At Sun Psychiatry, we focus on providing a compassionate, holistic, and individualized approach to mental health care. We believe in looking beyond symptoms, finding the balance between traditional medications, new approaches, and encouraging self-care practices to provide the best outcomes for our patients. 

We adhere to strict privacy guidelines to ensure our patient's Private Health Information (PHI) is protected and secure in accordance with HIPAA-compliance guidelines.

We also strive to protect the information of our website visitors, whether they're a patient or just browsing. You can view our site's Privacy Policy here.

No, you are welcome to directly reach out to us for an appointment. However, if you have a referral, it can provide additional information for our team as we prepare our personalized care approach for you.

We offer a range of services, including medication management for various conditions like depression, anxiety, insomnia, OCD, PTSD, ADHD. and other mood disorders. We are trained to provide medication guidance using GeneSight® testing. In addition, we offer therapeutic counseling, . We encourage you to learn more and explore our service offerings.

We have a transparent approach to our private-pay fees and our relationship with various insurance providers. View details on the Rates & Insurance page.

Medication can be a helpful tool for regulation of your nervous system which includes your brain. 

Our goal is to alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life. The way an individual responds to medication is as unique as your fingerprint. We will take the time to find most effective treatment. 

For most individuals, we recommend a combination of therapy and medication to provide the best outcome. We will develop a treatment plan to meet your goals. 

The frequency of visits are based on your individual needs and will change over the course of your treatment. 

Initially, visits might be more frequent. As we make progress, visits will be more spaced out. 

Like any medication, psychiatric drugs can have side effects. Many patients experience no negative effects, though they may have some mild side effects initially which resolve within 1-2 weeks.  

We'll always be straightforward when it comes to discussing the potential side effects and monitor your response to ensure the best outcome. Learn more about common medications our patients benefit from on the Medication Management page.

Everyone's body and brain are different. What works for one person might not work for another. Our team uses tools like GeneSight® testing and a comprehensive assessment to find the best Medication Management approach for you. 

It's essential to consult with our team before making any changes to your established medication protocol. Suddenly changing medications or stopping abruptly without guidance can have serious mental and/or physical consequences.

We respect your bodily autonomy, but from experience, if you decide to make a decision without consulting us on a proper titration process, you may experience significantly unpleasant sensations and thoughts. We're here to be your guides, not tell you what is right for you. You'll have to get to know us first, but once you do, we hope you'll trust us on the fact that we only have your best interests at heart.

Our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions. We'll work with you to understand your symptoms and provide the best care tailored to your needs. Explore some of the common the conditions we treat.

Yes, mood disorders can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. We accept patients 14 years of age and older. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for better outcomes, as medication can help brain pathways develop more optimal patterns of activity.

GeneSight testing is a genetic test requiring a simple cheek swab that helps our practitioners understand how a patient's genes may affect their response to medications. This allows for a more personalized approach to prescribing. 

Learn more about GeneSight testing...

Many insurance providers offer total or partial coverage of GeneSight testing. Contact your provider to find out about your plan. Some of the ones we're specifically aware of include:

CenCal (Medi-Cal)

$0 out-of-pocket cost

Medicare (Part B)

$0 out-of-pocket cost

Medicare Advantage

Patients may be expected to cover a portion of the cost

Medicaid

Typically, $0 out-of-pocket cost

For patients whose GeneSight testing isn't covered by an insurance provider, GeneSight offers a payment plan and financial assistance program to help with the out-of-pocket costs associated with conducting the genetic analysis.

If you have questions about whether GeneSight testing is covered by your insurance in part or in full, we recommend contacting your plan's provider directly to give you personalized guidance.

Learn more about GeneSight testing...

Yes, our practice specializes in psychiatric services, not psychotherapeutic counseling. And while our patients often experience many benefits from proper medication management, we highly encourage all individuals to find and regularly engage with a therapist with whom they resonate to talk through the unique challenges and experiences of their lives. 

Santa Barbara is fortunate to be home to a variety of mental health therapists specializing in a diverse range of modalities. If you have an insurance plan, your provider likely has an online search function for in-network providers near you.