WHOLE PSYCHIATRY

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dr. Hedaya's specialty?
Dr. Hedaya is a Psychiatrist who is Board Certified by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, The American Board of Adolescent Psychiatry and has been certified by The American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology as having demonstrated proficiency in Psychopharmacology. He has taken advanced (post degree) training in Endocrinology, Functional Medicine, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, Family Systems Therapy and Hypnotherapy (See About Dr. Hedaya). Dr. Hedaya is the founder of Whole Psychiatry.

What is Dr. Hedaya's approach to treatment?
Dr. Hedaya practices Whole Psychiatry. He believes in uncovering whenever possible, the causes or contributors to psychiatric symptoms and prefers to treat these causes rather than the symptoms. Interventions at a variety of levels of dysfunction (e.g. life style, thinking patterns, hormones, diet, allergy) results in significantly improved outcome over the standard therapy and/or medication approach.

Does Dr. Hedaya do psychotherapy?
Dr. Hedaya usually refers patients to competent therapists, unless he feels that a particular patient is best served by all the treatment being under his direct care.

What does Dr. Hedaya's evaluation encompass?
Dr. Hedaya evaluates the spiritual, psychosocial, neurological, immunological, environmental, hormonal, nutritional, gastrointestinal, and liver function as they relate to psychiatric disorders. In addition, a comprehensive personal, family medical and psychiatric history, mental status, and partial physical exam are done. All of this is geared toward diagnosing the source of the problem (as opposed to putting a label on it) and outlining further areas of investigation before a comprehensive, personalized treatment approach is outlined.

What is the length of the initial evaluation?
The initial evaluation is 150 minutes long, is very comprehensive and includes a partial physical exam.

How long are the appointments?
Dr. Hedaya has 50 and 25 minute sessions. The 25 minute sessions are for patients who are stable and have a few questions. The 50 minute sessions are for patients who are still in the process of adjusting their program.

What kinds of testing does Dr. Hedaya order?
After the evaluation, Dr. Hedaya's decides what tests would be beneficial to aid in diagnosis and formulation of an effective treatment plan. About 30% of the tests can be done at a laboratory designated by your insurance company. There are specialty tests that must be done in the office (tests that we send to specific laboratories around the country). At times, brain wave testing (EEG), brain scans, or sleep studies are ordered, as well as consultations with other specialists when necessary.

Does Dr. Hedaya treat with medications?
Dr. Hedaya is certified in psychopharmacology and will prescribe medications when necessary. In addition he will prescribe supplements, vitamins, hormones, diet, lifestyle changes, etc.

If Dr. Hedaya uses a nutritional approach, how long does it take to see benefits?
It can be as short as a week but usually 3 months of strictly adhering to your individual program. Some of this depends on the severity of the problem and in those cases, it is not uncommon to take 12-18 months to see a full benefit.

How do I make an appointment?
Before Dr. Hedaya sees any one, he has a discussion over the phone to describe his philosophy and to determine if he is the right doctor for you.

Do you accept insurance?
We provide a comprehensive bill with all codes and other information required by insurance companies, however, we do not belong to any managed care plans, accept insurance or submit insurance claims.

Do you accept Medicare/Medicaid?
We are not Medicare/Medicaid providers.

What is the cancellation policy?
If you are unable to keep an appointment, 48 business hours notice must be given. We have a very long waiting list and when someone cancels an appointment with less than 48 hours notice, it is difficult for the patients on the waiting list to rearrange their schedules.

What are the methods of payment?
VISA / MASTERCARD as well as usual form of payment. Patients may also pay using our "SimpleCare" plan.