FAQs
Getting Started
Many individuals seek psychiatric care when symptoms feel overwhelming, persistent, or difficult to manage and begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, or work. Care may also be helpful when symptoms have not improved with prior treatment or when a clearer understanding of concerns is needed. A diagnosis or crisis is not required to seek care.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in mental health. Psychiatrists evaluate emotional and psychological concerns within a medical and biological framework, diagnose psychiatric conditions, and recommend evidence-based treatments, including medication when appropriate. Some psychiatrists also incorporate psychotherapy (talk therapy). The structure and approach to care is discussed during the initial evaluation.
A geriatric psychiatrist is a physician with specialized training in the mental health care of older adults. This specialty focuses on the complex interaction between the aging brain, physical health, and emotional well-being. In later life, psychiatric symptoms may overlap with memory changes, medical conditions, and medication side effects. Care therefore emphasizes thoughtful diagnosis, conservative use of medications, attention to safety and daily functioning, and coordination with other providers. The goal of treatment is not only relief of symptoms, but also preservation of independence, cognitive health, and overall quality of life.
No. A diagnosis or referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
Private psychiatric care allows for more individualized attention, longer visits, and continuity with the same physician over time. Treatment decisions are guided by clinical judgment and individual needs rather than insurance restrictions. Because services are not billed to insurance, treatment information is not shared with third-party payers. While not the right fit for everyone, many patients value the privacy, continuity, and depth of care this model provides and consider it worth the investment.
Choosing psychiatric care is a highly personal decision. The initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, review your goals, and determine together whether this practice is an appropriate match for your needs.
You may begin by scheduling a free 15-minute introductory phone call here. This brief conversation offers an opportunity to ask questions and discuss goals, logistics, and next steps. Clinical evaluation or treatment is not provided during this call.
Appointments & Scheduling
No. All visits are conducted via telehealth.
Yes, virtual appointments are available for patients physically located in California, Ohio, Utah and Washington at the time of the visit.
There are limited evening and weekend appointments available.
The frequency and total number of appointments needed varies based on clinical needs and treatment goals. Some people find that a few visits are sufficient, while others benefit from ongoing follow-up over a longer period of time. There is no obligation to continue care beyond any individual appointment and treatment decisions are always collaborative.
Follow-up visits are often more frequent early in treatment (approximately every 1-3 weeks) and may become less frequent as symptoms improve (approximately every 2-4 months). Once you are stable, periodic check-ins may occur once or twice per year.
That is completely acceptable. The psychiatrist’s role is to provide guidance and discuss available treatment options, which may include psychotherapy, lifestyle approaches, medication, or a combination, depending on your preferences and clinical needs.
The initial appointment involves a comprehensive discussion of your concerns, relevant medical and personal history, and treatment goals. At the end of the visit, recommendations and next steps are reviewed collaboratively.
Prior to your first appointment, you will receive a new patient packet by email. Please review and complete the forms in advance. Prior records may also be submitted in advance for review before the appointment. It can also be helpful to write down any symptoms, concerns, or goals you would like to discuss and bring this with you to your appointment.
Appointments require at least 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule. Monday appointments must be canceled by 12PM on the preceding Friday. If you no-show or provide less than 24-hour notice, you will be subject to a cancellation fee.
Late arrivals will be seen for the remaining scheduled time and the full session fee still applies.
Fees & Insurance
This is a private pay practice and does not participate with any insurance plans. Dr. Purganan is considered an out-of-network provider. However, some insurance plans may reimburse a portion of fees paid to out-of-network providers. Upon request, we can provide a “superbill” (a detailed receipt) after each visit, which you may submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
It is your responsibility to understand your insurance benefits. Please contact your insurance company before your first appointment to verify whether your plan includes out-of-network coverage and to determine any applicable deductibles.
Yes, upon request, we can provide you with a “superbill” (a detailed receipt) for each visit that can be submitted by you to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
Third-party services (e.g., Reimbursify) may assist you with submitting out-of-network claims, depending on your insurance carrier. You are responsible for contacting your insurance company to verify your out-of-network benefits.
Unfortunately, due to federal and state regulations, Dr. Purganan is unable to see patients enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or Medi-Cal even if they wish to pay privately. Patients enrolled in these plans are encouraged to seek care from providers who participate in their insurance networks.
