FAQ
Gentry Psychiatric is designed for individuals who are motivated to engage meaningfully in their mental health care and who view treatment as an investment in themselves. Patients who tend to benefit most are those who are intellectually curious, reflective, and interested in developing a deeper understanding of their experience, not just reducing what is uncomfortable in the short term.
This practice is best suited for adults who value a collaborative, thoughtful approach to care and who are willing to engage in an ongoing process rather than seeking quick or purely transactional solutions. Gentry Psychiatric works with all adult patients residing in California, providing care that is individualized, deliberate, and aligned with each patient's goals.
Dr. Gentry treats a broad range of psychiatric conditions in adults, including depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and conditions related to hormonal changes such as PMDD, perimenopause, and postpartum mood disorders. He also works extensively with patients navigating life transitions, burnout, chronic illness, and personality or behavior changes that may have medical or neurological origins.
Rather than organizing care around a single diagnosis, the practice focuses on understanding each patient's full clinical picture before arriving at any clinical impression.
Yes. Many patients at Gentry Psychiatric are seeing a psychiatrist for the first time. The initial process is designed to be thorough and unhurried, with the goal of understanding each patient's full history before making any clinical decisions. First-time patients often find that this level of attention is different from what they expected, and that the evaluation process itself provides significant clarity.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completed medical school and a psychiatric residency. This training equips a psychiatrist to evaluate both the psychological and biological dimensions of a patient's experience, including ordering laboratory tests, reviewing medical history, identifying biological causes of psychiatric symptoms, and prescribing medication when appropriate.
Therapists and psychologists are trained in psychological assessment and therapeutic techniques but do not have medical training and cannot prescribe medication. They are also not equipped to identify or evaluate biological contributors to mental health symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or vitamin deficiencies, that may be driving a patient's presentation.
At Gentry Psychiatric, the psychiatric evaluation begins with the question of whether a psychiatric diagnosis is actually warranted, or whether the presenting symptoms have a medical explanation that requires a different course of treatment.
Most psychiatric practices focus primarily on medication management, with brief appointments designed to monitor prescriptions rather than develop a thorough understanding of each patient. Gentry Psychiatric is structured differently. Initial evaluations are longer, the assessment process draws on medical, psychological, and social factors, and care is designed to evolve over time based on each patient's individual response and goals.
Dr. Gentry also provides talk therapy as part of his practice, which is uncommon among psychiatrists. This allows for a more integrated approach in which medication and therapy are treated as complementary elements of a unified plan rather than separate services.
Care begins with a brief screening process to ensure alignment and fit.
The request for a screening appointment is made through the website, where prospective patients submit basic contact information and answer a few initial questions about their needs and goals. After this is received, our office will reach out with additional information about the practice and to coordinate a 15-minute screening call.
The screening call is a brief 15-minute conversation designed to determine whether Gentry Psychiatric is a good fit for the prospective patient's needs and goals. It provides an opportunity to ask questions about the practice, discuss what the patient is looking for, and determine whether to proceed with scheduling an initial evaluation.
A fee applies for the screening call. Scheduling a screening call does not guarantee acceptance as a patient.
If the screening call confirms that the practice is a good fit, the next step is scheduling an initial evaluation. The initial evaluation is 60 to 75 minutes and serves as the foundation for all subsequent care. Prior to the appointment, patients may be asked to complete intake paperwork through the SimplePractice patient portal.
Yes. Gentry Psychiatric is currently accepting new adult patients for both in-person appointments in Carmel-by-the-Sea and telehealth appointments throughout California.
Initial evaluations are 60 to 75 minutes, allowing for a thorough and thoughtful understanding of each patient at the outset of care. Follow-up appointments are 50 minutes, providing the time necessary for depth, continuity, and meaningful progress over time.
Frequency is determined collaboratively based on each patient's clinical needs and stage of treatment. Many patients begin on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. As treatment progresses, the frequency may be adjusted to reflect clinical progress and evolving goals.
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available to adult patients throughout California via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. The same quality of attention, depth, and clinical rigor is applied to telehealth sessions as to in-person appointments. The format changes; the care does not.
Yes. Dr. Gentry provides both talk therapy and medication management, either as standalone services or as part of a combined treatment approach. This is relatively uncommon among psychiatrists and allows for a more integrated model of care in which both dimensions of treatment are informed by the same thorough understanding of the patient.
Yes. When medically relevant, Dr. Gentry coordinates directly with primary care physicians, specialists, and other providers involved in a patient's care. The goal is not to replace existing medical relationships but to ensure that psychiatric care is informed by and coordinated with the full picture of each patient's health.
Talk therapy at Gentry Psychiatric is insight-oriented and reflective, with a focus on understanding the deeper patterns, relationships, and experiences that shape how a patient thinks, feels, and responds. Sessions are collaborative and individualized. There is no predetermined script or one-size-fits-all framework. Each session is guided by the patient's experiences, patterns, and what feels most important to address, allowing the work to unfold with depth and intention over time.
