BlueCross BlueShield Psychiatrists in Alpharetta, GA
![Photo of Alexis Kessen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e49b70b4-3e50-480f-a787-9b027946a0f5/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Kessen graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Utah. She enjoys taking a personalized approach to each patient she sees, taking into account their unique life experiences. Dr. Kessen focuses on medication management of adult patients ages 18 and older with mood and anxiety disorders, as well as others falling under general psychiatry. Dr. Kessen is known to be a good listener who cares greatly for her patients. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and traveling.
Dr. Kessen graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Utah. She enjoys taking a personalized approach to each patient she sees, taking into account their unique life experiences. Dr. Kessen focuses on medication management of adult patients ages 18 and older with mood and anxiety disorders, as well as others falling under general psychiatry. Dr. Kessen is known to be a good listener who cares greatly for her patients. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and traveling.
![Photo of Dr. Pristella Ohanaja - Adventist Behavioral Health, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14a3b5ef-eddc-4716-b5a3-5c726ef774ef/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adventist Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30004
My name is Dr. Pristella. Ohanaja, DNP, PMHNP-BC and FNP-C, licensed to provide services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families.
My name is Dr. Pristella. Ohanaja, DNP, PMHNP-BC and FNP-C, licensed to provide services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families.
![Photo of Ayman Fareed, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0f8c5c3-1720-4a70-af97-b6ce2fddd8d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Ayman Fareed and I am a board-certified, Harvard-trained clinical psychiatrist taking new clients at our Alpharetta location. I worked as an Associate Professor and Director of Addiction Fellowship Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. I currently hold the title of Staff Psychiatrist/Medical Director at Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC).
My name is Ayman Fareed and I am a board-certified, Harvard-trained clinical psychiatrist taking new clients at our Alpharetta location. I worked as an Associate Professor and Director of Addiction Fellowship Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. I currently hold the title of Staff Psychiatrist/Medical Director at Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC).
![Photo of Dr. Angela Dawson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0c59ee3-a6f2-4812-860d-2bf6cb3c6ebd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to gain a complete understanding of what is going on with my patients. I am always thorough in evaluating symptoms and explaining the treatment options that would best suit each individual. I make it a priority to help my patients understand why some medications are different from others in terms of side effects and how they work. I aim to be kind, knowledgeable, and helpful to all my patients, providing the best possible care and support.
I strive to gain a complete understanding of what is going on with my patients. I am always thorough in evaluating symptoms and explaining the treatment options that would best suit each individual. I make it a priority to help my patients understand why some medications are different from others in terms of side effects and how they work. I aim to be kind, knowledgeable, and helpful to all my patients, providing the best possible care and support.
![Photo of Panchajanya Paul - Atlanta Evening Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac711675-a23d-4511-bdce-8960ba8fc06d/2/320x400.png)
We offer Evening and Saturday appointments . We treat children and adolescents, and busy adults who prefer flexible hours to accommodate their schedule.
We offer Evening and Saturday appointments . We treat children and adolescents, and busy adults who prefer flexible hours to accommodate their schedule.
![Photo of Barry Jones, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2827c7c7-5482-44fb-976b-f7e14f4bacfa/1/320x400.png)
Barry Jones, M.D., is a licensed psychiatrist at Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals working in the Cumming office. My training as a medical doctor, addictionologist, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst has given me a unique background for the evaluation and treatment of patients. My education has spanned a period of almost 38 years, and continues so that I may always remain abreast of the latest developments. As with any medical specialty, psychiatry is always changing. New and better approaches to solving problems are being developed.
Barry Jones, M.D., is a licensed psychiatrist at Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals working in the Cumming office. My training as a medical doctor, addictionologist, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst has given me a unique background for the evaluation and treatment of patients. My education has spanned a period of almost 38 years, and continues so that I may always remain abreast of the latest developments. As with any medical specialty, psychiatry is always changing. New and better approaches to solving problems are being developed.
![Photo of Audline Hodnett, PMHNP, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1920990c-f2bf-4243-94fa-b4ece915a281/1/320x400.png)
Audline is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of South Alabama. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults,18 years and above. Audline possess strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She adheres to evidence based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition.
Audline is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of South Alabama. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults,18 years and above. Audline possess strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She adheres to evidence based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition.
![Photo of Kimberly Thompson, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff7bbc49-768a-40a5-9343-8fc0b2ed6222/1/320x400.jpeg)
After several years in North Carolina working as a nurse and wanting to do more, I decided to become a nurse practitioner. Relocating to Georgia afforded me the opportunity to become an NP and begin my career working in women’s health and family medicine. In my daily work, I could not ignore the impact chronic physical conditions had on the mental health of my patients. This experience led me to making a change working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. It was here I found my niche, leading me back to school for a psychiatric mental health degree.
