Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to common questions about Dr. Ellen Charles’ practice, services, and policies. If your question is not addressed below, please do not hesitate to reach out to info@ellencharlesmd.com.

Getting Started

  • For new patients, Dr. Charles offers a complimentary 15-minute introductory phone call. This provides a chance to discuss your needs and ensure the practice is the right fit for you before booking a full evaluation. You can easily schedule your free intro call right here.

    For returning patients, Dr. Charles can be contacted via the Patient Portal or via email at info@ellencharlesmd.com.

  • New patients can schedule an intro call or reach out via our contact page, and existing patients can use the Patient Portal.

  • Getting a comprehensive understanding of your current symptoms, psychiatric and medical history, and goals is an important first step. In an extended, in-depth session, you and Dr. Charles will look closely at your history and decide on a treatment plan together.

Insurance

  • No, Dr. Charles operates as a private-pay, out-of-network practice. This model allows for your privacy and the quality of your care to be prioritized, without the administrative constraints of insurance companies. While she does not bill insurance directly, she can provide a detailed invoice ("superbill") that you can submit to your insurance plan for an out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Dr. Charles does not participate in Medicare or Medi-Cal. While she can see Medicare patients who choose to pay out-of-pocket, she cannot accept patients with Medi-Cal coverage.

    If you have Medi-Cal and are looking for care, we want to help you find the right support. We recommend using the official California Health Care Options directory at healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov or calling their helpline at (800) 430-4263. In Los Angeles County, you can also access information and care through the LA County Department of Mental Health at dmh.lacounty.gov or by calling their helpline at (800) 854-7771. They can direct you to a clinic that matches your specific insurance and location. If you have a managed care plan like HealthNet or Molina, calling the specific number listed on your insurance card is the fastest way to get referrals.

Services

  • Dr. Charles specializes in treating a range of complex mental health conditions. She approaches each diagnosis with a focus on understanding the unique way it affects a patient's life. See “Conditions Treated” for details about her areas of expertise.

    If you aren't sure if your specific needs fall into these categories, we can discuss that during a free introductory call.

  • Dr. Charles provides a holistic approach tailored to your individual needs. Depending on the best care plan for you, she can provide medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

  • Dr. Charles offers a hybrid model to accommodate your lifestyle. She can meet with you in person at her private office in Santa Monica, or virtually via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for anyone located in California.

  • Dr. Charles frequently collaborates with other therapists. If you already have a therapist you love, she is happy to focus on your medication management while coordinating closely with them to ensure your care is seamless.

  • Dr. Charles works with adults ages 18 and older. If you are looking for care for a child or adolescent, she can often provide referrals to colleagues who specialize in those age groups.

Policies

  • If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. For urgent but non-life-threatening clinical matters (such as a medication side effect), established patients can contact Dr. Charles directly.

  • Because your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you, we ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations may be subject to the full session fee.

  • Yes, Dr. Charles provides a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges to patients who are not using insurance. You can read the full notice on our Policies page, or learn more at cms.gov/nosurprises.

  • In accordance with California law, we share a link to the federal Open Payments database, which tracks payments made by drug and device companies to physicians. You can read the full notice on our Policies page, or search the database directly at openpaymentsdata.cms.gov.

  • Absolutely. Your privacy is a priority. Dr. Charles adheres to all HIPAA standards to ensure your personal and medical information is kept secure. Everything you discuss is strictly confidential and cannot be shared without your written permission, with a few legal exceptions for safety (such as immediate risk of harm to yourself or others). For full details on how your information is protected, please review the Notice of Privacy Practices.