Many approaches to therapy focus on reducing what feels uncomfortable. At Gentry Psychiatric, the work is designed to go further, toward developing a clear understanding of what is driving the patient's experience, so that change is meaningful and lasting rather than symptomatic.
The patients who tend to engage most productively with this approach are those who are thoughtful, reflective, and motivated to engage in a more in-depth process. They are often navigating complex personal or professional lives and are interested not only in symptom relief but in gaining clarity and developing a more integrated sense of themselves.
The duration of therapy varies significantly based on each patient's goals, history, and clinical needs. Some patients engage in focused, time-limited work around a specific transition or concern. Others pursue a longer-term process oriented toward deeper self-understanding and lasting change. The appropriate duration is guided collaboratively and reassessed over time.
Yes. For many patients, talk therapy is one component of a broader treatment approach that may also include medication management or a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Research consistently demonstrates that the combination of medication and therapy, when clinically appropriate, produces better outcomes than either approach on its own.
Yes. Talk therapy sessions are available both in person in Carmel-by-the-Sea and via telehealth throughout California.
No. Medication is one component of a broader, individualized treatment approach, not a default solution. Many patients are treated through therapy and lifestyle modification alone. When medication is appropriate, it is prescribed deliberately, monitored closely, and adjusted based on need. The goal is not simply to reduce a symptom in isolation, but to support the broader treatment in a way that is precise, measured, and aligned with the overall care plan.
Medication management at Gentry Psychiatric is approached within the context of an ongoing therapeutic relationship rather than as a transactional process. Appointments allow adequate time to assess how treatment is progressing, evaluate effectiveness, review response and any side effects or concerns, and make thoughtful adjustments as needed.
Prescribing decisions evolve over time as part of the broader course of care rather than in isolation. Follow-up appointments are 50 minutes, allowing for a more complete and meaningful assessment of how treatment is progressing.
Medication can be highly effective in reducing symptoms, but it does not address every dimension of a patient's experience. A toxic relationship pattern, unresolved trauma, or a lifestyle that is contributing to symptoms will not be resolved by medication alone. Conversely, depression caused by a vitamin D deficiency or thyroid dysfunction will not be resolved by therapy alone. The appropriate combination is determined through a thorough evaluation that considers biological, psychological, and social factors.
This is one of the most common situations that brings patients to Gentry Psychiatric. A comprehensive evaluation may reveal that the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms has never been fully identified, that the current medication regimen is not well-suited to the patient's actual clinical picture, or that biological factors such as hormonal changes or thyroid dysfunction are contributing to ongoing symptoms. A thorough reassessment can provide significant clarity and open new paths forward.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is a thorough, multi-stage evaluation designed to develop a complete clinical understanding of a patient before any treatment decisions are made. At Gentry Psychiatric, this process is conducted in four stages: initial evaluation, medical assessment, psychological assessment, and integrated treatment planning.
The goal is not to assume a psychiatric diagnosis, but to determine whether one is warranted, and if so, what is actually driving it. This process draws on the full scope of Dr. Gentry's medical training and clinical experience.
The initial evaluation includes a thorough review of the patient's complete history: current symptoms and presenting concerns, the timeline and severity of those symptoms, previous treatments and their effectiveness, current medications and medical conditions, and a full personal and family health history including surgeries, accidents, and any psychiatric history in the family.
The medical assessment evaluates biological factors that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms. This may include laboratory testing to evaluate thyroid function, vitamin D levels, hormone levels, and other relevant markers. Screening for conditions such as hyperthyroidism, parathyroid dysfunction, and neurological issues is incorporated when clinically appropriate. An EKG or other diagnostic tests may be ordered as needed.
Many symptoms that present as psychiatric in nature, including depression, anxiety, mood instability, and cognitive changes, can have biological origins that go undetected without proper medical evaluation. As a physician, Dr. Gentry is trained to identify and investigate these factors, which therapists, psychologists, and many nurse practitioners are not equipped to do.
Yes. This is one of the most important and most frequently overlooked aspects of psychiatric evaluation. Thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, hormonal imbalances including PMDD and perimenopause, parathyroid issues, neurological conditions, cardiac issues, and medication side effects can all produce symptoms that are indistinguishable from primary psychiatric disorders without proper medical screening. A physician-led evaluation is the only way to identify these causes reliably.
The psychological assessment examines the underlying factors that contribute to a patient's experience beyond the biological. This includes trauma history, relationship dynamics, social stressors, lifestyle factors, and environmental contributors. It also involves a careful differential diagnosis process, systematically ruling out conditions such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and other mood disorders before arriving at a clinical impression. Therapy needs are also assessed during this stage.
Following the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed based on the full clinical picture. Treatment may include medication management, talk therapy, lifestyle modifications, specialist referrals, or a combination of these approaches. The plan is tailored to the individual rather than defined by a fixed protocol and is adjusted over time based on the patient's response and evolving needs.
No. Patients who have been in treatment elsewhere and have not experienced meaningful improvement may benefit from a comprehensive reassessment. This process can identify factors that were not previously evaluated and provide a clearer foundation for a more effective treatment approach going forward.
