Below are answers to common questions about getting started, cost, and what to expect.
Booking and Appointment Expectations
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You can view real-time availability and book online anytime using the “Book Now” button on our home page, or by giving us a call at (602) 492-2121.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team can help guide you. -
Yes, we are currently accepting new clients!
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In most cases, just a few days. We do not offer same-day appointments for new clients. This allows time to review your paperwork and insurance before your visit, which typically takes 24–48 hours.
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Initial appointments are typically 60 minutes, while follow-up appointments last between 20 and 40 minutes depending on the complexity of your appointment.
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You are not required to start medication.
A psychiatric evaluation is focused on understanding your symptoms, history, and goals. Treatment recommendations may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.
If medication is not something you are interested in, your provider will discuss alternative options and work with you to develop a plan that aligns with your preferences.
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It is completely normal to feel nervous about starting mental health care.
Your first appointment is a structured conversation focused on understanding what you are experiencing and what support may be helpful. There is no pressure to commit to a specific treatment during your first visit.
Our goal is to provide a clear, respectful, and supportive experience so you can make informed decisions about your care.
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Yes, you can bring a support person to your appointment if it helps you feel more comfortable.
In most cases, your provider will spend part of the visit one-on-one with you to ensure privacy and open communication. If you would like your support person involved in your care, this can be discussed during your visit.
Insurance and Cost
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Yes, we do!
We accept most commercial insurance plans. If you have any questions about your coverage , give us a call and we will be happy to look at your specific plan for you. -
No.
We do not participate in Medicare, Medicaid, or AHCCCS plans, irrespective of the insurance underwriter. For any inquiries regarding insurance coverage and eligibility, we invite you to contact us via email at info@desertclover.com. -
The Initial Psychiatric Evaluation appointment is $295.00. This one hour appointment will establish you as a client with Desert Clover Psychiatry.
The post evaluation appointment (your 2nd appointment) is $170.00, and follow-up appointments range from $130.00 - $85.00 pending complexity.
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Payment is expected to be provided immediately before your appointment begins.
If you haven't met your insurance deductible, have a co-pay, or are paying privately, you will need to pay before your appointment during check-in.
Failure to process payment on the day of your appointment will result in a missed appointment, and will incur a missed appointment fee. -
Factors like your deductible, copay, and/or co-insurance terms will impact cost.
We prioritize transparency. Once you submit your insurance information, we automatically provide a clear cost breakdown based on your plan.
If you are unsure about your coverage, we are happy to help. You can request a courtesy estimate by emailing info@desertclover.com with photos of the front and back of your insurance card. We will review your benefits and send an estimate based on available plan details.
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for healthcare services before your insurance begins to contribute.
Some insurance plans may cover mental health services before the deductible is met. This depends on your specific plan.
What is a copay?
A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a service. For example, $20 or $30 per visit.
In many plans, copays apply after your deductible is met. However, some plans allow copays to apply right away without requiring you to meet your deductible first.
What is co-insurance?
Co-insurance is the portion of the cost you share with your insurance after your deductible is met. Instead of a flat fee, it is a percentage of the allowed service rate.
Example: If your insurance allows $125 for a visit and your co-insurance is 10%, your cost would be $12.50 for that visit.
Insurance plans can vary, and we know this can feel confusing. Our team is here to help you understand your benefits before your first visit so there are no surprises.
Missed Appointments
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If an appointment is missed or changed with less than 24 hours notice, the following fees will apply:
$50 for the first occurrence
$100 for any additional missed appointments or late cancellations
If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, your appointment will be rescheduled and the applicable fee will be charged.
These fees are in place because your reserved time is held specifically for you. When appointments are missed or changed late, that time cannot be offered to another client who may be waiting for care.
We send text messages and email appointment reminders to support attendance.
If we do not hear from you after a missed visit, our team will reach out to assist with rescheduling.
We understand that unexpected situations can occur. If you need to make a change, please contact us as soon as possible. Communication in advance allows us to better support you and maintain access for all clients.
Repeated missed appointments may result in changes to scheduling eligibility or discharge from services.