Frequent Asked Questions

Scheduling Your AppointmentScheduling and new patient intake forms are completed online via Headway and typically take 20–30 minutes. For the best experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer rather than a mobile device.Before you begin, please have the following available:A valid photo ID for the patient (or parent/guardian if applicable)Insurance cardAny relevant medication, medical records, laboratory results, or previous psychiatric evaluations that you would like your provider to reviewA valid credit or debit card is required to be kept securely on file before your first appointment. Your card will be charged only for patient-authorized balances or in accordance with our practice policies, including applicable late cancellation, no-show, or administrative fees, when appropriate.Completed intake forms are required within 48 hours of requesting an initial appointment. Failure to complete the required paperwork within this timeframe may result in your appointment being canceled or rescheduled to allow adequate time for review before your visit.Need Assistance? We are committed to making our practice accessible to everyone. If completing the online Headway intake forms is difficult for any reason, or if you would prefer a printable PDF version to complete and return by secure email, fax, or another approved method, please contact us at hello@yosemitepsychiatry.com. We are happy to discuss reasonable accommodations and will do our best to meet your accessibility needs whenever possible.Your Initial ConsultationYour first appointment typically lasts 75 minutes and is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of your mental health concerns, medical history, current symptoms, medications, lifestyle, sleep, relationships, strengths, and treatment goals.This visit may include:A comprehensive psychiatric evaluationDiscussion of your concerns and goalsReview of previous treatments, medications and historyDiagnostic impressionsPersonalized treatment recommendationsEducation about your diagnosis and treatment optionsDevelopment of a collaborative care plan, which may include medication, supportive therapy, lifestyle recommendations, referrals, or other evidence-based treatments tailored to your needsPlease note that your initial appointment is a consultation and does not automatically establish a provider-patient relationship. During this visit, you and your provider will discuss your concerns, review treatment recommendations, and determine if they are a right fit for your needs. If you and your provider mutually agree on a treatment plan and ongoing care, a therapeutic provider-patient relationship will be established.Psychiatric care is often longitudinal, meaning that understanding your mental health develops over time. A diagnosis, medication, or prescription may not be provided during the initial consultation. In some cases, additional information, such as prior medical records, laboratory results, collateral information, or one or more follow-up visits, is needed before an accurate diagnosis or safe treatment recommendations can be made. Our goal is to provide safe, thoughtful, evidence-based care rather than rushing to a diagnosis or prescribing medication before it is clinically appropriate.Healing Is a JourneySeeking help is an important first step, and we are honored to be part of your journey. Meaningful improvement rarely happens overnight. Mental health treatment is a collaborative process, and lasting change often develops over months, not after one or two appointments.Talking about your mental health, relationships, or past experiences can sometimes feel uncomfortable or emotionally challenging. These feelings are a normal part of the healing process. You are never expected to share more than you feel ready to discuss, and we will move at a pace that feels safe, respectful, and supportive.Privacy & Online SchedulingFor your convenience, online scheduling and payment services are provided through secure third-party platforms, including Headway. Information you submit (such as your name, contact information, and payment details) may be processed within the scope of each company's privacy policy.

New patient psychiatric consultations are $230 and typically last 75 minutes. This fee includes not only the appointment itself, but also the provider's preparation time, which often exceeds 2 hours reviewing medical records, questionnaires, medications, and other relevant clinical information before your visit.Follow-up appointments are $180 and are billed based on the services provided and clinician time. Most follow-up visits last 16–30 minutes.Routine refill requests, scheduling questions, and brief portal messages requiring less than 5 minutes of clinician time are provided at no additional charge. Requests requiring more than 5 minutes—including extensive secure messaging, phone consultations, prior authorizations, disability or FMLA paperwork, forms, letters, record reviews, or complex medication management outside of a scheduled visit—may be billed in 15-minute increments at $290 per hour or may require a follow-up appointment. Fees will be discussed whenever possible before services are provided.Payment is due at the time services are rendered. If a balance remains unpaid, a courtesy reminder will be sent after 30 days, a final reminder after 60 days, and unpaid balances may be referred to a collections agency. Any outstanding balance must be paid in full before future appointments can be scheduled or completed.If we are out of network with your insurance plan, we can provide a superbill upon request. A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes your diagnosis, services provided, billing codes, and provider information, that you may submit to your insurance company to request reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, and reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.Yosemite Psychiatry & Wellness are currently working to become in-network with major insurance plan at this time and appreciate your patience during the credentialing process. If you have questions about insurance, fees or billing, please contact us at hello@yosemitepsychiatry.com.

