Gateway psychotherapist Andrea Starn, LMFT will be offering an introductory class on mindfulness starting March 7th that is available to Gateway patients. This class will be accessed via Zoom. Andrea Starn is currently completing certification as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher after a 2-year intensive training program sponsored by Gateway Psychiatric. The program is the most widely recognized certification program in …
February 2022: COVID-19 or Coronavirus and GPS
The current projections for COVID-19 coronavirus infections in California look hopeful. We track this using the IHME model. As of mid-February 2022, it appears that infections are likely to be back to the levels seen in the fall of 2021 by mid to late March 2022. Other sources of information mirror this prediction. For example, Covid in sewage tends to …
Telepsychiatry Presentation by Dr. Peter Forster
Dr. Forster will be presenting an update on “Telehealth and Psychiatry in an Era of COVID-19,” as part of the Seventh Annual Mood Disorders Summit webcast. Those interested in signing up for this free Continuing Medical Education event visit the Global Medical Education site. The program will include many presentations including… Program Agenda *All times listed are ET Day 1 …
When We Can’t Accept New Patients
We are truly sorry. We are a small clinic and so at times we are not able to accept new patients. We don’t believe in waiting lists. We think that people should be seen when they need the help rather than being told to wait for a future appointment. Whenever we can accept new patients we are committed to offering …
Refills
“Why do you only give me a month’s supply of medication when you approve refills?” This is a pretty common question and I thought a blog post might be a good way of discussing the issues. After all a refill is a quick thing to handle, right? You call a number and press a few numbers, go onto your iPhone …
UCSF’s 2026 Psychoeducational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder Now Open for Registration
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has officially opened enrollment for its 2026 Psychoeducational Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder — an eight-week online program designed to support education, self-awareness, and long-term mood stability. Starting Tuesday, February 3, 2026, this weekly Zoom-based group meets from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM PT and offers a structured, evidence-based curriculum developed by …
The Quiet Influence of Light on Mood and Sleep
Every so often, a patient shares an observation that reminds me how small environmental changes can have a profound impact on mental health. Recently, one of my patients with Bipolar I disorder told me about his experience using a smart lamp—the Philips Hue Twilight—which mimics natural sunrise and sunset light. He wasn’t expecting much when he bought it. What he …
Barriers to Insurance Coverage
When patients have difficulty getting their insurer to cover the cost of our services, we recommend this service to help you navigate the maze of insurance company regulations: Cover My Mental Health is a non-profit that gives advice and encouragement to people at different stages of the process, including: No in-network care When a claim is denied Next steps: formal …
A Helpful Tool for Finding Medications: Medfinder
Have you ever had trouble getting a medication because your pharmacy says they are “out of stock” or suggests that the medication is “not available” to them? One of our patients recently told us about a service that he found very helpful. It’s called Medfinder, and it helps you locate nearby pharmacies that have your prescribed medication in stock. If …
UCSF Psychoeducational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder – July 2025 Cohort
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is pleased to announce the next session of its Psychoeducational Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder, beginning July 1, 2025. This 8-session weekly Zoom group is designed to empower participants with a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder while equipping them with practical tools for long-term wellness. Group Details: This group offers an evidence-based …
UCSF Psycho-Educational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder – July 2025
Living with bipolar disorder can present unique challenges, and navigating those challenges often feels easier with support and solid information. That’s why we’re excited to share to you the upcoming UCSF Psycho-Educational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder, starting July 1, 2025! This activity under the Bipolar Disorder Program of the Department of Psychiatry is aimed at providing a …
Fee Changes – March 2025
We hope the new year is off to a good start and look forward to continuing to support you in your mental health and wellness goals. As we do each year, we are reviewing our fees to ensure they remain appropriate. Fee revisions typically occur annually. We base our updates on an analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor …
Sleep Trackers Reviewed
One of our patients recommended that we look at a YouTube video that summarized the scientific literature on fitness watches and rings as sleep trackers. We think that it is a pretty good place to start if you are considering buying a device and sleep is an important part of what you want to track. Before diving into the details, …
Congratulations, Naomi Muzac, on Completing Your CBT-I Training!
We’re thrilled to congratulate Naomi Muzac on successfully completing the 3-Day Intensive Training: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This accomplishment demonstrates Naomi’s dedication to providing the highest quality of care to her clients, especially those struggling with sleep disorders. CBT-I is a proven and effective treatment for insomnia, and Naomi’s new skills will undoubtedly benefit her patients. By incorporating …
Quest Mobile™: Bringing Lab Testing to Your Doorstep
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience matters more than ever. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, finding time for essential health services can be challenging. That’s where Quest Mobile™ comes in. With Quest Mobile™, you can get the laboratory testing you need without leaving the comfort of your home. Let’s explore how this innovative service works and why it’s …