Every appointment is with a fellowship-trained physician who is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, almost always by secure video, anywhere in the state, for the full range of adult psychiatry: ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and subspecialty care most networks can’t provide.
How your Anthem Blue Cross coverage works with us
Most Anthem Blue Cross PPO members can book directly with us; Anthem HMO (CalPERS and select employer plans) may route behavioral health through a medical group and require a referral. Before you book, call the member services number on the back of your card to confirm your specialist copay, coinsurance, and any unmet deductible. Most Anthem Blue Cross California commercial plans are regulated by the state Department of Managed Health Care, which enforces timely-access standards: non-urgent specialist appointments must be available within 15 business days, a standard we comfortably meet.
If your specific plan shows us as out-of-network
If your particular Anthem plan or network tier shows us as out-of-network, California’s network-adequacy rules work strongly in your favor: DMHC-regulated plans must arrange out-of-network care at in-network cost-sharing when the network lacks a qualified specialist within timely-access standards. A Network Gap Exception request formalizes this. See our Network Gap Exception guide and free template letters.
Want an estimate before you call? Check your out-of-network benefits instantly with our eligibility tool.
Common questions
Is Bay Area Neuropsychiatry in-network with Anthem Blue Cross?
Yes. Dr. Lodhi is our only physician in-network with Anthem Blue Cross of California; Dr. Patel and Dr. Staley are not. Participation can also vary by plan, so tell us your plan when you request an appointment, and call the member services number on your card to confirm your specific coverage and cost-sharing.
Do I need a referral with Anthem Blue Cross?
Anthem PPO plans generally allow direct access to psychiatrists. Anthem HMO plans may require a referral through your medical group, your member services line can confirm.
How fast can I be seen? Doesn’t California have a rule about this?
Yes, for DMHC-regulated plans, SB 221 requires non-urgent specialist appointments within 15 business days. New-patient appointments with us are often available within one to two weeks.
Does Anthem cover telehealth psychiatry?
Yes. California requires Anthem to cover telehealth at parity with in-person care. Our visits are almost always by secure video, anywhere in California.
What if my Anthem plan says you’re out-of-network?
You may be entitled to in-network rates through a Network Gap Exception under California’s network-adequacy law. Our insurance page walks through the process with a free template letter.
Requesting an appointment
Every initial evaluation is 60 minutes with a physician. Our office responds to appointment requests within two business days.