Learn More About
Sun Psychiatry

At Sun Psychiatry, we focus on providing a compassionate, holistic, and individualized approach to mental health care. We believe in looking beyond symptoms, finding the balance between traditional medications, alternative new approaches, and encouraging self care practices to provide the best outcomes for our patients. 

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We adhere to strict privacy guidelines to ensure our patient's Private Health Information (PHI) is protected and secure in accordance with HIPAA-compliance guidelines.

We also strive to protect the information of our website visitors, whether they're a patient or just browsing. You can view our site's Privacy Policy here.

  No, you are welcome to directly reach out to us for an appointment. However, if you happen to have a referral, it can provide additional context for our team as we prepare our personalized care approach for you.

    We offer a range of services, including medication management for various conditions like ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorders, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and other mood disorders. 

Additionally, we delve into tailored medication insights using GeneSight® testing and provide transformative Ketamine treatments for individuals who haven't found success with the more traditional approaches. We encourage you to learn more and explore our service offerings.

We have a transparent approach to our private-pay fees and our relationship with various insurance providers. View details on the Rates & Insurance page.

Medication can help balance brain chemicals, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life. Each individual's needs are unique, and our team works with you to craft the most effective treatment approach possible.

        For most individuals, a combination of therapy and medication provides the best outcomes, and in fact, seeing a dedicated therapist regularly is required if you opt to undergo ketamine treatment with Sun Psychiatry. 

Whatever the case may be, we'll discuss all available options and recommend what's best for your situation.

    The frequency of visits varies based on the assessments our patient's individual needs over the course of their treatment plans.

Initially, visits might be more frequent, with spacing out of sessions increasing as you make progress in your journey.

Like any medication, psychiatric drugs can have side effects. While the vast majority of patients experience either no unexpected side effects, some are possible. We'll always be straightforward when it comes to discussing the potential side effects and monitor your response to ensure the best therapeutic outcome. Learn more about common medications our patients benefit from on the Medication Management page.

Everyone's body and brain are different. What works for one person might not work for another. Our team uses tools like GeneSight® testing and a comprehensive assessment to find the best Medication Management approach for you. And for certain conditions, Ketamine treatment can provide a transformative alternative to treatment-resistant traditional approaches.

It's essential to consult with our team before making any changes to your established medication protocol. Suddenly changing medications or stopping abruptly without guidance can have serious mental and/or physical consequences.

We respect your bodily autonomy, but from experience, if you decide to make a decision without consulting us on a proper titration process, you may experience significantly unpleasant sensations and thoughts. We're here to be your guides, not tell you what is right for you. You'll have to get to know us first, but once you do, we hope you'll trust us on the fact that we only have your best interests at heart.

Our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions. We'll work with you to understand your symptoms and provide the best care tailored to your needs. Explore some of the common the conditions we treat.

   Yes, mood disorders can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. We accept patients 14 years of age and above. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for better outcomes, as medication can help brain pathways develop more optimal patterns of activity.

    GeneSight® testing is a genetic test requiring a simple cheek swab that helps our practitioners understand how a patient's genes may affect their response to medications. This allows for a more personalized approach to prescribing. 

Learn more about GeneSight® testing...

   Fortunately, many insurance providers offer either total or partial coverage. Some of the ones we're specifially aware of include:

CenCal (Medi-Cal)

$0 out-of-pocket cost

Medicare (Part B)

$0 out-of-pocket cost

Medicare Advantage

Patients may be expected to cover a portion of the cost

Medicaid

Typically, $0 out-of-pocket cost

For patients whose GeneSight® testing isn't covered by an insurance provider, GeneSight® offers a payment plan and financial assistance program to help with the out-of-pocket costs associated with conducting the genetic analysis.

If you have questions about whether GeneSight® testing is covered by your insurance in part or in full, we recommend contacting your plan's provider directly to give you personalized guidance.

Learn more about GeneSight® testing...

    Ketamine treatment is an innovative approach to treating certain treatment-resistent mental health challenges. It involves administering intramuscular ketamine injections in a controlled environment to help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and similar conditions. 

Learn more about Ketamine treatment...

Ketamine treatment involves administering the drug in a controlled environment. Patients generally experience altered perceptions during the session, with emotional breakthroughs across a spectrum of intensity.

A typical course of treatment ranges from 6 to 12 sessions – either once or twice weekly – the scheduling of which would be assessed after a thorough evaluation with our providers, and potentially adjusted over the course of the program if deemed the most beneficial for your healing process by our practitioners.

Learn more about the process here, and always feel free to reach out to us to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Whatever your specific experience might entail, this treatment has been shown in a multitude of studies to be safe and effective, and our experienced team of practitioners will make sure you are always as comfortable as possible and cared for throughout your journey. 

We highly recommend purchasing pre-paid packages due to the discounts available to by paying in advance for session bundles.

Pre-paid Packages
$1,250 for 3 (save $250)

$2,500 for 6 ($500 off)

$3,750 for 9 ($750 off)

$5,000 for 12 ($1000 off)

Pay Per-Treatment*

$500.00 per Session

*These "per-session" treatments are generally recommended for patients who have already undergone a full course of ketamine injection treatments. 

Many times, clients find that the full course of their initial treatment program was enough to break through their ingrained patterns and achieve a higher state of mental wellness going forward. However, some clients find that an additional "booster" dose one or two times a year can be helpful in maintaining and improving upon the gains they've made.

This information and more can be found on our Ketamine Treatment page.

Ketamine treatment for mental health is generally not covered by most insurers at this point in time, but we would be glad to provide a Superbill upon your request that you may be able to submit toward your out-of-network benefits. We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider in advance to confirm their specific policies, as this transformative approach is rapidly evolving across the mental health field.
Visit our Rates & Insurance page to learn more.

Our team consists of dedicated professionals, including our founder Deborah Moore (CPNP) and our Practice Administrator Grace Long. 

Learn more about our team...

Our practice specializes in psychiatric services, not psychotherapeutic counseling. And while our patients often experience many benefits from proper medication management, we highly encourage all individuals to find and regularly engage with a therapist who they resonate with to talk through the unique challenges and experiences of their lives. In fact, this is a requirement if a patient decides to explore ketamine treatment with Sun Psychiatry.

Santa Barbara is fortunate to be home to a variety of mental health therapists specializing in a diverse range of modalities. If you have an insurance plan, your provider will also very likely have a search function for in-network providers near you.

Our practice is located at 19 East Mission Street, Ste A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. To ensure the serenity and privacy of our client experience, patients are seen by appointment only and we do not accept walk-ins. You can find this and more contact information on our Contact Page.

Whether you're inquiring as a new patient, a referring practitioner, or simply someone curious about what Sun Psychiatry has to offer, you can reach out to us through our contact page. We're here to answer any questions and assist you.