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex) and debit cards are accepted. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. All patients are required to maintain a valid credit card on file.
Please refer to the Fee Policies page for an overview of charges. A detailed fee schedule is included in the new patient packet and may also be requested separately.
Certain services provided outside of scheduled visits—such as completing forms, writing letters or reports, extended communication, or coordination of care—may incur additional fees. These charges are discussed in advance whenever possible.
Please refer to the Fee Policies page for an overview of charges. A detailed fee schedule is included in the new patient packet and may also be requested separately.
Yes. Under the No Surprises Act, self-pay patients have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost prior to services. Bills exceeding the estimate by $400 or more may be disputed. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at 1-800-985-3059.
Scope of Care
No. This practice does not provide emergency or urgent psychiatric care. This clinic is not equipped to provide 24/7 on-call availability or immediate same-day crisis intervention.
If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency such as uncontrollable thoughts of harming yourself or others, severe medication side effects, or any condition requiring immediate attention – Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.If you are in emotional distress or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, you may contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, available 24/7.
This practice offers outpatient psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for adults, including medication management and psychotherapy when appropriate.
Yes. Psychotherapy is offered as part of comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care. Depending on your needs, visits may focus on medication management, psychotherapy, or both. Some patients may also choose to work with separate providers for psychotherapy and medication management.
Care is provided to adults age 18 and older.
The practice does not provide emergency care, forensic evaluations, disability determinations, court-ordered treatment, intensive substance use programs, couples or family therapy, case management, or ongoing prescribing of controlled substances.
The duration of treatment varies by individual. Care may conclude when goals are met, treatment is no longer clinically appropriate, or for other reasons outlined in practice policies. When possible, this is discussed collaboratively and with appropriate notice.
Communication & Privacy
Non-urgent messages may be sent through the patient portal. You can also call the office if your concerns are more time-sensitive. Messages are reviewed during normal business hours only. Please allow up to three business days for a response. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 988, 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.
Please note that clinical concerns are best addressed during scheduled appointments, when adequate time is available for a thorough discussion. While we encourage you to reach out when necessary, extended phone calls or email exchanges between visits that require more than five minutes of clinical time may incur additional charges. Please refer to the Insurance and Fee Policies page for further details.
Messages are reviewed during regular business hours. Please allow up to three business days for a response. Messages are not continuously monitored, and electronic communication should not be used for urgent or time-sensitive concerns.
Refills and medication changes are typically addressed during scheduled appointments. Refill requests should be submitted during business hours and at least three business days before medication is needed. Refills cannot be guaranteed for patients who have missed recommended follow-up appointments. Certain medications may require an appointment prior to renewal.
Yes. Information shared during psychiatric care is confidential and protected by privacy laws. Personal information is not disclosed without permission, except in limited situations as required by law.
These situations may include serious concerns about safety, such as an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult. In these circumstances, information may need to be shared with appropriate parties to help ensure safety. More details about how personal information is handled are available in the Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices.
Communication with family members or other third parties requires the patient’s written authorization, except when disclosure is required or permitted by law.
Website contact forms are intended for general inquiries only and should not be used to send confidential medical or mental health information.
The patient portal, however, is designed for secure communication. Additional information is available in the Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices.
Telehealth
Telehealth services are available to patients located in California, Ohio, Utah, and Washington. Patients are responsible for ensuring they are physically located in a state where Dr. Purganan is licensed at the time of each appointment.
You’ll need a device with a camera and microphone—such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer—along with a reliable internet connection.
It’s also important to be in a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly and won’t be interrupted. Headphones can be helpful but aren’t required.
Before your first appointment, you’ll receive instructions via email for joining the secure video platform, and no special software is typically needed.
Attempt to reconnect by using the original link. If the problem continues, switching devices or moving closer to your internet router can help. If needed, the visit may be completed by phone when appropriate.
For many patients, telehealth is comparable to in-person care because psychiatric treatment relies primarily on conversation and ongoing follow-up which can be conducted effectively through a secure video platform. Research and clinical experience have shown that many patients are able to engage meaningfully in care and make progress through telehealth. Some people also find telehealth more convenient and comfortable, as it allows them to participate from a familiar environment and reduces travel time.