What Is Concierge Psychiatry?

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“Concierge psychiatry” is a term that can feel a little mysterious — or even intimidating. Is it just for the wealthy? Is it necessary? Is it actually different from traditional psychiatric care?

The truth is, concierge psychiatry is about providing more time, more access, and more personalization — not more luxury. It’s a care model designed for people who want deeper attention, flexible scheduling, and a stronger connection with their provider.

How Concierge Psychiatry Works

In a traditional model, psychiatrists may carry caseloads of several hundred patients. Appointments are often brief — 15 to 20 minutes — and it's not uncommon to wait weeks or months to be seen. In contrast, concierge psychiatry flips the model: the psychiatrist takes on fewer patients so they can offer longer appointments, direct access, and individualized care.

What You Get With Concierge Care

• Same-day or next-day appointments
  
  • No more waiting weeks for urgent issues. You have access to your psychiatrist with minimal wait times which makes it conducive to learning the skills you need!
    
    
• Extended sessions
  
  • Appointments often run 45–60 minutes, allowing for therapy and medication management in one visit. You don't have to rush through your story – you’ll have ample time to engage and have a real conversation.
    
    
• Direct communication
  
  • Text, email, or call your psychiatrist between sessions — not just when something’s wrong, but when you need to check in. We offer Microtherapy which allows you to get in touch for those acute stressors where you need someone to bounce off ideas!
    
    
• Integrated care
  
  • Concierge psychiatrists often collaborate with your other providers, therapists, or family members to offer a unified treatment plan. You dictate the amount of collaboration and be in charge of your health!
    
    
• Fewer insurance barriers
  
  • Most concierge psychiatrists are out-of-network or private pay. While this can be a higher up-front cost, it often eliminates the limitations imposed by insurance — such as requiring a diagnosis, capping session lengths, or denying coverage based on “medical necessity.”
    
    

Who Is Concierge Psychiatry For?

This model works well for people who:

• Want time to explore more than just symptoms
  
  
• Value emotional depth and therapeutic support
  
  
• Are navigating complex life stressors (grief, burnout, trauma)
  
  
• Have previously felt dismissed, rushed, or misdiagnosed in traditional settings
  
  
• Prefer communication and responsiveness between sessions
  
  

It’s especially helpful for individuals juggling high-pressure careers, parenting responsibilities, or overlapping health concerns that require thoughtful coordination.

How Much Does Concierge Psychiatry Cost?

Fees vary depending on the provider and region. In New Jersey, concierge psychiatric sessions typically range from $250–$500 per session. Many providers offer monthly retainers or packages that include session time, messaging access, coordination calls, and proactive check-ins. While these services are often not in-network, patients with out-of-network benefits can often receive partial reimbursement. Many practices will give you a super-bill which will ensure you are able to go back to your insurance and submit a medical claim for reimbursement. This process is best explained in our article here ***.

What is Different About the Experience?

The biggest difference is the Relationship. In concierge care, your psychiatrist has time to know you as a person — not just as a diagnosis. You’re not just coming in for a med check. You’re coming in for a conversation, a strategy session, and a space to be heard. That sense of trust and time can profoundly impact outcomes — especially in conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD.

Is It Worth It?

For many, yes. Concierge psychiatry offers flexibility, peace of mind, and a much richer therapeutic relationship. If you’ve ever felt like your care was disconnected, overly clinical, or too rushed to really help — this model may offer a better fit.

Final Thought

Concierge psychiatry isn’t about luxury — it’s about access. More time, more presence, and more thoughtfulness. It’s a return to what medicine was always meant to be: personal, attentive, and focused on healing the whole person.

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