Frequently Asked Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. I am currently accepting new patients in my St. Louis practice.

I also maintain a practice in San Francisco, but I am not currently accepting new patients there.

What ages do you treat?

I treat adults age 18 and older.

Where is your St. Louis office?

My St. Louis office is located at:

230 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 1213
Clayton, MO 63105

Phone: 415-820-1477

Do you specialize in women's mental health?

Yes. Women's mental health is an area of specialization in my psychiatric practice.

I received specialized training in Women's Mental Health at UCSF and was the first graduate of the UCSF Women's Mental Health Focus Track after working with a committee to create the track.

My areas of specialization include planning for pregnancy, pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, adjustment to becoming a mother, and the perimenopausal transition.

Do you work with women during pregnancy and postpartum?

Yes. I specialize in working with women who are planning for pregnancy, are pregnant, or are in the postpartum period.

My areas of specialization include postpartum depression and anxiety as well as adjustment to becoming a mother.

Do you work with women during perimenopause?

Yes. The perimenopausal transition is one of my areas of specialization within women's mental health.

I received specialized training in Women's Mental Health at UCSF and have continued to deepen my knowledge in this area through many hours of continuing medical education focused specifically on perimenopause.

As a psychiatrist, I am trained to assess emotional concerns from both psychological and medical perspectives. Depending upon the individual, treatment may include psychotherapy and, when indicated, medication management.

Do you provide both psychotherapy and medication management?

Yes. I provide psychotherapy and, when indicated, medication management.

As a psychiatrist, I am trained to assess emotional concerns from both psychological and medical perspectives. Treatment is collaborative and individualized.

Do I have to take medication if I see you?

No. Medication is not automatically part of treatment.

My practice includes psychotherapy and, when indicated, medication management. The appropriate treatment depends upon the individual patient and is something we consider collaboratively.

Do you offer telehealth appointments?

Yes. I offer telehealth appointments when necessary for patients in Missouri and California.

For patients in my St. Louis practice, the default is to meet in person at my office in Clayton.

Do you accept health insurance?

I do not accept health insurance and am considered an out-of-network provider.

I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. The amount of reimbursement, if any, depends upon your individual insurance plan.

You may wish to contact your insurance company directly to learn about your out-of-network mental health benefits.

Can I submit claims to my health insurance company for reimbursement?

I do not participate with insurance plans. Payment is due at the time of service. I provide patients with a superbill that they may submit to their insurance company for possible reimbursement under their out-of-network benefits. Patients who would like assistance submitting claims may choose to use a third-party service such as Reimbursify. Use of Reimbursify is entirely optional and is arranged directly between the patient and Reimbursify. My practice is not affiliated with Reimbursify and does not submit or manage insurance claims on patients’ behalf.

What conditions do you treat?

My areas of specialization include women's mental health, planning for pregnancy, pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, adjustment to becoming a mother, the perimenopausal transition, depression and sadness, bipolar disorder, anxiety and stress, ADHD, and loss and grief.

What is your approach to psychiatric treatment?

I consider emotional concerns from both psychological and medical perspectives.

I believe it is important that you feel comfortable with and trust your psychiatrist. Sometimes you can determine whether the relationship feels like a good fit during the first session, while at other times it may take several sessions.

If we choose to work together, treatment is collaborative.

Will you communicate with my other doctors or therapist?

Yes, when appropriate and with your written consent.

I can collaborate with your other physicians, previous mental health professionals, and/or members of your personal support system to help ensure a safe treatment approach.

Where did you complete your medical and psychiatry training?

I earned my medical degree at UCSF, where I also completed my internship and residency training in psychiatry.

I received specialized training in Women's Mental Health at UCSF and was the first graduate of the UCSF Women's Mental Health Focus Track after working with a committee to create the track.

Are you board certified?

Yes. I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist.

Are you licensed in Missouri and California?

Yes. I am licensed to practice medicine in both Missouri and California.

I am currently accepting new patients in St. Louis. I continue to maintain a practice in San Francisco but am not currently accepting new patients there.