Yes. Gentry Psychiatric accepts telehealth patients throughout California. In-person appointments are available at the office in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County. Telehealth extends the same quality of care to patients who are located elsewhere in California or who prefer the flexibility of remote appointments.
For most patients, telehealth is equally effective. Sessions conducted via telehealth at Gentry Psychiatric are held to the same standard of attention, depth, and clinical rigor as in-person appointments. The format changes; the care does not. Whether used exclusively or alongside in-person visits, the approach remains consistent: individualized, attentive, and clinically rigorous.
Yes. Telehealth appointments are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Privacy and discretion are central to how this practice is designed. As a private pay practice that does not participate in insurance networks, care remains independent of third-party oversight, which allows for a higher degree of confidentiality than insurance-based care typically permits.
Yes. Psychotherapy, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric follow-up are all available remotely. When appropriate, elements of a comprehensive assessment may be coordinated with other providers based on individual clinical needs. Determining whether telehealth is the appropriate format for care can be explored during the initial consultation.
Telehealth is designed to support continuity of care for patients whose schedules or locations change over time. As long as the patient is physically located in California at the time of the appointment, telehealth sessions can continue without interruption. Patients who relocate outside of California may need to transition to a provider licensed in their new state.
Life transitions psychiatry focuses on the psychological, biological, and social dimensions of major life changes and the mental health challenges that frequently accompany them. Everyone is either entering a transition, living through one, or recovering from one. These periods, whether they involve career changes, relationship shifts, hormonal changes, loss, or aging, can surface underlying vulnerabilities and create new mental health challenges that warrant professional evaluation and support.
Rather than organizing care around a single diagnosis, a life transitions approach recognizes that the circumstances of a person's life are inseparable from their mental health, and that understanding those circumstances is essential to understanding the individual.
Dr. Gentry works with a wide range of transitions and life circumstances, including mood swings, anxiety and stress, depression, relationship and marital stress, career changes and burnout, hormonal changes, family stress and caregiving, grief and loss, aging and identity, trauma and PTSD, chronic illness and pain, and personality or behavior changes. He also works with patients navigating pregnancy and postpartum adjustment, retirement, relocation, and many other significant life changes.
Yes, and this is one of the most frequently overlooked areas in psychiatric care. Hormonal shifts across the lifespan, including perimenopause, PMDD, postpartum changes, and age-related hormonal decline, can have a profound effect on mood, cognition, energy, and overall wellbeing. These contributions are frequently misattributed to primary psychiatric disorders or simply dismissed. A psychiatrist with medical training is uniquely positioned to identify and address hormonal factors as part of a comprehensive evaluation.
Possibly. Bipolar disorder is frequently over-identified, particularly in women experiencing significant mood variability. Hormonal conditions such as PMDD, perimenopause, or postpartum mood disorders can produce mood swings that are difficult to distinguish from bipolar disorder without a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation. Thyroid dysfunction, sleep disorders, and medication side effects can also produce similar presentations. A comprehensive evaluation is the appropriate first step toward clarity.
This uncertainty is itself a reason to seek evaluation. Many patients arrive at Gentry Psychiatric unsure whether their experience is significant enough to warrant professional attention. The screening call is designed to address exactly this question. A brief conversation can help determine whether a full evaluation is appropriate and what that process would look like.
No. Gentry Psychiatric is a private pay practice and does not accept insurance. This model allows for greater flexibility in how care is structured, including longer appointment times, continuity of care, and a more individualized approach than insurance-based care typically permits.
Fee information is provided during the screening call or upon request. Fees vary based on the type and length of appointment.
Payment is due at the time of service. Accepted payment methods are discussed during the intake process.
Privacy and discretion are central to how this practice is designed. As a private pay practice that does not participate in insurance networks, care remains independent of third-party oversight, which allows for a higher degree of confidentiality than insurance-based care typically permits. All information is stored and handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, using secure, compliant platforms at every stage of care.
Patient information is handled in strict accordance with HIPAA regulations. Information is not shared with third parties without explicit patient authorization, except as required by law. The practice does not participate in insurance networks, which eliminates the routine disclosure of clinical information to insurance companies that is standard in most psychiatric practices.
Gentry Psychiatric is located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, California. In-person appointments are available at the office. Telehealth appointments are available to adult patients throughout California.
26362 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite 204, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923.
Phone: (831) 574-3020
Email: Info@GentryPsychiatric.com
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
The most reliable way to get started is to submit a screening call request through the website. For existing patients, the SimplePractice patient portal is available at gentry.clientsecure.me.
If your questions have not been fully addressed here, the next step is to request a screening call. This brief, 15-minute conversation provides an opportunity to ask questions directly and determine whether the practice is the right fit.
Prospective patients may also reach out directly at info@gentrypsychiatric.com
Screening calls are required prior to scheduling an initial evaluation. A fee applies for the screening call. Scheduling a screening call does not guarantee acceptance as a patient.
