Currently Accepting New Patients — 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Table of Contents
Insurance, Fees & Payments
No. Downtown Psychiatry Chicago is a private-pay, out-of-network practice. This allows us to offer flexible, personalized care without the constraints of insurance networks. We do not bill insurance directly.
All patients are financially responsible for the full cost of their sessions. Payment is due prior to each appointment and a valid card must be kept securely on file.
We accept the following payment methods:
- Credit and debit cards
- HSA/FSA cards
- ACH bank transfers via our secure portal
We do not accept Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or other peer-to-peer services for HIPAA compliance.
Private-pay means you pay directly for your sessions. If you have a PPO or similar plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement through your insurance company using a superbill. Learn more on our Fees & Good Faith Estimate page.
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes diagnosis codes, service codes, provider information, and payment details. You can submit it to your insurance provider to request out-of-network reimbursement.
You will receive a Good Faith Estimate document after your free 15-minute consultation or upon request. This document outlines anticipated costs before care begins. See full details here.
Rates vary based on the type of visit and population served. We discuss all pricing transparently during the free consultation, and we provide a estimate before services begin.
We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and ACH bank transfers. We do not accept Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal due to HIPAA compliance concerns.
- Less than 48 hours’ notice: $100 fee
- Less than 24 hours’ notice: $250 fee
- No-show or same-day cancellation: Full session fee
These fees are not reimbursable by insurance and are automatically charged to the card on file.
Appointments & Scheduling
You can book a 15-minute phone consultation directly through our Book an Appointment page. This no-cost call helps determine if we’re the right fit before starting care.
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling—including evenings and limited weekends—for busy professionals and families.
Yes. We provide secure, HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry services for patients located in Illinois.
Initial evaluations are typically 60 minutes. Follow-ups range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.
You can cancel through your patient portal or by contacting us directly. Please refer to our Fees & Cancellation Policy document for applicable fees.
Availability is limited, but we'll do our best to accommodate urgent concerns. Please use the secure portal to inquire.
- Less than 48 hours’ notice: $100 fee
- Less than 24 hours’ notice: $250 fee
- No-show or same-day cancellation: Full session fee
These fees are not reimbursable by insurance and are automatically charged to the card on file.
New or Prospective Patients
This no-cost call is a chance to ask questions, share your goals, and determine if our clinic is a good fit—before scheduling a full intake.
After your consultation, you'll receive a secure portal invite on your email. There, you can fill out intake forms and upload documents before your first session.
Occasionally, on a case-by-case basis. This will be discussed during your phone consultation.
We provide diagnostic evaluations for ADHD, mood disorders, and anxiety that can support school or workplace accommodations when clinically indicated.
Availability is limited, but we’ll do our best to accommodate urgent concerns. New Patients - Please use the Calendly tool to inquire.
Services & Conditions Treated
We treat a range of mental health conditions including ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, high-functioning burnout, executive dysfunction, and more. Explore our Services page.
Yes. Dr. Shenoy is dual board-certified in both adult and child/adolescent psychiatry. Learn about Child Psychiatry, Adolescent Psychiatry, and Adult Psychiatry.
Absolutely. We provide evaluation and treatment for ADHD across all age groups. See our ADHD & Neurodevelopmental Conditions page.
We offer supportive therapy as part of integrated care. We also collaborate with therapists and can coordinate care. If ongoing psychotherapy is needed, we can provide referrals.
Yes, when clinically appropriate and after a comprehensive evaluation. See our Controlled Substances Policy document for details on safety, monitoring, and eligibility.
High-Performing Professionals
Yes. We specialize in discreet, flexible care for physicians, attorneys, executives, athletes, and other high-pressure professionals. Explore the High-Performing Professionals page.
Absolutely. We uphold the highest standards of privacy and do not share your records without your written consent. See our Notice of Privacy Practices shared with you before your initial appointment.
Absolutely. We provide evaluation and treatment for ADHD across all age groups. See our ADHD & Neurodevelopmental Conditions page.
Yes, with your written permission, we are happy to coordinate care to ensure alignment and support your goals.
Yes. Secure messaging between appointments is available for brief updates and questions. Clinical concerns are addressed during scheduled sessions.
Treatment & Clinical Process
You’ll meet with Dr. Shenoy for 60 minutes to review your history, concerns, goals, and begin a personalized treatment plan.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Diagnosis is a tool—not a label—and may evolve over time as we gather more information.
It varies by person. Some need monthly visits, others every 2–3 months. Frequency will be discussed together.
Yes. We believe in collaborative care. With your written consent, we coordinate with therapists, primary care providers, and other team members.
Yes, This is not a one-size-fits-all model. Your treatment plan will evolve with you—flexing as your needs, stressors, or goals shift over time.
Telehealth & Technology
Yes. We use a HIPAA-compliant platform for all video appointments and follow industry-standard encryption.
A device with a camera and stable internet connection is required. Phones, laptops, and tablets with internet connection will all work.
You must be located in Illinois at the time of your appointment for legal and licensing reasons.
No. Recording or transcribing sessions with AI tools is not permitted due to confidentiality and HIPAA compliance policies.
Yes but I encourage in-person appointments for the first few sessions, when possible, as they help build rapport and connection. However, we can determine together what format best suits your needs.
Conditions NOT Treated
We do not treat primary eating disorders or high-acuity addiction cases. We’ll refer you to specialized programs if needed.
No. We do not provide legal evaluations, custody assessments, or testify in court cases.
No. We do not currently offer MAT (medication-assisted treatment) for opioid use disorder.
We do not provide crisis services. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
No. We do not perform disability evaluations, workers’ compensation assessments, or Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs), including court-ordered assessments or legal documentation for insurance or employment purposes. These types of evaluations often require a specialized forensic or occupational psychiatry approach, and are outside the scope of care provided here.
Legal, Documentation & Forms
Yes, if clinically appropriate and based on an established treatment relationship. Additional fees may apply depending on complexity.
We may provide documentation after sufficient evaluation and treatment. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. You may request records through the secure portal using our Release of Information form.
You’ll complete a HIPAA-compliant Release of Information form via the portal, specifying what can be shared and with whom.
We prefer all communications from established patients through the secure patient portal. This allows us to maintain HIPAA compliance and protect your personal health information.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Yes. We follow all HIPAA guidelines and state privacy laws. We will never share your information without written consent.
No. We do not bill insurance or disclose treatment to any third party unless required by law or authorized by you.
Absolutely. While we are required to verify your identity and document medical records accurately, all information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality, in compliance with HIPAA and privacy regulations. We do not offer anonymous or pseudonymous care.
Yes, we love to work with your healthcare team as long as you sign the release of information form specifying the scope of information to share and we can share that to your therapist in a HIPAA protected manner.
No. For your privacy and safety, please do not use social media platforms—such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn—to contact the clinic or Dr. Shenoy. These channels are not secure, may not be monitored, and are not appropriate for sharing personal health information, requesting appointments, or addressing clinical concerns. For all communication, please use the secure patient portal, email or phone for all official communications.