Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What clinical conditions do you evaluate and treat in your practice?

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Dr. Elias provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and personalized treatment plans for a wide range of conditions including:

• Depressive Disorders: Comprehensive care for Major Depressive Disorder (Depression), management of Grief, and specialized evaluation of Treatment-Resistant Depression.

• Bipolar Spectrum Disorders: Diagnostic precision and long-term mood stabilization for individuals navigating Bipolar Disorder and broader Bipolar Spectrum Disorders.

• Anxiety & Related Conditions: Evidence-based management for Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

• Trauma and Stress Related Disorders: Evaluation and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder, and Adjustment Disorders

• Attention & Focus (ADHD): Rigorous diagnostic assessment and psycho-pharmacologic management for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents and adults.​

 

Do you offer appointment options outside of in-person office visits?

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Yes. After establishing care with an in-person intake assessment at the main South Bay office in Hermosa Beach, California, Dr. Elias offers secure, HIPAA compliant Telehealth. In-person follow-up visits are available by request only.

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Do you accept insurance?

 

No, Dr. Elias is an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance directly or contract with commercial insurance plans or Medicare/Medi-Cal. This out-of-network structure allows Dr. Elias to deliver completely personalized, unhurried, and confidential care without insurance company restrictions or interference.

Upon request, monthly Superbills (itemized medical receipts with standard ICD-10 diagnostic and CPT billing codes) are provided that you can submit directly to your health insurance carrier for potential out-of-network reimbursement, subject to the terms of your specific plan.

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What payment methods do you accept?

 

Payment is required at the time of service and is managed conveniently and securely:

• Credit Cards: All major credit, debit, and corporate cards are accepted and processed electronically through a HIPAA-compliant, secure patient portal.

• HSA / FSA Cards: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards are fully accepted for all eligible clinical services.

What is the difference between general clinical care and Forensic Psychiatric Evaluations?

While clinical psychiatry focuses on therapeutic diagnosis and treatment, a Forensic Psychiatric Evaluation serves an objective, fact-finding function at the intersection of psychiatry and the legal system. As a dual Board-Certified Forensic Psychiatrist and experienced Expert Witness, Dr. Elias conducts impartial, evidence-based evaluations to address specific legal questions for courts, retaining counsel, and insurers.