Does insurance cover psychiatrist visits in Santa Maria, California?

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover psychiatrist visits, including the initial evaluation and regular sessions (check-ins). However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the insurance plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. Just like any other medical professional, if the psychiatrist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the psychiatrist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee. We work with: AetnaAetna-MedicareAnthem Blue CrossAnthem Blue CrossAnthem Blue Cross-MedicareAnthem Blue Cross-MedicareBeaconBeacon-MedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield of California-MedicareCentivoCentral Health Plan of California-MedicareClaritev (MultiPlan PHCS)Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)-MedicareDevoted Health Plan-MedicareEvernorth (Cigna)Evernorth (Cigna)-MedicareHealth Net (MHN)Health Net (MHN)Health Net (MHN)-MedicareHealthSmartHumana-MedicareKaiser Permanente (NorCal)Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)-MedicareKaiser Permanente (SoCal)Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)-MedicareLakeside Medical (Regal Medical)Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)-MedicareLucet (SCAN Health Plan)-MedicareMagellanMediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)MedicareNorthwell DirectOptum, UnitedHealthcareOptum, UnitedHealthcareOptum, UnitedHealthcare-MedicareOptum, UnitedHealthcare-MedicarePartners Direct HealthProvider Network of America (PNOA)Quest Behavioral HealthSana BenefitsSana Benefits-MedicareTELUS Health (BHS)Tricare West (TriWest)Health Net (MHN)-MedicareMagellan-CommercialMagellan-Medicare If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan (or so called “open access” plans), you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a psychiatrist out-of-network in California. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. LifeStance accepts most of the commercial health insurance plans.

I don’t have insurance. How much will a psychiatrist visit be in California?

Initial evaluations can be around $200-$300, with subsequent meetings around $150-$250. The psychiatrist may have to order blood work, lab tests, or psychological testing, and any other investigations in order to know that there are no other medical issues causing the psychological symptoms and signs which are normally covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance, keep in mind that these costs will be out-of-pocket.

Do psychiatrists provide talk therapy?

Some psychiatrists can provide talk therapy as a part of their treatment plan. However, they may also choose to focus more on medication management for their patients, depending on their individual training and practice style. It is important to discuss your preferences and treatment options with your psychiatrist to ensure that you receive the best care possible. If you can benefit from talk therapy, and your psychiatrist only offers medication management, they will refer you to a therapist or a psychologist within the LifeStance network that already works with your insurance.

How can I make an appointment with a psychiatrist in Santa Maria, California?

Once you have found your provider on the LifeStance directory, you will have an option to book an appointment online directly from the provider’s profile page or request a callback and a LifeStance representative will be in touch to help you with scheduling.

How do I find a psychiatrist in Santa Maria, California who offers in-person sessions?

LifeStance has approximately 45 offices in California, so if in-person visits are preferable to you, make sure that you select a psychiatrist that accepts patients in the mental health clinic close to you. You can also search by map to find locations in California near you. While some clients prefer in-person sessions because they offer a safe, neutral ground for the session to take place, for the widest range of psychiatrist options, consider expanding your search to also include doctors licensed in California who offer telehealth.

What questions should I ask my psychiatrist?

A few topics you may wish to ask your psychiatrist about include: diagnosis details, symptom treatment and management, medical care, treatment plans, side effects, and expectations for follow-up appointments.

Do I need to be under the care of a primary care physician (PCP) if I am considering seeing a psychiatrist?

If your insurance plan does not require a referral from your primary care physician, it is entirely up to you if you want to discuss with them about seeing a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists would prefer to see you only after you have first gone to your primary care doctor to get a referral, but this isn’t always the case. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to see an in-person or online psychiatrist without getting a referral from your primary care provider. You can contact your insurance company to check if you need a referral to see a psychiatrist.

Find Psychiatrists & Psychiatric Clinicians in Santa Maria, California

Choose from approximately 5 LifeStance supported psychiatrists & nurse practitioners that serve patients in Santa Maria, California. Our psychiatrists see patients in 45 local offices in California and also provide virtual appointments throughout the state.

Michael Bolton, Psychiatrist

View Provider Details

Accepts: Aetna, Medicare, Centivo See all

Specialties: ADHD, Anxiety See all

Ages Served: 18-40

48.79 miles away

Goleta, CA

562-431-8822

5901 Encina Rd, Suite A

562-431-8822

Call to Book Appointment

Our Top Rated Psychiatrists Serve the Santa Maria Metropolitan Area

Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Nipomo, Oceano, Orcutt, Pismo Beach

Our Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Clinicians Serve the Following Santa Maria Metropolitan Area Neighborhoods:

Santa Maria, California is home to several distinct neighborhoods. These include the historic downtown area, known for its quaint shops and eateries. The Northwest neighborhood offers a suburban feel with residential streets and parks. The Southeast neighborhood features a mix of residential and commercial areas, while the Southwest neighborhood is known for its industrial and agricultural presence.

FAQs about how to find a LifeStance supported psychiatrist in Santa Maria, California

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover psychiatrist visits, including the initial evaluation and regular sessions (check-ins). However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the insurance plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. Just like any other medical professional, if the psychiatrist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the psychiatrist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee.

We work with:

Aetna
Aetna-Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross-Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross-Medicare
Beacon
Beacon-Medicare
Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California-Medicare
Centivo
Central Health Plan of California-Medicare
Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)
Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)-Medicare
Devoted Health Plan-Medicare
Evernorth (Cigna)
Evernorth (Cigna)-Medicare
Health Net (MHN)
Health Net (MHN)
Health Net (MHN)-Medicare
HealthSmart
Humana-Medicare
Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)
Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)-Medicare
Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)
Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)-Medicare
Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)
Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)-Medicare
Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)-Medicare
Magellan
MediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)
Medicare
Northwell Direct
Optum, UnitedHealthcare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare
Partners Direct Health
Provider Network of America (PNOA)
Quest Behavioral Health
Sana Benefits
Sana Benefits-Medicare
TELUS Health (BHS)
Tricare West (TriWest)
⁠Health Net (MHN)-Medicare
⁠Magellan-Commercial
⁠Magellan-Medicare

If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan (or so called “open access” plans), you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a psychiatrist out-of-network in California.

If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. LifeStance accepts most of the commercial health insurance plans.