Carelon Behavioral Health Psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo, CA
![Photo of Srikanth Challagundla, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f772e90f-f675-4973-b426-b2bdb08a38ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked in multiple settings including emergency room, inpatient acute care, detoxification center, drug rehabilitation, outpatient, as well as at a correctional facility. Working in these various settings have exposed me to various psychiatric illnesses in different settings with varying severity. I focused on patient-centric treatment and have realized the importance of patients understanding the illness and making treatment choices based on their complete understanding. I firmly believe that patient’s active participation in the treatment and having good understanding of the illness facilitates good outcomes.
I have worked in multiple settings including emergency room, inpatient acute care, detoxification center, drug rehabilitation, outpatient, as well as at a correctional facility. Working in these various settings have exposed me to various psychiatric illnesses in different settings with varying severity. I focused on patient-centric treatment and have realized the importance of patients understanding the illness and making treatment choices based on their complete understanding. I firmly believe that patient’s active participation in the treatment and having good understanding of the illness facilitates good outcomes.
![Photo of Tami Zorge - The Mindful Lemon , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6da2db4e-4f41-460c-9986-1cfb457f7e51/1/320x400.png)
The Mindful Lemon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
![Photo of Pedro Guimaraes - Central Coast Behavioral Health, Inc , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90d2a3df-6fef-49f5-8ec5-c9f64d77e356/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our group provides medication management and psychotherapy services to a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as; Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Trauma, Substance/Addiction, Personality Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, and other various Mental Health Disorders.
Our group provides medication management and psychotherapy services to a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as; Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Trauma, Substance/Addiction, Personality Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, and other various Mental Health Disorders.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Michael Bolton, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c5761e9-8f97-458e-b9ca-5c5586d4b247/1/320x400.png)
Michael Bolton, M.D., specializes in ADHD. Dr. Bolton received his MD from Yale, his Master's in Health Policy from Harvard, and graduated from the Harvard Medical School/Mass General Hospital (MGH)/McLean Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program. He is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Michael Bolton, M.D., specializes in ADHD. Dr. Bolton received his MD from Yale, his Master's in Health Policy from Harvard, and graduated from the Harvard Medical School/Mass General Hospital (MGH)/McLean Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program. He is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
![Photo of Kosi Obialor, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d4ce552-d2af-4241-9ca3-a5b0f66c3ce9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kosi Obialor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
I have always been drawn to people and their unique stories from a very young age. I love to listen to people and help them better understand their situation. I have always been fascinated by why people do what they do and act how they act. I am passionate about understanding also the complexity of the human mind, behavior, and human experience. I enjoy learning and exploring different options that are available for treating psychological issues while incorporating evidence-based practice to give compassionate care to my patients
I have always been drawn to people and their unique stories from a very young age. I love to listen to people and help them better understand their situation. I have always been fascinated by why people do what they do and act how they act. I am passionate about understanding also the complexity of the human mind, behavior, and human experience. I enjoy learning and exploring different options that are available for treating psychological issues while incorporating evidence-based practice to give compassionate care to my patients
![Photo of Barry Mills, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c61fd5ba-af36-4b53-a98d-7b7890daf2d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Barry Mills MD, PhD, has over twenty-five years experience as a psychiatrist including teaching on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. He commonly treats problems such as ADD/ADHD, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and chemical dependency, among other conditions. Dr. Mills has received a MD degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, CA. He has been an Editor for the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, a Harvard Faculty Teaching Award nominee, consultant to the U. S.
Barry Mills MD, PhD, has over twenty-five years experience as a psychiatrist including teaching on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. He commonly treats problems such as ADD/ADHD, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and chemical dependency, among other conditions. Dr. Mills has received a MD degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, CA. He has been an Editor for the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, a Harvard Faculty Teaching Award nominee, consultant to the U. S.
![Photo of Mikhail Meyerovich, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28aa3022-f194-4be5-acd8-879d7c633fc4/1/320x400.png)
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology. I received my medical doctorate from the U. C. Davis School of Medicine, and completed my residency training in both Psychiatry and Family and Community Medicine at U. C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology. I received my medical doctorate from the U. C. Davis School of Medicine, and completed my residency training in both Psychiatry and Family and Community Medicine at U. C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Setare Eslami, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9953d5-7ed2-4e06-ad23-2d283448e59b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice! Serving my clients during tough moments on their journey is my honor. I am an adult psychiatrist who tailors treatments for adults of all ages and backgrounds.
Welcome to my practice! Serving my clients during tough moments on their journey is my honor. I am an adult psychiatrist who tailors treatments for adults of all ages and backgrounds.
![Photo of Thomas Johnson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75a16b7b-c8c1-4523-bc6e-0254b08bb5de/1/320x400.png)
Thomas Johnson, MD is a psychiatry specialist in Gardena, CA and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of California, Irvine School of Medicine in 1993. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
Thomas Johnson, MD is a psychiatry specialist in Gardena, CA and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of California, Irvine School of Medicine in 1993. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
![Photo of Kingwai Lui, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24309f0b-ccd1-47ad-bef8-ce26733a81e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a faculty member of Kaweah Health Psychiatry Residency, I offer treatment approaches supported by current scientific evidence. Together, we will explore different options and devise a comprehensive and holistic plan built on trust and open communication. Our plan will be flexible based to your need and best interest as we understand the fluidity of life.
As a faculty member of Kaweah Health Psychiatry Residency, I offer treatment approaches supported by current scientific evidence. Together, we will explore different options and devise a comprehensive and holistic plan built on trust and open communication. Our plan will be flexible based to your need and best interest as we understand the fluidity of life.
