Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
I work outside of insurance networks. This allows us to keep our sessions private, unhurried, and guided entirely by your needs — not by insurance requirements.
You pay the fee at the time of your visit, and if you have out-of-network benefits, I’ll give you a superbill (an itemized receipt with the right codes) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
What are Out-of-Network (OON) benefits?
If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan, you may have Out-of-Network benefits. This means you can see a provider who is not in your insurance network and still receive partial reimbursement for sessions.
How do out-of-network benefits work?
1. Call your insurance company and ask:
“Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient psychiatry?”
“What percentage of the fee is reimbursed after my deductible is met?”
“Where do I send a superbill?”
2. Pay for your sessions directly — this keeps our work uninterrupted and private.
3. Submit the superbill I provide after each session to your insurance company. If you’re eligible, they will send reimbursement directly to you.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the necessary medical and billing codes for your insurance company. You can submit it through your insurance’s online portal, mobile app, or by mail.
What is a deductible?
Your deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance begins reimbursing you.
Example: If your deductible is $1,000 and you’ve paid $600 so far, you’ll need to pay $400 more before reimbursement starts.
Why do you use a cash pay model instead of insurance?
Benefits of cash pay:
Freedom to tailor treatment without insurance-imposed limits.
No mandatory psychiatric diagnosis unless clinically appropriate.
Longer and more in-depth appointments (not rushed 15–20 minute check-ins).
Greater privacy — no sharing of your mental health records with insurance companies.
Who is a good fit for this practice?
I work best with adults who are looking for:
Medication + therapy together — one clinician for both
A thoughtful, introspective space to explore inner patterns and meaning
Healing that addresses both relief of symptoms and long-term personal growth
What services are not provided?
To stay focused on the work I do best, I do not offer:
Stand-alone disability evaluations
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters without ongoing treatment
In short: This practice is for those who value time, privacy, and depth. Our work together is an investment — not just in symptom relief, but in cultivating insight, resilience, and a richer inner life.
How do I get started?
1. Contact: Start by visiting the contact page and submit a message regarding the new patient inquiry request. Then, visit the scheduling page to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation through the convenient online scheduler.
2. Phone Consultation: You’ll have a free 15-minute phone call to discuss what you’re looking for and assess whether it is a good fit. If both parties agree to move forward, you’ll be scheduled for an intake visit.
3. Forms: After the consultation, you will be emailed online paperwork. This will include policy information, consent forms, and a secure platform for storing your payment information.
4. Intake Visit: Once your paperwork is completed, you’ll attend your first session through a confidential video platform. Dr. Hu will then briefly review clinic policies with you and conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation and make treatment recommendations. From there, you will schedule the follow-up visit or recurring sessions - typically at weekly, every other week, or monthly intervals.
5. Billing: After your session, your card on file will be automatically charged for the session.
When are payments due?
All payments are due on the day of your session. Your credit card will be charged automatically after the session.
What payment type is accepted?
Credit card.
Are there any cancellation fees?
Sessions canceled within 24 business hours of the scheduled time are subject to the full session fee.
What if I am running late?
Sessions will begin at the agreed-upon time. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.
What happens in case of a mental health emergency?
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, call 911 immediately.
For urgent psychiatric support, contact your local Crisis Assessment and Treatment (CAT) Team:
San Francisco Bay Area: (415) 255-3737
Orange County: (714) 834-8770
Los Angeles County: (800) 854-7771
San Diego County: (858) 715-6450
Additional resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741