How Much Does A Psychiatric Evaluation Cost in Los Angeles, CA – Pricing & Factors

At Blue Ocean Mental Health, we understand that cost is an important factor when seeking mental health care. The price of a psychiatric evaluation in Los Angeles can vary widely depending on the provider’s experience, clinic location, and your insurance coverage. The initial psychiatric evaluations typically range from $1000 to $5000 for self-pay patients, which is the average in Los Angeles. In some cases, fees may be higher for more specialized assessments.
 
If you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket costs at Blue Ocean Mental Health may be much lower, often limited to a copay or a percentage of the service fee, depending on your specific plan and network coverage. We are happy to verify your insurance benefits and explain your expected costs before your appointment.
 
Blue Ocean Mental Health is committed to making care accessible. For individuals experiencing financial hardship, we offer sliding scale fees based on income and family size. Please contact our front desk to discuss your situation—we want to ensure that cost is not a barrier to receiving the support you need.

At Blue Ocean Mental Health, insurance coverage for psychiatric evaluations depends on your individual insurance plan and our agreements with various insurance providers. Many major insurance plans do offer coverage for mental health services, including psychiatric evaluations; however, the specific details—such as copayments, deductibles, and network requirements—can vary from plan to plan.
 
To find out whether your psychiatric evaluation at Blue Ocean Mental Health will be covered, we recommend that you contact our office directly. Our knowledgeable administrative staff can provide up-to-date information on the insurance plans we accept.
 
We also encourage you to reach out to your insurance company. You can do this by calling the customer service number listed on your insurance card. Be sure to ask if Blue Ocean Mental Health is considered in-network for your plan and whether psychiatric evaluations are covered, including any copays or out-of-pocket costs you might incur.

At Blue Ocean Mental Health, we understand that the cost of mental health care can be a concern for many individuals and families, especially those without insurance coverage. To help make our services accessible to everyone, we offer a sliding scale fee system. This means the cost of your sessions is adjusted based on your income and family size, ensuring that you receive the care you need at a rate you can afford.
 
If you are interested in our sliding scale or financial assistance programs, our team will guide you through a straightforward application process. You may be asked to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax documents, so we can determine the appropriate fee for your situation. Our financial assistance can help cover the cost of therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and other essential mental health services.

When considering mental health evaluations, it’s important to understand the differences between psychiatric and psychological assessments, including the factors that affect their costs.
 
Psychiatric Evaluations:
Our team includes board-certified psychiatric health nurse practitioners who are able to prescribe medication and provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments. Because of their medical training and ability to manage medication, psychiatric evaluations at Blue Ocean Mental Health generally have higher fees. Typically, an initial psychiatric evaluation depends on the complexity of your needs and the specifics of your case. Follow-up appointments are available at a lower cost, but may still be higher than other types of mental health consultations.
 
Psychological Evaluations:
On the other hand, licensed psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and provide in-depth psychological assessments. While they do not prescribe medication, their expertise is invaluable for diagnosing a range of mental health conditions, administering cognitive and personality tests, and offering therapy. Psychological evaluation fees generally start at $150 to $350 for an initial assessment. If comprehensive psychological testing is needed—such as for ADHD, learning disabilities, or legal/educational purposes—the cost may range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the extent of testing required.
 
Insurance & Out-of-Pocket Costs:
Blue Ocean Mental Health accepts a variety of insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket costs may vary based on your coverage, copayments, and whether you’re seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some insurance plans may have different rates or requirements for each type of provider, and not all evaluations or testing services may be fully covered.
 
Choosing the Right Evaluation for You:
The right type of evaluation depends on your unique situation. If medication may be part of your treatment, a psychiatric evaluation is typically recommended. For detailed testing or therapy, a psychological evaluation may be more appropriate.
 
At Blue Ocean Mental Health, we are committed to helping you navigate your mental health journey with clarity and support. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11850 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200A, Los Angeles, CA 90025. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Pasadena CA, Beverly Hills CA, Glendale CA, Huntington Park CA, East Los Angeles CA, and surrounding areas.