![Photo of Sofia Encarnacion, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3aedcd25-7bdd-454e-9b16-8219c43e3d20/1/320x400.png)
Sofia Encarnacion, M.D., treats adults of all ages. She has devoted her life to the identification, treatment, and alleviation of patient discomfort. She does this through a carefully crafted mixture of caring, listening, and application of the most advanced therapeutic techniques and medications. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. In her many years of patient treatment, first as a clinical psychologist then as a psychiatrist, Dr. Encarnacion has developed particular expertise in the treatment of ADHD, female sexual medicine, and life coaching.
Sofia Encarnacion, M.D., treats adults of all ages. She has devoted her life to the identification, treatment, and alleviation of patient discomfort. She does this through a carefully crafted mixture of caring, listening, and application of the most advanced therapeutic techniques and medications. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. In her many years of patient treatment, first as a clinical psychologist then as a psychiatrist, Dr. Encarnacion has developed particular expertise in the treatment of ADHD, female sexual medicine, and life coaching.
![Photo of Apneet Mann, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f9da967-8dfa-4364-bcde-5f9aba3db306/1/320x400.png)
Apneet Mann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management.
![Photo of Danielle Lopez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/675f1c76-32b2-4014-90a2-810a3604e2e2/1/320x400.png)
Danielle Lopez, M.D. is an adult outpatient psychiatrist practicing since 2012. She graduated in 2007 from University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine and completed her residency training in 2012 at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. Dr. Lopez has worked in an array of settings, including inpatient addiction, subacute setting for severely and persistently mentally ill, homeless outreach, psychiatric urgent care and adult outpatient psychiatry.
Danielle Lopez, M.D. is an adult outpatient psychiatrist practicing since 2012. She graduated in 2007 from University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine and completed her residency training in 2012 at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. Dr. Lopez has worked in an array of settings, including inpatient addiction, subacute setting for severely and persistently mentally ill, homeless outreach, psychiatric urgent care and adult outpatient psychiatry.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo
Carelon Behavioral Health Psychiatrists
Does insurance cover therapy, prescriptions and other behavioral health services?
In general, yes. Laws in the U.S. require insurers to cover essential behavioral health care at the same level as other health care services. Most health plans require a medical diagnosis and treatments that are evidence based and medically essential. This means that life coaching and alternative therapies are not covered, nor is therapy without a diagnosis. Call the number on the back or your insurance card or visit your insurance company's website to review your Summary of Benefits. If you have insurance through your employer, your Human Resources department may also be able to answer questions.
How much does therapy cost with insurance?
The cost of therapy depends on your region, how much training and experience your therapist has, and the type of treatment. The rate for talk therapy generally falls between $100 and $250. For a client seeing an in-network provider, the cost of therapy is often similar to the cost of other health care services. Clients pay co-pays and may need to satisfy a plan’s deductible before benefits kick in.
What is the difference between In-Network and Out-of-Network insurance coverage?
An in-network provider has contracted with an insurer to get paid directly for services, and to accept the insurer’s rate of compensation. Clients are responsible for deductibles and copays. If a therapist is out of network, that means that the client pays the therapist directly for services at the therapist’s regular fee. Out-of-Network providers often give clients a receipt so that they can file for partial reimbursement with their insurance company.
Is it difficult to find an In-Network therapist?
It is not unusual for therapists to limit the number of insurance patients in their practice, so it’s important to check in-network availability when you schedule your first appointment. In regions and times where therapy is in high demand it may take longer to get scheduled with an in-network therapist.
What is the difference between HMO and PPO insurance plans?
HMO health plans only cover in-network services, there is no reimbursement for out-of-network providers. PPO plans often cover both in- and out-of-network services, though the client may pay more for out-of-network services.
What is a Superbill?
A superbill is a receipt for therapy services. It provides all the information required by insurance companies to reimburse you for out-of-network services, including the diagnostic codes for your care, the amount paid, and the dates and duration of care.
Does insurance cover Online therapy?
Many therapists who shifted their practice to online therapy during the pandemic have kept that arrangement. And most insurers continue to cover telehealth services, with a few exceptions. Preventive care (such as an annual depression screening) is often required to be in-person to be covered, and some states require prescribers of controlled substances to see those patients in person.
Does insurance cover Group therapy?
Many insurance plans provide coverage for group therapy provided there is a medical diagnosis for group members, but there are some noteworthy exceptions. For example, Medicare does not always cover group therapy. Group therapy tends to cost less than individual therapy.
Does insurance cover Couples therapy?
Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of couples therapy because there is no medical diagnosis or medically necessary treatment. However, a few plans will offer a limited benefit, so it is still worth checking with your insurance company. Sometimes therapy is covered for a couple when one person has a diagnosis and another family member joins them for joint therapy, but it is considered therapy for the medical condition that includes a family member as a listener or helper, not couples counseling. Without insurance, most clients pay between $100-300 per 60-90 min session for couples therapy. Often clients can find classes or workshops that make it more affordable to work on their relationship. And some employers offer Employee Assistance Plans that help defray the cost of couples therapy.
What is an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)?
Employee Assistance Plans are purchased by employers for the benefit of their employees. EAPs typically assist employees with referrals and may also provide the first few sessions of therapy free of charge, with the patient's regular health insurance kicking in after those initial sessions. EAP benefits often apply to all types of therapy without the need for a medical diagnosis, making it easier to access couples therapy, therapy for life transitions, and other non-medical counseling. Just as with standard health insurance, clients should always check that a provider accepts their EAP benefits before scheduling.
Learn more about Insurance Coverage and Finding Affordable Therapy
Learn more about Insurance Coverage and Finding Affordable Therapy