Office Policies

Emergency & Crisis Procedures are outlined on the "Emergencies" tab at the top of the website.  If you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency please call 911 or go to your closest Emergency Room. 

Currently all appointments will need to be scheduled by calling our office at 916-299-7244.

We understand that life's unexpected events may necessitate rescheduling appointments. Out of consideration for others who may be waiting for an appointment, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

• For cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, a cancellation fee will apply:
  • $50 for a 25-minute established patient visit
  • $100 for a 45-minute established patient visit
  • $125 for a 75-minute new patient appointment visit

To avoid a cancellation fee, please ensure you reach our office personnel directly or leave a message on our secure voicemail system within the specified timeframe.  Our voicemail date and time stamps all messages. Rest assured, all messages will be promptly addressed by the end of the business day or the following morning.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a schedule that benefits all our patients.

Payment is due 24 hours prior to the time of service. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit and debit cards. We also accept HSA/FSA cards with the VISA or Mastercard logo that work like a debit card. 

Telemedicine Policy:

Telemedicine, also known as telepsychiatry when used for psychiatric services, allows us to provide care remotely through secure video conferencing technology. Below are the guidelines and expectations for telemedicine appointments:

1. Eligibility: Telemedicine appointments may be suitable for follow-up appointments, medication management, therapy sessions, and initial consultations when appropriate.
2. Technology Requirements: Patients must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera, microphone, and internet connection capable of supporting video conferencing. It is the patient's responsibility to ensure their technology meets these requirements.
3. Appointment Scheduling: Telemedicine appointments can be scheduled through our office just like in-person appointments. You will receive instructions on how to access the virtual session.
4. Privacy and Security: We use HIPAA-compliant telemedicine platforms to ensure the privacy and security of your health information during virtual appointments. It is important to find a private and quiet location for your telemedicine session to protect confidentiality.
5. Informed Consent: By participating in a telemedicine appointment, you consent to the use of this technology for your medical care. You understand that there are potential risks to privacy despite our best efforts to secure your information.
6. Technical Issues: If technical difficulties arise that prevent a successful telemedicine session, we will make every effort to resolve the issue promptly. In some cases, we may need to convert the appointment to a phone call or reschedule for another time.
7. Emergency Situations: Telemedicine appointments may not be appropriate for all medical concerns, especially emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
8. Patient Responsibilities: Please be punctual for your telemedicine appointments and notify us promptly if you need to cancel or reschedule. Ensure you are in a suitable environment where you can freely discuss your health concerns without interruption.
9. Feedback and Concerns: Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any concerns or feedback regarding your telemedicine experience, please let us know so we can continue to improve our services.

At Brain Garden Psychiatry, we prioritize safe and effective medication management. Please review the following policies regarding medications:

1. Medication Refills: Medications are typically refilled during scheduled office visits. We do not fill or refill medications after office hours, or on weekends or holidays. Please plan ahead to ensure you have an adequate supply of medications.
2. Emergency Situations: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please refer to the Emergencies tab on this website, dial 911, or visit your local emergency room immediately.
3. Controlled Substances: In general, I do not prescribe controlled substances. However, if deemed necessary and appropriate for short durations, a controlled medications contract may be required for certain patients.
4. ADHD Treatment: While I provide treatment for ADHD, I do not prescribe stimulant medications such as Aderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse. Alternative treatment options will be discussed and recommended based on your individual needs.
5. Prescription Policy: Prescription requests and changes to medications should be discussed during office visits to ensure optimal care and monitoring.
6. Insurance Coverage: It is important for you  to verify your insurance coverage for prescription medications and any restrictions that may apply.

Accessibility Statement:

At Brain Garden Psychiatry , we are committed to providing accessible mental health care to all patients. Our practice primarily offers telemedicine appointments, allowing you to receive quality care from the comfort of your own home. We understand the importance of accessibility and strive to accommodate patients with diverse needs.

In-Office Visits:For patients requiring in-person visits, we offer limited appointments once a week at our Roseville, CA office. Our office is located on the first floor and is ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities.

Accommodating Other Disabilities:If you have other disabilities that may impact your ability to access our services, please inform us when scheduling your appointment. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to ensure you receive the care you need. This may include:

• Providing additional time for appointments as needed.
• Offering alternative communication methods for patients with hearing or speech impairments.
• Adjusting our telemedicine platforms or practices to accommodate specific needs.

Feedback and Support:Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have specific accessibility needs or suggestions on how we can improve our services, please let us know. We are here to support you in receiving the highest quality of mental health care.

Feedback and Complaints:

At Brain Garden Psychiatry  we value your feedback as it helps us continuously improve our services. Whether you have suggestions for enhancement or concerns about your experience, we encourage you to share them with us.

