1. What are your hours?
Monday & Tuesday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday & Friday: 9 AM – 2 PM
Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM
The clinic is closed on weekends.
2. Where is Blue Ocean Mental Health located?
Blue Ocean Mental Health is based in Los Angeles, California and provides telepsychiatry services to patients throughout California.
3. Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept many major insurance plans. Please contact our office to confirm your specific coverage and benefits.
4. Do you offer same-day or urgent appointments?
Yes, same-day or urgent telehealth appointments may be available. Please contact the office or request an appointment online for availability.
5. Do you offer therapy?
We provide brief, supportive therapy as part of medication management. Standalone therapy services are not offered.
6. What can I expect during my first appointment?
The initial visit is typically a 60-minute comprehensive psychiatric evaluation conducted via telehealth. We review your history, current concerns, and treatment goals to develop an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
7. How often will I need follow-up visits?
Visit frequency depends on your individual needs. Early in treatment, appointments may be weekly or biweekly. Once stable, follow-ups are typically every 1 to 3 months.
8. Do you provide paperwork for work accommodations or FMLA?
Documentation may be provided when clinically appropriate and medically necessary, typically for established patients with sufficient treatment history.
9. Are appointments confidential?
Yes, all sessions are confidential and conducted in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Exceptions only apply in situations involving safety concerns or legal requirements.
10. What services do you offer?
Services include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, diagnostic clarification, and brief supportive therapy for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more.
11. Who will I be working with?
The practice is led by Esder Shin, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
12. What is your approach to treatment?
Treatment is personalized and may include medication management along with supportive therapy, focusing on your specific needs and goals.
13. What payment options are available?
We accept major insurance plans and may support out-of-network benefits. Please contact the office to verify details.
14. How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the office or requesting an appointment through the website.
15. Do you offer telehealth appointments across California?
Yes, all services are provided via secure telehealth and are available to patients throughout California.
16. What insurance plans do you accept?
Insurance participation may vary. Please contact the office directly to confirm current accepted plans and verify your benefits.
17. Can medication be prescribed online in California?
Yes, a licensed provider may prescribe medication through telehealth when clinically appropriate and legally permitted.
18. Do I need a referral to get started?
Most patients do not need a referral, although some insurance plans may require one. We recommend checking with your insurance carrier before your visit.
19. How much does an appointment cost?
Your cost will depend on your insurance coverage, benefits, and the type of visit scheduled. Please contact the office for current rates and coverage details.
20. What conditions do you treat?
Telepsychiatry can help evaluate and treat many common mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mood or attention-related concerns.
