Question 1

Where does Dr. Bhavsar see patients?

Accepted Answer

LA Psychiatry Services is Dr Bhavsar’s  primary private practice. His practice is not affiliated with another group.

Question 2

How do I know if I need to see a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

This is a very personal decision that is entirely up to you. If you have been suffering from any of the mental illness conditions, it may be a good idea to seek help from a psychiatrist who is able to prescribed the medication needed to treat your condition.

Question 3

How long is my treatment?

Accepted Answer

This is a personal decision that is entirely up to you. If you are on psychiatric medications however, it is important that you do see your psychiatrist on a monthly basis to determine stability on your current medications.

Question 4

I already have a therapist that I see on a regular basis. Can I see Dr. Bhavsar for medication management check-ups only?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are currently under a care of a therapist, Dr. Bhavsar will work with your therapist in order to discuss and ensure that you get the treatment care you need.
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Question 5

Do your patients get better?

Accepted Answer

Yes, results varies from each individual and the majority of patients who follow Dr. Bhavsar prescribed medication as instructed will notice improvement in their condition over time.​​​

Question 6

Will I get appointment reminders?

Accepted Answer

Appointment reminder is available via phone call 2 days prior to your scheduled appointment.

Question 7

What is the difference between Psychiatrist and Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to aid in mental health symptoms.  It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication, prescribed by a psychiatrist, and therapy is the right course of action.

When seeing a therapist, patients are often seen more frequently and for longer durations than when seeing a psychiatrist.  Therapists, on average, see patients once a week for 45 minutes (although patients may be seen more or less frequently depending on the therapist's recommendation).  A psychiatrist will perform an initial assessment of the patient, which takes about 45 minutes, and then, on average, has the patient return every 4-8 weeks for a follow up appointment lasting about 15 minutes to discuss their progress with their medication and the continued management of symptoms.  The psychiatrist may have the client return more frequently, particularly when adjusting to new medications, or less frequently, once a homeostasis with medication and symptoms has been achieved.  It is important to maintain contact and regular visits with your psychiatrist and it is strongly encouraged that time between medication management visits does not exceed 90 days.  If a patient exceeds this time frame, the psychiatrist may determine that a new assessment needs to be performed in order to maintain proper care for the patient.​

Question 8

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
 
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.​

Question 9

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, LA Psychiatry Services take  major health insurances.  Although we accept most insurances, not every provider is contracted with every insurance.  If there is a specific provider you are seeking, contact the office or your insurance to determine if they are within your mental health network.

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:
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What are my outpatient mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Question 10

What insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Please call your insurance plan to verify eligibility.

Anthem Blue Shield and Blue Cross (PPOs and HMOs)
Aetna
Cigna
United Health Care
Medicare
Tricare Prime
Optum Behavioral Health

Question 11

What are the patient's payment responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Payment for services rendered is due in full at the time of service.
All co-pay, co-insurance and deductible are due in full at the time of service.

Question 12

What are the Cash Rates?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatry: $250 for the initial assessment (45 minutes) and $100 for follow up session (approximately 15 minutes). If a patient exceeds 6 months in between sessions, another intensive initial assessment will need to be performed and is subject to a $250 reassessment fee.

Question 13

Do you offer Reduced Fees?

Accepted Answer

Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis.  Reduced fees are only approved by the clinician.  The $250 initial assessment fee may not be reduced.

Question 14

What are the accepted payment methods?

Accepted Answer

Cash, Mastercard and Visa are accepted for payment.

Question 15

What is the Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay a late cancelation/no show fee of $50. This fee is expected in full, at your next visit.

LA PSYCHIATRY SERVICES

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