FAQ

  • What kind of services does Salinda Health offer?

    We offer psychiatric care through secure telehealth visits, including:

    - Individual psychotherapy

    - Psychiatric evaluations

    - Medication management

    - Gender-affirming care (including HRT support and letters for surgery)

    - LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and mental health support

    We specialize in trauma-informed care and work with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, identity exploration, and life transitions.

  • Do you offer in-person appointments?

    All appointments at Salinda Health are telehealth-only, using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. This makes it easy to attend sessions from anywhere in New York.

  • Do you accept insurance?

    Yes, we are in-network with Aetna, including Columbia’s Aetna plan.
    If you have another insurance provider, we can provide Superbills so you can request out-of-network reimbursement.

  • What are your out-of-pocket rates?

    Out-of-pocket rates with Dr. salstein (if not using Aetna):

    - $550 for a ~55-minute New Patient Consultation

    - $275 for ~25-minute follow-up appointments

    Out-of-pocket rates with Esther Crane (if not using Aetna):

    - $375 for a ~55-minute New Patient Consultation

    - $225 for ~25-minute follow-up appointments

    We do not currently offer sliding scale rates.

  • Who will I be working with?

    We currently have two providers:

    Dr. Lisa Salstein (she/her) – Board Certified Psychiatrist offering therapy, evaluations, and medication management.

    Esther Crane (they/them) – Psychiatric provider with experience in trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ mental health care.

    During the intake process, Amanda will help match you with the provider who best fits your needs and availability.

  • How do I schedule an appointment?

    Please reach out to our intake coordinator, Amanda, at office@salindahealth.com to schedule. She’ll help you confirm insurance, find a time, and get set up in our patient portal.

  • What happens before my first appointment?

    Once you’re scheduled, you’ll receive an email with access to our portal (Charm), where you’ll complete:

    New Patient Intake Form (contact info, medications, allergies)

    Practice Policies

    Credit Card Authorization & Consent

    All paperwork must be completed before your appointment.

  • What happens during the first session?

    The first appointment is a ~55-minute New Patient Consultation. You’ll share what’s been going on, your history, and your goals. It’s a collaborative space to begin building a treatment plan together—whether that includes talk therapy, medication, or both.

  • Do you write letters for gender-affirming care?

    Yes. Both Dr. Salstein and Esther Crane provide support around HRT and gender-affirming surgical letters, when clinically appropriate. We follow an informed consent model and treat your identity with respect and affirmation.

  • I’m feeling overwhelmed. How do I know if this is the right fit?

    We understand that starting therapy or psychiatry can feel vulnerable. We are here to create a nonjudgmental, affirming space where your full self is welcome. If you have questions or need guidance, reach out, Amanda is here to help you get oriented.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    We require at least 48 business hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations and no-shows are subject to the full session fee. This policy helps us respect everyone’s time and ensures we can offer that time to others in need.

  • What happens if I’m late to a session?

    We ask that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. If you are more than 10 minutes late, the session may need to be rescheduled and may be considered a late cancellation. In that case, the full session fee may apply.

  • What if I’m in crisis or need immediate support?

    Salinda Health is not a crisis provider and does not offer emergency services. If you’re in crisis, please contact:

    The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)

    Your local emergency room or 911

    The Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

    The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678

    If you're working with us and need urgent but non-emergency support, please message your provider via the Charm portal and we’ll respond as soon as possible during business hours.