FAQ
The questions we answer most.
Written from real intake calls — not a marketing page. Don't see your question? Call us at (415) 653-3100 or send a message.
Getting started
Applying & first visit.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most new patients are seen within 5–7 days of applying, once insurance verification and assessments are complete.
Do I have to apply to talk to someone?
No. You can book a free 15-minute call first to ask questions. No commitment.
Is the first appointment in-person or virtual?
In-person, at our Flood Building office (870 Market Street, Suite 1107, near Powell BART). Follow-ups can be virtual — your choice.
Can I choose my provider?
Most new patients see Chelsea for ongoing care. Dr. Ravi takes a limited number of patients, primarily for second opinions or complex cases. If you have a preference, tell us during intake — we'll do what we can.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Photo ID, insurance card if using insurance, list of current medications, and any relevant records from previous providers. See What to Expect for details.
Insurance & pricing
What you'll actually pay.
What insurance do you accept?
Anthem Blue Cross (California), Aetna, most out-of-state BCBS plans, and FirstHealth. See our full insurance page for details.
Do you take Blue Shield of California?
No. Blue Shield of California is a separate insurer from Anthem BCBS. We're in-network with Anthem, not Blue Shield.
Do you take Kaiser / Medi-Cal / Medicare / Cigna / UnitedHealthcare?
No. Self-pay is an option for all of these — see pricing.
How much is self-pay?
First visit is $600–$800. Follow-ups are $250–$450. Our Intuitive Insight Plan is $195/month for stable patients. Full pricing →
Can I use my HSA/FSA?
Yes. Psychiatric services are HSA/FSA eligible. We provide receipts you can submit for reimbursement.
Do you provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement?
Yes. If you have out-of-network mental-health benefits, we provide superbills on request for you to submit to your insurance.
Medications & treatment
Prescriptions & ongoing care.
Do you prescribe ADHD stimulants?
Yes. Chelsea routinely prescribes stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, Focalin) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine) for adult ADHD. See our ADHD page.
I'm already on medication. Can you continue my prescription?
Yes. Bring your records. We do one comprehensive intake for safety and continuity, and then continue your care — usually without any interruption.
Can you prescribe benzodiazepines?
Rarely, and usually short-term with a clear exit plan. For most anxiety presentations, we prefer SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, or beta-blockers.
Do you offer therapy or just medication?
Our primary focus is medication care and evaluation. We offer short-term CBT when it's a good fit alongside medication, and we coordinate closely with your outside therapist when you already have one. We're not a long-term therapy practice — if you need weekly open-ended therapy, we'll help you find the right fit.
What is Creyos?
A validated online cognitive assessment — attention, working memory, planning. Included at no extra charge in every new-patient evaluation.
What's the Intuitive Insight Plan?
A $195/month membership for stable, established patients. Includes:
- Monthly insight check-ins — digital surveys tracking mood, symptoms, goals, and medication response
- Cognitive testing — regular Creyos assessments as clinically indicated
- Continuous monitoring — your care team reviews the data and provides timely recommendations
- Preferred appointment pricing — reduced rates for all visits
- Personalized care planning — your clinician determines visit frequency based on clinical needs; minimum quarterly visits when stable
- Insight Pathway — your evolving care plan, always accessible
- Progress reports — regular summaries of trends and clinical data
- Enhanced support — priority messaging, prescription management, care coordination
- Supplement discount — 10% off through Fullscript
Ask during intake if it might fit.
Logistics
Scheduling, cancellations, and the rest.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please give us 48 hours' notice. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged a $250 fee (waived in true emergencies). For patients seeing Dr. Ravi, late cancellations are billed at the full visit rate.
Can I message my provider between visits?
Yes, through our patient portal. Non-urgent messages are replied to within 1–2 business days. Urgent clinical issues should be addressed by phone.
What if I'm in crisis?
Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest ER. Our practice is not set up for acute crisis management.
Do you see patients under 18?
No. We're an adult-only practice (18+).
Do you do disability or FMLA paperwork?
For established patients, yes — as appropriate and with a separate charge. We don't do paperwork for new patients we haven't evaluated.
Begin
Start with a 2-minute application.
No commitment — we verify insurance first.
Most patients apply online — it’s the fastest way in. Prefer to talk first? A free 15-minute call works too. We verify insurance, send you next steps, and never bill you until you've said yes.