Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a visit with Dr. Suzanna Freerksen?
Go to our appointments page, select a visit type, pick a time, and follow the prompts.
 
Those with questions or requests prior to booking can schedule a complimentary (free) 15 minute conversation with Dr. Freerksen first.
 
To book a New Patient Visit within the next 1-2 weeks, select the New Patient Video Visit option. You will be prompted to fill out some intake information and make a secure patient portal account. Please fill out the questionnaires in the portal at least two days after booking in order to secure your appointment, and then join the Zoom link at the scheduled time. Please note before booking that there is a fee attached to this appointment type.
 
The initial evaluation visit will last for approximately 60-75 minutes, during which Dr. Freerksen will ask about your current goals and challenges as well as your medical history. In the final part of the visit, she will present a treatment plan. With adolescents, there are typically two separate hour-long evaluation appointments before developing a treatment plan. Treatment plans are cooperative decisions between you and Dr. Freerksen.
What are the fees for services?
Current fees for Dr. Suzanna Freerksen and Counselor Ellen Smith can be found on our Fees for Services Page.
What are Out of Network (OON) Benefits?

Out of Network Benefits are available on most PPO private health plans and some EPO and POS plans. Many psychiatrists and therapists do not participate with insurance, because insurance companies have often been fined for not reimbursing mental health providers fairly, which is illegal under the several laws that are meant to ensure mental health parity. Your insurer reimburses you for Out of Network services at a rate that is a certain percentage (anywhere from 100% to 20%) of what you paid the OON physician for the service. Sometimes insurances have a separate deductible for out-of-network benefits, as opposed to in-network expenses.

Reclaim Joy Medical can help you obtain reimbursement from your insurance company for your OON benefits by submitting your OON claims on your behalf.

Why does Reclaim Joy Medical not accept insurance?

Your insurance has physicians who are contracted with the insurance plan, and therefore “in network”. Reclaim Joy Medical is Out of Network, so payment comes directly from the patient, and there is no pressure to comply with any medical record audits from the insurance company or third-party risk assessment record demands. OON physician records are audited rarely, and if such a request is received from your insurance company (has happened less than a handful of times), then we contact you for instructions on how to proceed and signed written permission to release your records to insurance, if that is what you desire. In network physicians receive most of their payment directly from the insurance company, and are required to automatically give the insurance company all medical records in case of any audit (which happen frequently). Private insurance companies are for-profit companies, so a significant amount of your insurance premiums go to shareholders in the company, corporate profits, and staff that is paid to second-guess your healthcare team. Several large national insurers have paid fines in court cases in which it was alleged that they violated the mental health parity law (were paying psychiatrists less than other physicians) or in other ways were allegedly breaking laws meant to protect their customers. Usually, these lawsuits are settled in such a manner that the insurance company does not admit wrongdoing or fault.

To protect your privacy, Reclaim Joy Medical is out-of-network provider and does not bill any private insurance companies.  Your credit card is charged a deposit when you reserve a New Patient Visit online. The fee for follow-up visits are due on the day of service. Being out-of-network with insurance companies allows Reclaim Joy Medical to provide you with enhanced confidentiality and security (insurance companies can require an in-network clinician to hand over medical records). 
Does Dr. Suzanna Freerksen treat adolescent patients?
Yes, Dr. Freerksen treats patients 14 years of age and older. For minor patients, we ask that the guardian(s) fill out the initial forms with their child’s individual information, but put the guardian’s number and email in the contact fields. Adolescent patients typically will have two hour long sessions before Dr. Freerksen forms a treatment plan. The two sessions usually involve both the child and guardian(s). California law requires that a legal adult guardian consent for all medication changes if the patient is 17 or younger. A guardian is not legally required to consent for psychotherapy.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment for symptoms caused by trauma, such as but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attachment disorders. Dr. Freerksen is receiving EMDR training from the EMDR Institute.
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was originally developed for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but is useful for everyone who wants to be more effective with people, more stable in their mood, and live a more meaningful life. It has some easy-to-remember strategies and skills for people to use in their everyday life. Dr. Freerksen received her training in DBT from Marsha Linehan’s Behavioral Tech, a non-profit company.
What is Reclaim Joy Medical’s controlled substance policy?
Patients are asked to fill out a Controlled Substance Agreement as part of the new patient package, even if they are not planning to take a controlled substance. Please note that stimulant medication for ADHD might not be prescribed on the first visit, as the ADHD diagnosis often requires review of past records. Ketamine is a controlled substance and Ketamine prescriptions are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. If appropriate, Buprenorphine is prescribed in the first visit. Most other controlled substances are generally considered short-term and/or “as needed” treatment options by Reclaim Joy Medical physicians.
Does Dr. Suzanna Freerksen prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder?
Yes, Dr. Freerksen has taken the additional training for a buprenorphine license, though office visits and urine drug test are required with this medication and do add additional complexity to this treatment for opioid use disorder. Request a chat with Dr. Freerksen to learn more.
Does Reclaim Joy Medical accept Medicare?
Reclaim Joy Medical is not currently accepting new Medicare patients at this time. We do have patients who have aged into Medicare, and are currently a non-participating provider. Mysourcewise.com has resources for those with Medicare. You can also search for a practitioner who accepts Medicare by using the search filters for insurance on Psychology Today.
Does Reclaim Joy Medical accept Medi-Cal?
No, Reclaim Joy Medical is an out-of-network provider and does not bill Medi-Cal. Professional fee is due on the date of service by credit card. We do treat Medi-Cal recipients, however these patients pay out-of-pocket because Medi-Cal will not reimburse for Reclaim Joy’s services; Medi-Cal does not have any out of network benefits. The Medi-Cal recipients we see usually have financial assistance from family members. If you are looking for a Medi-Cal mental health provider and are in Santa Clara County, call: 800-704-0900. If you are Looking for a Medi-Cal mental health provider in Alameda County, call: 800-491-9099. If you are looking for a Medi-Cal mental health provider in Los Angeles County, call: 800-854-7771.