After several years in North Carolina working as a nurse and wanting to do more, I decided to become a nurse practitioner. Relocating to Georgia afforded me the opportunity to become an NP and begin my career working in women’s health and family medicine. In my daily work, I could not ignore the impact chronic physical conditions had on the mental health of my patients. This experience led me to making a change working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. It was here I found my niche, leading me back to school for a psychiatric mental health degree.
![Photo of Elizabeth Licalzi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85e0cd87-196c-4b18-86ec-7dd02e16426c/1/320x400.png)
Dr. LiCalzi graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY and received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.
Dr. LiCalzi graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY and received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.
![Photo of Oksana Kershteyn, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fa776e7-1816-48e1-8221-606fa90476f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Oksana Kershteyn is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2005. She earned her medical degree from Russia's top medical school, the Siberian State Medical University, where she also completed her general adult neurology residency. After moving to United States, she completed her general psychiatry residency at Albany Medical College in NY. While there she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Kershteyn truly believes that appropriate and timely treatment of emotional illness and substance use disorders can restore patient's health, productivity, social and family life to the fullest.
Dr. Oksana Kershteyn is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2005. She earned her medical degree from Russia's top medical school, the Siberian State Medical University, where she also completed her general adult neurology residency. After moving to United States, she completed her general psychiatry residency at Albany Medical College in NY. While there she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Kershteyn truly believes that appropriate and timely treatment of emotional illness and substance use disorders can restore patient's health, productivity, social and family life to the fullest.
![Photo of Tricia Rumble, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/683380a4-2e8b-4237-9de6-5aff94fbb726/2/320x400.jpeg)
Understanding your struggles with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder is crucial. These challenges can feel overwhelming due to various factors like stigma and limited resources. Depression can make daily life feel impossible, while anxiety can leave you constantly on edge. ADHD might hinder your focus and success, and Bipolar Disorder can cause unpredictable mood swings. But together, we'll navigate these hurdles with tailored support and understanding, empowering you to reclaim your joy and fulfillment
Understanding your struggles with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder is crucial. These challenges can feel overwhelming due to various factors like stigma and limited resources. Depression can make daily life feel impossible, while anxiety can leave you constantly on edge. ADHD might hinder your focus and success, and Bipolar Disorder can cause unpredictable mood swings. But together, we'll navigate these hurdles with tailored support and understanding, empowering you to reclaim your joy and fulfillment
![Photo of Teresa Lane, PMHCNS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8ab2f90-73b3-4acb-8b0f-c8c68bc389e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Teresa Lane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHCNS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Teresa is a seasoned, consummate mental health professional who has dedicated her entire 40 year career to the care and treatment of mental health patients. She sees each encounter as sacred and seeks to honor the sacred stories of those entrusted to her care. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then went on to obtain a Master of Nursing in Gerontology/Mental Health. At 44, she entered the University of North Georgia to obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner post Master's certificate.
Teresa is a seasoned, consummate mental health professional who has dedicated her entire 40 year career to the care and treatment of mental health patients. She sees each encounter as sacred and seeks to honor the sacred stories of those entrusted to her care. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then went on to obtain a Master of Nursing in Gerontology/Mental Health. At 44, she entered the University of North Georgia to obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner post Master's certificate.
![Photo of Shannon Hummel, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5b320da-8475-4a00-8c2a-7870a7eeff8f/1/320x400.png)
Shannon Hummel builds therapeutic relationships in a holistic approach to treatment. She considers mind, body, and spirit elements to get to a patient’s core, addressing every aspect of their depression, anxiety, or trauma. Her approach is to integrate nutrition, exercise, spirituality, self-care, and mindfulness into the examination of all factors influencing a patient’s mood. She conducts in-depth listening, helping patients pull back each emotional layer. Through her compassionate and patient-centered care, patients feel heard and understood so they can believe in their strengths and reach a better quality of life.
Shannon Hummel builds therapeutic relationships in a holistic approach to treatment. She considers mind, body, and spirit elements to get to a patient’s core, addressing every aspect of their depression, anxiety, or trauma. Her approach is to integrate nutrition, exercise, spirituality, self-care, and mindfulness into the examination of all factors influencing a patient’s mood. She conducts in-depth listening, helping patients pull back each emotional layer. Through her compassionate and patient-centered care, patients feel heard and understood so they can believe in their strengths and reach a better quality of life.
