Frequently Asked Questions
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We treat patients with “treatment-resistant” depression (depression that continues even after receiving standard treatments, like antidepressants) and patients with depression who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. We also help with conditions that commonly co-occur with depression, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and more.
Please reach out to discuss whether psychedelic-assisted therapy might be right for you.
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Currently, esketamine (Spravato) is the only FDA-approved psychedelic medication. As more psychedelic medications (such as psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and more) show evidence for safety and effectiveness and become FDA-approved, we plan to offer treatment with these medications with the same focus on talk therapy and behavioral change. Learn more about how we use Spravato at Amast.
During your care with Amast, we will cover the risks, benefits, and alternatives to treatment with Spravato and answer any questions you have. You can learn more about Spravato here: Spravato FAQs
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Amast Health bills your insurance for all sessions and we are in-network with most major carriers including Medicare, Aetna, Anthem, United, Optum, and Cigna.
Your cost will depend on your specific plan and may include deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. We will do our best to work with your insurer to generate a personalized cost estimate.
If your insurance is not listed or you have questions, please contact us to discuss your options.
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We are located at the Stonestown Medical Building (595 Buckingham Way, Suite 510, San Francisco, CA 94132) on the 5th floor. The building has an elevator and ADA-accessible restrooms. Our building is easily accessible by public transit and rideshare.
SFMTA/Muni: our office is a ~7 minute walk from the M Ocean View MUNI line (19th Ave & Winston Dr/Stonestown stop) and is also on several bus lines including 28, 18, 91.
BART: ~2 miles from the Daly City BART station (connects via the 28 SFMTA bus).
Driving: Please note that you cannot drive the rest of the day after your Spravato treatment. If you are being driven here, there is free parking on-site in the parking garage (there are two separate entrances on Buckingham Way and on 20th Ave) and free street parking nearby.
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Yes. We specialize in psychedelic-assisted therapy, which allows us to provide the highest quality care during your course of treatment with us (typically lasting 10 weeks). You should maintain your care relationship with your current psychiatrist, and they will continue to be your primary provider during and after your treatment with Amast Health.
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No, but our treatment is specialized and takes place over approximately ten weeks, so you should have a provider to follow up with, such as a psychiatrist, primary care provider, and/or therapist. We provide a highly specialized and structured program to help you jump-start psychological growth and commit to important life changes. Since we treat more complex forms of depression, most patients who find our services already work with a psychiatrist and have tried other treatments. If you do not currently have a psychiatrist but think you might be a candidate for our services, we welcome you to reach out to learn more.
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You should continue your prescribed medications until your first visit with us. If we move forward with treatment, we may work with you or your referring provider on adjusting certain medications as your needs evolve over the course of treatment.
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If you believe you are experiencing an emergency, you should call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, you may also call or text the 24-hour national crisis line at 988.
Note that while we aim to respond to communications as quickly as possible, electronic or text messages are not appropriate for urgent or emergent matters as messages may not be received or viewed in a timely manner. This site is also not intended to provide medical advice or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Patient Resources
Values Clarification
Exercises to start you moving toward what really matters to you, whatever that is.
Mindfulness Meditations
Help to focus your attention on the present moment and prepare for psychedelic treatment.
Therapy Primer
Guidance on identifying feelings, processing your thoughts, and changing your behavior.
ACT Mindfully
Articles and papers by internationally acclaimed ACT therapist Russ Harris.
SMART Goals
SMART goals use the effects of Spravato to re-establish healthy habits and routines.
Emergency Contacts
If you are experiencing an emergency call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text the 24-hour national crisis line at 988.
San Francisco Mobile Crisis: (415) 255-3610
San Francisco Suicide Prevention Hotline & 24-Hour Crisis Line: (415) 781-0500
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224