Choosing a mental health provider is an important decision, and understanding the cost of care should be simple and transparent. Whether you use insurance or private pay, we want you to understand your options before your first appointment. Below, you’ll find information about accepted insurance plans, private-pay rates, and out-of-network reimbursement.
In-network with several major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, and Providence Health Plan.
Insurance Verification: Before your first appointment, we will verify your insurance benefits whenever possible so you will have a better understanding of your expected costs. Please note that coverage varies by individual plan, and patients are ultimately responsible for any balances not covered by insurance.
Questions about your coverage?
We are happy to help verify your insurance benefits before your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
If you prefer not to use insurance or if your plan is not currently in network, private-pay appointments are always available.
Many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits. If you're seeing us as a private-pay patient, we are happy to provide a detailed superbill after each appointment that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Because every insurance plan is different, reimbursement cannot be guaranteed. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider to learn more about your out-of-network benefits.
If we are not in-network with your insurance plan—or if you prefer not to use insurance—you are welcome to schedule as a private-pay patient. We can also provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your benefits.
Absolutely. Some patients prefer not to use insurance for privacy or personal reasons. You’re welcome to choose the payment option that best meets your needs.
Private-pay rates are:
Payment is due at the time of service.
Follow-up appointment frequency varies depending on treatment needs.
Yes. If you’re paying privately, we can provide a detailed superbill after your appointment that you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement vary by insurance plan. Please contact your insurance plan for more information.
Yes. Whenever possible, I’ll verify your insurance benefits before your first appointment to help you better understand your expected costs, including copays, deductibles, or coinsurance.
Please note that benefit verification is not a guarantee of payment, and patients are ultimately responsible for any balances not covered by their insurance.
We are happy to help! If you have questions about your insurance coverage, private-pay options, or expected costs, please don’t hesitate to reach out before scheduling. My goal is to make the process as simple and transparent as possible.
Whether you’re using insurance or private pay, we are here to help make the process as simple as possible.
Jayanta K. Pal, MD
Collaborating Psychiatrist
Dr. Jayanta K. Pal is a board-certified psychiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with more than 25 years of experience providing comprehensive mental health care across inpatient and outpatient settings. He has extensive experience evaluating and treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and complex psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Pal completed his psychiatry residency training at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, including as an Inpatient Medical Director at Princeton House Behavioral Health, part of Penn Medicine, and has provided psychiatric care across private practice, community mental health, and correctional settings.
As a collaborating psychiatrist with Fortitude Mental Health Group, Dr. Pal brings more than 25 years of psychiatric experience and clinical expertise to support the practice’s commitment to thoughtful, high-quality patient care.
Nicole Chittum, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Founder & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner and founder of Fortitude Mental Health Group. She provides telehealth psychiatric care to adults throughout California, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, stress-related concerns, and sleep difficulties.
Nicole believes that effective psychiatric care begins with taking the time to truly understand each person—their experiences, concerns, goals, and what matters most to them. Her approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and individualized, with an emphasis on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions about their treatment.
She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalized treatment planning grounded in evidence-based care. Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, Nicole considers the broader picture of each patient’s well-being and works collaboratively to develop treatment plans that are both clinically sound and meaningful to the individual.
Her goal is to help patients better understand their mental health, feel confident in their care, and make meaningful progress toward greater stability and long-term wellness.