To provide the highest quality patient care and protect your privacy, Yosemite Psychiatry & Wellness is a phone-free practice. The best way to reach us is through your secure patient portal or by email at hello@yosemitepsychiatry.com. This allows us to spend more time caring for patients, maintain accurate documentation, and respond thoughtfully to your questions. All non-urgent communication for current patients should be sent through our secure patient portal, where messages become part of your confidential medical record. Portal messages are intended for non-urgent questions, such as medication refill requests, brief follow-up questions, or appointment-related concerns. Please allow up to 3-5 business days for a response. Messages are reviewed during regular business hours and are not monitored evenings, weekends, or holidays.If you would prefer to speak by phone, you may request a phone call through the patient portal or by email, with a brief description of your needs, and we will gladly call you if appropriate.If your concern requires medical decision-making beyond a brief message, you may be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment. Administrative requests such as forms, letters, or disability paperwork may require additional processing time and may be subject to applicable fees.If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or call or text 988 if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental health crisis, or need immediate support. If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

Yosemite Psychiatry & Wellness provides secure telepsychiatry services to patients throughout California, via Headway, allowing you to receive high-quality psychiatric care from the comfort and privacy of your home.While telehealth is an effective and convenient option for many patients, it does have certain limitations. For example, some aspects of a physical examination cannot be performed remotely, and federal or state regulations may affect the prescribing of certain controlled medications. When clinically appropriate, laboratory testing, or coordination with your primary care provider may be recommended.In-person appointments is currently on waitlist for select patients in the Mariposa, Ahwahnee, Oakhurst, and Coarsegold region. If you are interested in being added to the in-person waitlist, please email hello@yosemitepsychiatry.com with your name and a brief description of your needs. We will contact you as appointments become available. We look forward to expanding in-person availability as our practice grows.We are excited to expand telepsychiatry services to Oregon and Arizona in Winter 2026.

We understand that unexpected events happen. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 48 hours' notice whenever possible. Appointments that are canceled with less than 48 hours' notice or missed without notice (no-shows) may be charged $100 directly to your credit card on file, since it is not covered by any insurance plan. We would like to provide you with outstanding service. Repeated late cancellations or no-shows may interfere with your continuity of care. Patients who have two or more missed appointments or repeated late cancellations may be asked to schedule same-day appointments when available, pay a deposit before future appointments, or may be discharged from the practice if non-compliance concerns continue.If an emergency or unforeseen circumstance prevents you from attending your appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible. We review these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, when appropriate and with your written authorization, if required by law. Attorney consultations, record review, letters, reports, depositions, court appearances, and other legal services are not part of routine clinical care, and are generally not covered by insurance. They are billed separately at $500/hour, with a 2-hour minimum for depositions. Payment is required in advance.

Controlled prescription medications can be dangerous and are subject to federal and state laws as well as standard-of-care prescribing practices. If medications are not used carefully, the patient can have side effects, become addicted to them, or overdose on them. An overdose can cause death. Because of these dangers, it is important for the patient or guardian to understand the rules for using these medicines. This document describes our policy for prescribing these medicines and what your role is to keep yourself safe and get the best results if you or your child use controlled medications.The risks, side effects, benefits of, and alternatives to the controlled substance medicines have been explained to the patient or guardian and he/she has had all questions answered.Prescriptions medicines are prescribed to help with function. If the patient’s activity level or general function get worse, we will change or stop the medicines.Medicines are only part of an effective treatment plan.  The patient will also participate in other treatments that the provider recommends, such as psychotherapy and/or physical therapy.Controlled substance medicines are to only be taken as prescribed. The patient will not change how he/she takes these medicines without first talking to the prescriber.  Controlled substance medicines must be kept in a safe place AND away from children (except as prescribed).Controlled substance medicines may only be filled from the provider on the care team and from the same pharmacy.  It is the patient or guardian’s responsibility to report any changes to the prescriber. Other health care provider(s) the patient sees must be informed that the patient is taking controlled substance medicines.The patient may not get controlled substances from other clinics or Emergency Rooms. If the patient is prescribed controlled substances from another provider for other reasons he/she will tell the provider here.The patient must make follow-up appointments as directed and will not miss appointments. I understand prescription refills cannot be handled over the phone, email, or other remote means.  In general, monthly follow-up will be required for the first six months or any time a dose change is needed.  No controlled medications will be prescribed beyond 3 months from the most recent visit.No extra or early refills will be issued for any reason including if the controlled substance medicines are lost or stolen.Medications may not be combined with alcohol illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines) or with any controlled substances my provider did not prescribe for me.The patient may not share, sell, or trade controlled substance medicines with anyone. Urine or blood may be checked to see what drugs the patient is taking at any time.The patient must agree to bring medicines to clinic if asked to do so.  If there is reason to believe the patient has engaged in illegal activity, the prescriber may notify the proper authorities.The provider may contact other health care providers or pharmacists involved in care to discuss progress and share information about this agreement.I understand that if I (or my child) do not follow the agreement above, I (or my child) may no longer receive controlled substance medicines.

...

Yosemite Psychiatry & Wellness prescribes Schedule II stimulant medications (such as Adderall®, Vyvanse®, Ritalin®, Concerta®, Focalin®, and Dexmethylphenidate®)...