New Patients
Information for New Psychiatry Patients
Welcome.
At-a-Glance Practice Information
- Location: 2730 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 325, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Initial Evaluation: 60-90 minutes (in-person or California telehealth)
- Insurance & Fees: Fee-for-service out-of-network practice. Itemized superbills provided for PPO reimbursement.
- Direct Scheduling: Call 310-744-1250 or request an appointment online
By scheduling your first appointment you have taken the most important first step: asking for help. At this appointment I will do everything I can to create a safe and trusting environment.
During this first evaluation session we will have to cover a lot of ground (medical history, symptoms, and more). The best way to use our time efficiently, and save you money, is to bring the completed new patient intake forms with you to your first visit. You want to be able to share as much as necessary for me to be able to help you. At the same time, I want to help you find relief from your pain and distress as quickly as possible. At our first appointment we begin a collaboration of discussion and inquiry, to arrive as quickly as possible at a solution, or even several solutions.
Many who come for the first time have other concerns as well: How much will it cost? Will my insurance cover this? How long will I need to be in treatment? Will I be able to return to normal? These are all good questions, and my experience and expertise can provide useful tools to help you get answers.
To me, the important elements of treatment and recovery are compassion, trust, and empowerment. The most challenging obstacles are disappointment and shame. We work together to overcome these obstacles and develop the skills necessary to begin, or in some cases continue, the process of recovery. For more information and to obtain a consultation, please call my office at 310-744-1250 to set up an appointment.
Before your first visit, please review my policies and procedures, including fees, cancellations, confidentiality, and communication.
Initial evaluations
An initial evaluation generally takes 60–90 minutes if the new patient forms are completed in advance of your appointment. The first set of forms is largely legally mandated in order for me to be allowed to treat you (e.g. consents). The second set provides me with an overview of your medical and social history and improves the efficiency of your first visit. You may bring these forms uncompleted, but that may lengthen your first visit and therefore increase its cost.
Our primary goal during your initial evaluation is to complete a thorough diagnostic assessment. If Dr. Wexler determines that a specialized clinic, intensive program, or different level of care is better suited to your needs, our office will provide a direct, appropriate referral.
If you are already in psychotherapy, please provide me with your therapist's contact information so I can review the status of your current treatment prior to your first visit.
Download Intake Forms (PDF)For a step-by-step walkthrough, a document checklist, and an online scheduling request form, see the New Patient Guide.
Appointments
Medication management (pharmacotherapy) visits are scheduled for 15–30 minute appointments, depending upon your needs. Ongoing psychotherapy sessions are scheduled weekly and last 45–50 minutes. Typically I begin with 30-minute pharmacotherapy appointments, then transition to shorter appointments when there are no significant active issues and the medication or dose has been stable for some time. The appointment time is reserved for you, so it is important that you are on time. If you are late, your appointment may still conclude at the end of your scheduled time; if significantly late, you may have to reschedule and will be charged my usual fee.
The two basic types of treatment
Medication management means the use of medication to alleviate symptoms of mental illness or maintain stability during recovery from illness. Although we rarely think of psychiatric treatment in terms of "cure," many people with mental illness lead seemingly normal and symptom-free lives, even in the public eye, with the help of medication.
Psychotherapy is the use of talk and communication between patient and therapist to improve a patient's condition and facilitate recovery from mental illness, traumatic events, emotional difficulties, or loss. In my office I provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Most of my therapy patients see me one to three times per week, and length of treatment can range from a few sessions to two or three years or longer.
Frequently asked questions from new patients
How long is a first psychiatric evaluation?
An initial evaluation generally takes 60 to 90 minutes when the new patient intake forms are completed in advance. Bringing the forms uncompleted may lengthen the first visit and therefore increase its cost.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring the completed new patient intake forms, a list of current medications and doses, relevant medical or psychiatric records, and, if you are already in psychotherapy, your therapist's contact information.
How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Wexler?
Call the Santa Monica office at 310-744-1250, use the contact form on this site, or request an appointment through the online prospective patient portal. The policy is to see patients within two business days, and often the same day, as needed.
Does the initial evaluation mean I will be taken on as a patient?
Our primary goal during your initial evaluation is to complete a thorough diagnostic assessment. If Dr. Wexler determines that a specialized clinic, intensive program, or different level of care is better suited to your needs, our office will provide a direct, appropriate referral.
How long are follow-up appointments?
Medication management visits are scheduled for 15 to 30 minutes depending on your needs. Psychotherapy sessions are scheduled weekly and last 45 to 50 minutes.
Where is the office located?
The practice is located at 2730 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 325, Santa Monica, California 90403.