Providing Feedback:We welcome your feedback on any aspect of your care. Your insights help us understand what is working well and where we can make improvements. Please feel free to reach out to us directly via phone or email, or use our secure online portal to submit feedback at your convenience.

Privacy and Confidentiality:Rest assured, all feedback and complaints are treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect for your privacy. Your identity and personal information will be protected throughout the process.

Continuous Improvement:Your feedback is invaluable in helping us maintain high standards of care. We are dedicated to learning from every interaction and using your input to refine our services for the benefit of all our patients.

At Brain Garden Psychiatry , your health and safety are our top priorities. We have implemented the following COVID-19 protocols to ensure a safe environment for in-person visits:

1. Face Coverings: are welcome if a patient chooses to wear one.  Providers will wear one if they have been exposed to illness otherwise they will not wear a mask unless it is requested by the patient. 
2. Physical Distancing: We practice physical distancing in waiting areas and during interactions whenever there is heightened alert or increase in cases of COVID-19.
3. Sanitization and Hygiene: Hand sanitizing stations are available in the office. High-touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected between appointments..
4. Telemedicine Options: If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or prefer not to come into the office, telemedicine appointments are available as an alternative.
5. Stay Informed: We closely monitor updates and guidelines from local health authorities and the CDC to adapt our protocols as needed.

Illness Policies:

For the health and well-being of all patients and staff, please adhere to the following illness policies when scheduling or attending in-person appointments:

1. Rescheduling for Illness: If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath), please  reschedule your appointment for a later date or consider a telemedicine appointment if appropriate.
2. Recent Illness or Exposure: If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are awaiting COVID-19 test results, or have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, please inform us before your appointment.
3. Feeling Unwell?: If you arrive at our office feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness, please notify us immediately so we can take appropriate precautions.
4. Alternative Care Options: We understand that illness can affect your ability to attend appointments. Please contact us to discuss alternative care options, including telemedicine appointments.

At Brain Garden Psychiatry, we are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all patients and staff. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we ask that you adhere to the following conduct guidelines:

1. Respectful Behavior: Please treat all staff, providers, and fellow patients with courtesy and respect. Verbal or physical abuse, harassment, or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
2. Timeliness: Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointments. If you anticipate being late, notify our office as soon as possible.
3. Communication: Open and honest communication is essential for effective treatment. Please provide accurate information about your medical history, symptoms, and concerns to facilitate proper care.
4. Follow Treatment Plans: Follow the treatment plans and recommendations provided by your provider. If you have questions or concerns about your treatment, discuss them openly with your provider.
5. Compliance with Policies: Adhere to all office policies, including those regarding appointment scheduling, medication refills, and payment.
6. Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of other patients and staff members. Do not discuss or disclose confidential information about other individuals encountered in the practice.
7. Health and Safety: Maintain personal hygiene and adhere to any health and safety guidelines provided by our office, including COVID-19 protocols.
8. Feedback: We value your feedback on our services. If you have suggestions or concerns, please communicate them constructively with our office manager or through our designated feedback channels.
9. Consequences of Misconduct: Violation of this patient conduct policy may result in termination of treatment or other appropriate actions deemed necessary by our practice.
10. Emergency Situations: In case of a medical or psychiatric emergency, follow the appropriate procedures outlined in our emergency protocols or seek immediate assistance from emergency services.

Good Faith Estimate and No Surprises Act:

As part of our commitment to transparency in healthcare pricing, Brain Garden Psychiatry complies with the federal regulations outlined in the Good Faith Estimate and No Surprises Act.

Good Faith Estimate:Before starting treatment, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected costs for your care. This estimate includes:

• The anticipated charges for specific services related to your treatment plan.
• Any expected out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

No Surprises Act: Under the No Surprises Act, you are protected from unexpected medical bills in certain situations, such as emergency care or when receiving treatment from out-of-network providers without prior consent. This legislation ensures that you are informed about potential costs upfront and have the opportunity to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

We are committed to providing clear and understandable cost information to our patients. If you have any questions about your Good Faith Estimate or billing practices, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

Basic lab work initially ordered via Labcorp or Quest is generally covered by your insurance (please contact your insurance provider for specific details). However, more specialized tests utilized by Brain Garden Psychiatry, such as Hair Element Analysis, Comprehensive Stool Analysis, Gut Microbiome testing, Amino Acid Profiles, and others, are typically not covered by traditional insurance plans. You may use your HSA/FSA funds to pay for these tests. Payments for these specialized tests will be invoiced directly by the lab conducting the test.