![Photo of Nirupama Natarajan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e234fa4e-2c40-426e-aac4-a9da3f1957f2/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Niru Natarajan obtained her Medical Degree from The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR University Medical University at Chennai, India after completing Medical school education from Coimbatore Medical College. She then Completed her Adult Psychiatry ResidencyTraining at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA and her Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Carilion Clinic Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, VA. Dr. Natarajan is Double board certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology In Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr. Niru Natarajan obtained her Medical Degree from The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR University Medical University at Chennai, India after completing Medical school education from Coimbatore Medical College. She then Completed her Adult Psychiatry ResidencyTraining at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA and her Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Carilion Clinic Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, VA. Dr. Natarajan is Double board certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology In Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
![Photo of Ramakanth K Vemuluri, MD, MRCPsyc, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7696aa8-bf01-42aa-ba7a-2c0bf7f00543/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ram is a passionate psychiatrist who strives for total wellness using evidence-based treatments with collaborative and integrative approaches to mind-body medicine. His style is nonjudgmental, building a trusting relationship, accepting the client as is, and working towards intrinsic change. He believes that caring for the patient is the secret to care.Dr. Ram has completed a master’s in Ayurveda and an integrative medicine course. Ayurveda is the oldest form of medicine practiced in India.
Dr. Ram is a passionate psychiatrist who strives for total wellness using evidence-based treatments with collaborative and integrative approaches to mind-body medicine. His style is nonjudgmental, building a trusting relationship, accepting the client as is, and working towards intrinsic change. He believes that caring for the patient is the secret to care.Dr. Ram has completed a master’s in Ayurveda and an integrative medicine course. Ayurveda is the oldest form of medicine practiced in India.
![Photo of Eunice Sok, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed84be6d-3f43-4a62-b492-dca766bd5f45/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Physician Assistant and have been providing mental health services for 6 years in outpatient and in home settings.
I am a Physician Assistant and have been providing mental health services for 6 years in outpatient and in home settings.
![Photo of Korinne Edwards, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f389e2c-4aad-4bf4-9354-e65cefaf54ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Korinne Edwards
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30009 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm a board-certified, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Masters and Doctorate from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City and have been practicing for the last 5 years. I help teens and adults struggling with mental health concerns become the best version of themselves with the use of medication and psychoeducation. I hope to see you soon!
Hello! I'm a board-certified, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Masters and Doctorate from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City and have been practicing for the last 5 years. I help teens and adults struggling with mental health concerns become the best version of themselves with the use of medication and psychoeducation. I hope to see you soon!
![Photo of Constance Francis Agalaba, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aadae590-e825-4463-8848-ee334a9613db/1/320x400.png)
Constance Francis Agalaba
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30022 (Online Only)
Constance Francis-Agalaba is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She manages clients with diverse mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and acute stress. She is passionate about providing quality, empathetic, and comprehensive mental health care to adolescents and adults. As a PMHNP, Constance's role is multifaceted, such as medication manager, mental health advocate, therapist, and educator.
Constance Francis-Agalaba is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She manages clients with diverse mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and acute stress. She is passionate about providing quality, empathetic, and comprehensive mental health care to adolescents and adults. As a PMHNP, Constance's role is multifaceted, such as medication manager, mental health advocate, therapist, and educator.
![Photo of Dr. Chasity J Carswell, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b219856-85b9-4db0-93f5-1900006b10f4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Chasity J Carswell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Dr. Chasity J. Carswell is a double board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 9 years of experience. She is the founder and owner of Collaborating Minds LLC. Dr. Chasity received a Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner in May 2014. She then went on to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in August 2019. Dr. Chasity has worked in a variety of settings to include outpatient, inpatient crisis stabilization units, substance abuse detoxification and psychiatric consult liaison.
Dr. Chasity J. Carswell is a double board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 9 years of experience. She is the founder and owner of Collaborating Minds LLC. Dr. Chasity received a Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner in May 2014. She then went on to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in August 2019. Dr. Chasity has worked in a variety of settings to include outpatient, inpatient crisis stabilization units, substance abuse detoxification and psychiatric consult liaison.
![Photo of Allison leigh Freeman, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abc213a4-d97e-4660-860b-bcf3de9513f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Allison leigh Freeman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Allison Freeman is a psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has had the privilege of working with individuals throughout all stages of life. The majority of her time as a nurse was spent caring for infants and families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was during this time she recognized a significant gap in care available to families. Caring for individuals who are going through life transitions, starting families or working through the stress of parenting at all stages has become her passion.
Allison Freeman is a psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has had the privilege of working with individuals throughout all stages of life. The majority of her time as a nurse was spent caring for infants and families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was during this time she recognized a significant gap in care available to families. Caring for individuals who are going through life transitions, starting families or working through the stress of parenting at all stages has become her passion.
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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 benefit plans that help defray the cost of couples therapy.
Learn more about Insurance Coverage and Finding Affordable Therapy
Learn more about Insurance Coverage and Finding Affordable Therapy