Call us: (425) 209-0202
e-mail: info@drsidpsychiatrist.com

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I be seen for appointments? +

Most appointments are conducted securely through Zoom telepsychiatry, allowing patients throughout Washington State to receive psychiatric care from the comfort of their homes. In-person appointments may be considered on a case-by-case basis when clinically appropriate.

Where can I find the Zoom link for my appointment? +

The Zoom link for your appointment can be found in the signature section of emails sent by our front desk and Dr. Sid. Please save the link for future appointments.

How long is a new patient psychiatric evaluation? +

A new patient psychiatric evaluation typically lasts 40–60 minutes. During this time, we review your concerns, symptoms, psychiatric history, medical history, prior treatments, and goals of care in order to develop an individualized treatment plan.

How long is a follow-up appointment? +

Follow-up appointments are generally scheduled for 10 or 20 minutes, depending on your needs. These times represent the minimum guaranteed appointment length. In practice, many visits last longer when clinically appropriate and scheduling allows. Our goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care rather than adhering to rigid time limits. Visit length may vary based on medication management, psychotherapy needs, care coordination, and other clinical considerations.

Do you provide therapy? Can I keep my own therapist? +

Yes. Our practice uses a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health care. Many patients benefit from brief psychotherapy integrated into medication management visits and experience significant improvement. Some patients already work with their own therapist or are referred for psychiatric consultation by outside therapists. When appropriate, Dr. Sid may recommend referral to an outside therapist for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy. This collaborative model allows psychiatric treatment and therapy to complement one another and support long-term improvement.

When should I arrive for my appointment? +

Please log in exactly 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment—not sooner and not later—to maximize your clinical time and ensure the previous session has safely concluded

Will I receive appointment reminders? +

Yes. Patients typically receive:

  • A text message reminder approximately 96 hours before the appointment, which includes an option to cancel if needed.
  • An email reminder approximately 48 hours before the appointment.

Please ensure your contact information is up to date.

What can I use the patient portal for? +

The patient portal allows you to:

  • Upload documents, such as insurance cards or requested forms.
  • View appointment dates and times.
  • Request appointments.
  • Cancel appointments (subject to office policies).

To update your demographic information or payment information, please contact our office and request that the appropriate form be sent to your portal for completion. Please note that online scheduling options may be more limited than those available directly through Dr. Sid or the front desk. Whenever possible, scheduling your next appointment during your visit is preferred.

What can’t I use the patient portal for? +

The portal currently does not support secure messaging. Please use your personal email or contact our office for communication.

How do I cancel an appointment? +

Appointments may be canceled online through the patient portal (SimplePractice) up to 48 business hours before the scheduled appointment time. After that time, the cancellation is considered a late cancellation, and patients should notify the front desk by email as soon as possible.

Please note that late cancellation fees and no-show fees are generally not covered by insurance and may be billed at the practice’s private-pay rate in accordance with office policies. If a clinical service is provided during a scheduled appointment—even for a brief visit—insurance may be billed when appropriate and consistent with applicable billing regulations.

Patients are responsible for managing and canceling their scheduled appointments. Scheduling an urgent visit does not automatically cancel previously scheduled appointments.

Why was my credit card charged without prior notice? +

Your credit card may be charged in accordance with our office policies, including copays, balances, late cancellations, no-show fees, or other outstanding charges. In most cases, you will receive a statement by email before charges are processed. Please be sure to check your inbox and spam or junk folder if you are expecting a statement. Please review our Billing Policy for complete information.

Why did I receive a no-show charge? +

Patients are responsible for managing and canceling their scheduled appointments. If an appointment remains on the schedule and is missed without proper cancellation, a no-show fee may apply according to office policy. Sometimes patients have an appointment like in 3 weeks, then they make an urgent appointment and have a visit sooner. But they forget to cancel the original appointment and do not show up. As a result, they receive a bill for the missed visit.

Do you provide telepsychiatry services in Washington State? +

Yes. Dr. Sid provides telepsychiatry and medication management services throughout Washington State, allowing patients convenient access to psychiatric care from home.

Can I attend my telehealth appointment if I am traveling out of state? +

No. You must be a Washington State resident and also be physically located within Washington State at the exact time of your visit to receive care. If you are traveling out of state, you must reschedule your appointment with more than 48 hours’ notice during business days.

What conditions do you treat? +

Dr. Sid evaluates and treats a variety of mental health conditions, including: ADHD, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Bipolar disorder, PTSD and trauma-related conditions, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Sleep difficulties and insomnia, Stress-related conditions. Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and goals.

Do you prescribe psychiatric medications? +

Yes. Medication management is an important part of psychiatric care for many patients. Treatment recommendations are individualized and may include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, or a combination of approaches based on your specific needs and preferences.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment? +

In many cases, a referral is not required. However, some insurance plans may require one. Please contact your insurance company if you are unsure about your coverage or referral requirements.