Does insurance cover psychiatrist visits in Modesto, California?

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover psychiatrist visits, including the initial evaluation and regular sessions (check-ins). However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the insurance plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. Just like any other medical professional, if the psychiatrist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the psychiatrist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee. We work with: Quest Behavioral HealthNorthwell DirectCurativeHealth Net-MedicareOptum, UnitedHealthcareAnthem Blue Cross-MedicareMedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaOptum, UnitedHealthcare-MedicareAetna-MedicareAnthem Blue CrossAetnaDevoted Health Plan-MedicareBeaconPartners Direct HealthCentivoBeacon-MedicareCentral Health Plan of California-MedicareMediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)Magellan-CommercialKaiser Permanente (SoCal)Provider Network of America (PNOA)Magellan-MedicareBlue Shield of California-MedicareHealthSmartSana BenefitsTricare West (TriWest)Evernorth (Cigna)Sana Benefits-MedicareEvernorth (Cigna)-MedicareOptum, UnitedHealthcareHumana-MedicareTELUS Health (BHS)Health Net-MedicareAnthem Blue Cross-MedicareHealth NetKaiser Permanente (SoCal)-MedicareLakeside Medical (Regal Medical)-MedicareClaritev (MultiPlan PHCS)Health NetKaiser Permanente (NorCal)Anthem Blue CrossClaritev (MultiPlan PHCS)-MedicareLakeside Medical (Regal Medical)Blue Shield of CaliforniaMagellanKaiser Permanente (NorCal)-MedicareLucet (SCAN Health Plan)-MedicareOptum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan (or so called “open access” plans), you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a psychiatrist out-of-network in California. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. LifeStance accepts most of the commercial health insurance plans.

I don’t have insurance. How much will a psychiatrist visit be in California?

Initial evaluations can be around $200-$300, with subsequent meetings around $150-$250. The psychiatrist may have to order blood work, lab tests, or psychological testing, and any other investigations in order to know that there are no other medical issues causing the psychological symptoms and signs which are normally covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance, keep in mind that these costs will be out-of-pocket.

Do psychiatrists & psychiatric nurse practitioners provide talk therapy?

Some psychiatrists and PMHNPs can provide talk therapy as a part of their treatment plan. However, they may also choose to focus more on medication management for their patients, depending on their individual training and practice style. It is important to discuss your preferences and treatment options with your psychiatrist to ensure that you receive the best care possible. If you can benefit from talk therapy, and your psychiatrist only offers medication management, they will refer you to a therapist or a psychologist in Modesto, California within the LifeStance network that already works with your insurance.

How can I make an appointment with a psychiatrist in Modesto, California?

Once you have found a psychiatrist or psychiatric clinician you would like to work with on the LifeStance directory, you will have an option to book an appointment online directly from the provider’s profile page or request a callback and a LifeStance representative will be in touch to help you with scheduling.

Do I need in-person sessions to see a psychiatrist in Modesto, California?

LifeStance has approximately 0 offices in California, so if in-person visits are preferable to you, make sure that you select a psychiatrist that accepts patients in the mental health clinic close to you. Many psychiatrists require the first appointment to be in-person, especially if a psychiatric evaluation is needed. Most follow-up medication management appointments can take place online.

Do I need to be under the care of a primary care physician (PCP) if I am considering seeing a psychiatrist in Modesto, California?

If your insurance plan does not require a referral from your primary care physician, it is entirely up to you if you want to discuss with them about seeing a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists would prefer to see you only after you have first gone to your primary care doctor to get a referral, but this isn’t always the case. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to see an in-person or online psychiatrist without getting a referral from your primary care provider. You can contact your insurance company to check if you need a referral to see a psychiatrist.

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication in Modesto, California?

LifeStance directory features two primary types of psychiatric clinicians: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. For state-specific details of nurse practitioner prescriptive authority refer to this chart: https://www.ama-assn.org/sites/ama-assn.org/files/corp/media-browser/specialty%20group/arc/ama-chart-np-prescriptive-authority.pdf

Find Psychiatrists & Psychiatric Clinicians in Modesto, California

Find top LifeStance supported psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners in Modesto, California. We offer in-person psychiatric appointments at our mental health clinics and online for psychiatric evaluations and psychiatric medication management.

Tamela Dunn, Nurse Practitioner

Tamela Dunn, PMHNP-BC, is an advanced practice nurse at LifeStance Health, serving patients across California. With extensive experience and a dedicated focus on pediatric and adult mental health, Tamela provides compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals navigating a range of mental health challenges. She specializes in supporting children and adolescents with conditions such as ADHD, autism, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), as well as helping adults manage PTSD and trauma. Her commitment to comprehensive care includes medication management and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to promote lasting well-being. Tamela's approach to treatment emphasizes a collaborative partnership where patients feel heard and empowered. She works closely with individuals and their families, tailoring care plans to meet unique needs and foster progress. For young clients, this might mean guiding children through behavior management strategies, while adults can benefit from her expertise in navigating anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and PTSD. Tamela also provides care for individuals dealing with complex conditions such as bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, offering hope and support throughout their mental health journey. Passionate about promoting mental health resilience, Tamela dedicates her practice to addressing not just immediate symptoms but also the long-term wellness of her patients. Her dedication extends to her personal life as well; living in the scenic mountain region of California, she finds joy in spending time with her children and enjoys activities like baseball and volleyball.

