Office Policies & Practice Information

Lifetime Insight – Office Policies

The following policies outline important information regarding appointments, fees, prescriptions, communication, and patient expectations. These policies help ensure clarity, efficiency, and high-quality care for all patients.

Telehealth & Treatment Consent

Lifetime Insight provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment via secure telehealth platforms. Services may include diagnostic evaluation, psychotherapy, and medication management when clinically appropriate.

Telehealth uses secure systems to protect confidentiality; however, as with any electronic communication, there are inherent risks such as technical disruptions or unauthorized access. Telehealth is not a substitute for emergency care.

Patients may withdraw consent for treatment at any time.

Appointments & Visit Structure

All visits are conducted via telehealth unless an in-person evaluation is clinically required.

• Initial evaluations: approximately 55 minutes

• Follow-up visits: 10–45 minutes depending on clinical need

• Patients must be seen at least once every 3 months for ongoing care

Fees & Self-Pay Rates

Lifetime Insight operates as a private pay practice.

Current rates:

• Initial Psychiatric Evaluation (55 min): $495

• Psychotherapy (55 min): $495

• Extended Visit (45 min): $425

• Extended Medication Follow-Up (up to 25 min): $320

• Brief Medication Follow-Up (up to 15 min): $235

Payment is due in full at the time of service. A valid credit card must remain on file by filling out this form.

Superbills can be provided for patients seeking out-of-network reimbursement.

Insurance Policy

Patients are responsible for notifying the practice of any insurance changes.

If insurance denies coverage due to deductible, coinsurance, mental health carve-outs, or out-of-network status, the patient is responsible for self-pay rates.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy

We require at least 24 business hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Late cancellations or missed appointments are charged as follows:

• 45–55 min visits: $425

• 25 min visits: $250

• 15 min visits: $175

Late arrivals exceeding:

• 5 minutes for 15-minute visits

• 10 minutes for longer visits

may be considered no-shows.

Fees are automatically charged to the card on file.

Non-Covered & Administrative Services

Certain services are not covered by insurance and are billed directly at $495/hour (prorated), including:

• Letters for schools, housing, or employers

• Disability paperwork

• Forms or reports outside scheduled visits

• Phone calls exceeding 5 minutes

Disability paperwork is only considered after an established treatment history and at physician discretion.

The practice does not provide documentation for Emotional Support Animals (ESA) or California state disability claims.

Prescription & Controlled Substance Policy

Patients must disclose all medications and supplements to avoid interactions.

Refills:

• Processed within 2–3 business days

• Not guaranteed urgently

Controlled medications (e.g., stimulants, benzodiazepines, sleep agents):

• Require regular follow-up visits

• May require urine drug screening or pill counts

• Must be filled in the patient’s home state unless pre-approved

Lost or stolen prescriptions require a police report.

Undisclosed prescribing from other providers may result in dismissal.

Communication Policy

Routine communication occurs through the secure patient portal.

Text messaging may be used for scheduling support but is not HIPAA-secure.

Responses to messages or calls typically occur within one business day.

This practice does not provide emergency services.

If you are in crisis, call 988, go to your nearest emergency department, or dial 911.

Behavior & Practice Termination

Respectful communication is required at all times.

Patients may be discharged from the practice for:

• Repeated no-shows or cancellations

• Outstanding balances

• Inappropriate behavior

• Failure to maintain follow-up care

• Breakdown of therapeutic relationship

When possible, patients will receive notice and assistance with care transition.

Policy Updates

Office policies may be updated periodically. The most recently signed agreement governs active care.