Everyone can benefit from mental health treatment at some time in life. However, seeking help can often be difficult, especially during stressful times.
Orange Coast Psychiatric Associates congratulates you on taking this important first step, and promises to try to make your experience as easy and rewarding as possible.

Finding the Right Clinician
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are specially trained to treat mental illness. They primarily deal with medication only during brief visits.
Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists and Social Workers provide counseling, with sessions lasting 45-60 minutes.
Most clients see both a psychiatrist and a therapist for complete care, however, individual needs vary. Because our practice includes clinicians from all disciplines, you can get total treatment in one place.

First Visit
Before your first appointment, you will need to fill out some paperwork which can be done in the office or downloaded from this website.
Most of the first visit will involve your clinician gathering information about your situation. This may be uncomfortable, but remember that all information is kept completely confidential, and a complete and honest assessment is needed to provide the most effective treatment.

Subsequent Visits
As your treatment continues, your clinician(s) will continually reasses your symptoms and collaborate with you on your treatment plan. If you might benefit from any additional services, we will offer referrals to our trusted community partners.
The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable with your treatment. Do not hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns with your clinician(s).

Payment
When you first call to seek treatment at our office, our friendly staff will guide you through the often confusing process of verifying your insurance coverage.
Payment is due at each visit, and we accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

Please contact us with any other questions or concerns that you may have.
Our goal is to make your life easier!