Common questions

You can get the process started by booking an evaluation through our online scheduling portal. We'll guide you through intake paperwork and match you with an appointment time that works for you.

We believe strongly in the power of human connection in the healing process and work hard to balance medication management with psychotherapy and lifestyle guidance. We also take accurate diagnosis seriously, spending significant time on history-taking and patient education about symptom patterns.

We incorporate therapeutic techniques into every visit, including CBT, DBT, supportive psychotherapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Due to the medication-focused nature of psychiatry appointments, we strongly recommend seeing a dedicated therapist alongside psychiatric care for comprehensive support.

Many psychiatrists in private practice choose not to accept insurance to provide care that is more individualized and adaptive to each patient's needs. Insurance plans often restrict appointment frequency and treatment options. At your request, we can provide a superbill for potential reimbursement.

Certain conditions require close in-person and medically collaborative care that are not a good fit for the virtual model, including active eating disorders and active substance use disorders.

Dr. Appleby does prescribe controlled substances when clinically appropriate, following all applicable regulations and best practices for safe prescribing in a telehealth setting.

Yes. All appointments are conducted via secure video, and patients may be located anywhere in California at the time of their visit.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy. A therapist (psychologist, LCSW, LMFT) provides talk therapy but cannot prescribe medication. Many patients benefit from seeing both.