See More Details

View Provider Details

6.92 miles away

Salida, CA

350-216-8764

5222 Pirrone Court, Suite 101A

350-216-8764

View Availability

Helen Mettu, Nurse Practitioner

Helen Mettu, APN, is dedicated to helping individuals across California achieve mental wellness through personalized, compassionate care. Serving adolescents, adults, and seniors, she provides a safe and supportive environment where patients can address challenges and work toward lasting improvements in their mental health. Helen offers a combination of individual therapy and medication management tailored to each person’s unique needs, empowering them to regain control of their lives. Helen specializes in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. She is also experienced in addressing substance use issues through medication management, providing an integrated approach to care. Helen incorporates evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness into her practice, ensuring that treatment is both effective and comprehensive. Additionally, she is skilled in helping individuals manage sleep disorders, grief, and postpartum depression/anxiety, offering solutions that foster resilience and healing. Helen is particularly passionate about supporting populations with unique needs, including first responders, military veterans, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Her expertise extends to addressing challenges faced by those with developmental disabilities or head injuries, as well as individuals navigating adoption or foster care. By providing tailored interventions, Helen helps her patients overcome obstacles and improve their overall quality of life. Outside of her professional work, Helen enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family. These personal interests reflect her appreciation for balance and well-being, values she integrates into her practice.

See More Details

View Provider Details

6.92 miles away

Salida, CA

350-216-8764

5222 Pirrone Court, Suite 101A

350-216-8764

View Availability

Pete Duarte, Nurse Practitioner

Pete Duarte, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PHN, helps adults across California navigate mental health challenges with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, he provides personalized medication management and supportive therapy for individuals seeking relief from conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Pete takes a collaborative approach, ensuring each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s goals, lifestyle, and overall well-being. He has a clinical focus on ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and is especially passionate about helping patients build sustainable strategies for long-term stability and improved daily functioning. Pete also supports individuals managing substance use concerns and co-occurring conditions, integrating practical tools that empower patients to regain control and confidence in their lives. His work is grounded in a balance of clinical precision and genuine human connection. Pete incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques into his sessions, offering actionable skills that complement medication management. He has experience supporting individuals within the autism spectrum and adapts his approach to meet diverse needs, communication styles, and life circumstances. His care philosophy emphasizes transparency, structure, and measurable progress, so patients always understand their treatment path. Outside of his clinical work, Pete values holistic wellness and practices. He enjoys hiking and cycling, using time in nature as a way to recharge and maintain mental clarity. Pete also prioritizes meaningful time with loved ones.

See More Details

View Provider Details

6.92 miles away

Salida, CA

350-216-8764

5222 Pirrone Court, Suite 101A

350-216-8764

View Availability

Our Top Rated Psychiatrists Serve the Modesto Metropolitan Area

Ceres, Empire, Hughson, Riverbank, Salida

Our Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Clinicians Serve the Following Modesto Metropolitan Area Neighborhoods:

Modesto, California, is home to several distinct neighborhoods. These include Downtown, known for its historic buildings and local businesses. The La Loma area offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces. College area is known for its proximity to Modesto Junior College. The Village One neighborhood features a range of housing options and amenities.

FAQs about LifeStance supported Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Clinicians in Modesto, California

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover psychiatrist visits, including the initial evaluation and regular sessions (check-ins). However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the insurance plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. Just like any other medical professional, if the psychiatrist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the psychiatrist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee.

We work with:

Quest Behavioral Health
Northwell Direct
Curative
⁠Health Net-Medicare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare
Anthem Blue Cross-Medicare
Medicare
Blue Shield of California
Optum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare
Aetna-Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross
Aetna
Devoted Health Plan-Medicare
Beacon
Partners Direct Health
Centivo
Beacon-Medicare
Central Health Plan of California-Medicare
MediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)
⁠Magellan-Commercial
Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)
Provider Network of America (PNOA)
⁠Magellan-Medicare
Blue Shield of California-Medicare
HealthSmart
Sana Benefits
Tricare West (TriWest)
Evernorth (Cigna)
Sana Benefits-Medicare
Evernorth (Cigna)-Medicare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare
Humana-Medicare
TELUS Health (BHS)
Health Net-Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross-Medicare
Health Net
Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)-Medicare
Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)-Medicare
Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)
Health Net
Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)
Anthem Blue Cross
Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)-Medicare
Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)
Blue Shield of California
Magellan
Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)-Medicare
Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)-Medicare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare

If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan (or so called “open access” plans), you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a psychiatrist out-of-network in California.

If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. LifeStance accepts most of the commercial health insurance plans.