motivational Interviewing: A collaborative approach to help find and build motivation for change.

    • Play Therapy: Using a child's natural language of play to explore feelings and solve problems.

    • Trauma-Informed Therapy: An approach that recognizes and responds to the impact of traumatic experiences.

    • Attachment-Based Therapy: To strengthen the bond and improve security between children and their caregivers.

    • Psychodynamic Therapy: To explore how past experiences may be influencing present feelings and behaviors.