I believe that mental health support is most effective in the context of a personal doctor-patient relationship in which an individual's unique circumstances become knowable. In today's healthcare landscape, there can be a tendency for psychiatrists to over-rely on one tool—medication—frequently deployed in the context of all-too-brief appointments. However, I understand that mental health is multifaceted and requires a more holistic approach. By delving into the biological, psychological, and social aspects of your concerns, I aim to provide exceptional care tailored to you as an individual.

The integrative psychiatry I practice combines thoughtful use of medication, when appropriate, while also incorporating all of the other tools that my years of training have equipped me to offer. Through our active collaboration, I'll guide you in exploring treatment options, including talk therapy, medications, nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and cutting-edge treatments such as neuromodulation. My goal is to empower you to take charge of your mental well-being and unlock your full potential.

Payments may be made automatically by credit/debit card (including HSA/FSA cards) kept securely on file within your patient portal, as well as via Zelle, wire transfer, cash or check.

Dr. Barnhart is considered “out-of-network” with all commercial insurance and Medicare Advantage plans. He is enrolled as a “non-participating” physician for Original Medicare Part B. This allows him to focus on providing a level of service that is responsive to your needs, rather than the limitations imposed by insurers. It can also enhance your privacy, as you maintain control over the sharing of your medical information with insurance companies.

Payment is due directly to Dr. Barnhart at the time of service, including those seen under Medicare. Although the practice does not accept payment from insurance, if your plan offers out-of-network reimbursement for psychiatric care, Dr. Barnhart can provide you with a “superbill” or standardized receipt for medical services containing the billing and diagnostic codes required by insurers if you wish to file a claim. Dr. Barnhart considers this to be a private matter between you and your insurer. Please contact your insurer directly to learn what, if any, out-of-network mental health coverage your plan provides — it may reimburse more than you expect (for some tips on what to ask, see next FAQ).

Medicare: Dr. Barnhart reserves a limited number of slots for Original Medicare Part B patients. Contact the office to inquire about current availability. For those with Original Medicare only (not including Medicare Advantage), the Medicare limiting charge fee schedule applies in place of Dr. Barnhart’s usual professional fees. Full payment of all charges is collected from you at the time of service and you may subsequently receive partial reimbursement from Medicare for covered services, less any applicable deductible or coinsurance. Although the practice does not accept assignment (payment directly from Medicare), a reimbursement claim will be submitted on your behalf in accordance with Medicare rules.

At this time, Dr. Barnhart is not accepting new patients with Medi-Cal/Medicaid. Consider checking with the following resources: Medi-Cal County Directory or search by zip code at https://www.findhelp.org/.

Typically, only PPO plans—and not HMO or EPO plans—may include out-of-network benefits. Tips to verify out-of-network mental health coverage:

1. Call your insurance company. You can use the member services number on the back of your insurance card.

2. Clarify your benefits, deductible, and how much you will be reimbursed. Ask your representative:

   • Does my plan include out-of-network benefits to see an outpatient psychiatrist?

   • How many covered visits do I have every year to see my psychiatrist?

   • Do I have an annual deductible for out-of-network mental health services?

   • If I have a deductible, what is the remaining amount I have to pay before I start to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket fees and when does it reset?

   • Do I need to obtain pre-authorization to see a psychiatrist?

3. Clarify how much you will be reimbursed. Ask your representative:

   • What amount will my plan reimburse me for the service code 99205 + 99417 with a psychiatrist? (Initial consultation)

   • What amount will my plan reimburse me for the service code 99214 +/- 90833 or 90836 with a psychiatrist? (Follow up: medication-focused or therapy-focused)

   • What amount will my plan reimburse me for the service code 90834 with a psychiatrist? (Therapy visit only)

   • Will my plan reimburse me for any of these services rendered by a psychiatrist outside of appointments: patient portal advice (99421, 99422, 99423), telephone calls (99441, 99442, 99443)?

Please note that these codes are representative of those most commonly applicable to our work together, but may differ case-by-case and are provided here for your convenience. Insurance typically will not reimburse for late cancellation/ missed appointment fees or for time spent on your care outside of appointments, such as completing forms, etc.

Confidentiality is an important foundation for trust in mental health consultation. Dr. Barnhart adheres to strict ethical and legal guidelines regarding patient privacy and takes steps to safeguard your information. This includes maintaining HIPAA-compliant electronic medical records and offering more secure communication methods such as an encrypted patient portal. While no method of digital security is foolproof, these industry-standard measures reduce the risk of unauthorized disclosure. Additionally, in a private pay model, you have the choice not to involve insurers, affording you greater control over your health information.

Face-to-face communication is preferred for clinical matters, while encrypted messages may be exchanged using the patient portal. You may also choose to communicate with Dr. Barnhart via unencrypted means (email/text), if that is your preference. However, please be aware that no sensitive information should be shared using these modes of communication, as they are less secure and readily subject to unauthorized interception by third-parties.

Please review the Notice of HIPAA Privacy Practices for more details.

Dr. Barnhart has received broad training in the diagnosis (using DSM-V) and treatment of mental health conditions in adults (18+). He has extensive experience in the pharmacologic treatment of mood disorders (including bipolar and treatment resistant depression), anxiety disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders (including PTSD), attention/concentration difficulties (including ADHD), and insomnia. Dr. Barnhart also acknowledges that such labels fail to capture the full breadth and depth of human experience and welcomes those seeking consultation for problems in living where no label neatly fits — major life and career transitions, stress, burnout, grief, relationship issues, LGBTQ-specific concerns and more.

If you are seeking a psychiatrist specifically for a disability/worker’s comp claim or other legal matter, consider contacting a Forensic Psychiatrist (you might check the APA’s Find a Psychiatrist tool). Assessments performed on behalf of third parties introduce complex ethical issues into the treatment relationship and are not the focus of Dr. Barnhart’s practice.

Dr. Barnhart’s physical office is located in the West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco. He serves patients located throughout the SF Bay Area and Silicon Valley. This includes, but is not limited to, the communities of Alameda, Atherton, Berkeley, Burlingame, Contra Costa, Corte Madera, Daly City, Hillsborough, Marin, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Mill Valley, Napa, Oakland, Orinda, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Richmond, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Sausalito, South San Francisco, Tiburon, Walnut Creek, and Woodside.

Note that due to state-specific medical licensing, you must be physically located in California at the time of tele-medicine visits.

Face-to-face sessions are the preferred venue for discussing clinical matters. However, once you are enrolled in the practice, a patient portal account will be created for you. When necessary, Dr. Barnhart encourages use of the patient portal for more secure communication and you can expect prompt responses, in most cases within 1 business day. Unencrypted means of communication such as email or text messaging should not be used to transmit highly sensitive or personal information, as this increases the risk of unauthorized disclosure.

Fees may apply to services requested outside of session, as outlined in the practice policies.

If you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, you should call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, you may also call or text the 24-hour national crisis line at 988.

If you are a current patient, when it is safe to do so, please call and leave a message for Dr. Barnhart or share Dr. Barnhart’s office number with hospital staff to help coordinate your care post-discharge.

If you would like to check for the availability of same day appointments, please call. Note that electronic or text messages are not appropriate for communicating urgent or emergent matters, as messages may not be received or viewed in a timely manner.