Psychiatrist That Takes Medicare in Bakersfield: Video Visits From Home (2026)

Medically reviewed by Veronica Sanchez, MD

Yes. Prescribed Wellness Psychiatry takes Medicare, and Dr. Veronica Sanchez, MD, sees Medicare patients in Bakersfield and across Kern County by secure video from home. Medicare Part B covers psychiatric evaluation and medication management. In 2026, after the $283 Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each visit, and a Medigap policy often covers that share.

Key takeaways

✓ Medicare covers mental health visits by video from your home, in rural and urban areas alike.

✓ With Original Medicare you pay the $283 Part B deductible in 2026, then 20% of the Medicare-approved amount per visit.

✓ No referral is needed with Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans require one.

✓ Medicare's in-person visit rule for mental health telehealth does not start until after December 31, 2027.

✓ Dr. Sanchez sees Medicare patients by video in English or Spanish.

Does Medicare cover seeing a psychiatrist by video?

Yes. Medicare.gov lists psychiatric evaluation and medication management among the outpatient mental health services Part B covers, and lists telehealth as one of the ways to receive them. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) states that beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas can receive behavioral health telehealth services in their homes.

That matters in Kern County. You do not need to live in a designated rural area or go to a clinic to connect. You can take the visit from your own living room in Bakersfield, Delano or Tehachapi, as long as you are in California during the call.

What will I pay with Medicare in 2026?

With Original Medicare, the 2026 Part B deductible is $283, according to CMS. After you meet it, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for visits to diagnose or treat a mental health condition. The approved amount is the same whether the visit is in person or by video.

• Medigap (Medicare Supplement): many policies pay the 20% coinsurance, which can bring your cost per visit close to zero.

• Medicare Advantage: these plans set their own copays and use their own networks. Some require a referral or prior authorization before you see a psychiatrist.

• Medications: prescriptions are covered under Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, not under Part B.

Will Medicare require me to come to the office in person?

Not before 2028. Federal law includes an in-person visit rule for mental health telehealth, but CMS says it takes effect after December 31, 2027. Here is how it is scheduled to work:

• If you start mental health telehealth on or before December 31, 2027, you count as established. From 2028 you would need at least one in-person visit every 12 months.

• If you start after that date, the rule calls for an in-person visit within six months before your first telehealth mental health visit.

For a Bakersfield patient, that likely means one trip a year to our Los Angeles office at 3800 Barham Blvd, Suite 416, starting in 2028, unless Congress changes the rule again. It has been postponed several times. We will tell you well ahead of time if the rule applies to you.

What if I have both Medicare and Medi-Cal?

Prescribed Wellness Psychiatry does not accept Medi-Cal. If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, call us before booking and we will go over how your visits would be handled.

Do I need a referral?

With Original Medicare, no referral is needed to see a psychiatrist who accepts Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans, especially HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor or a prior authorization. The name of your plan on your card decides this. If you are unsure, call us and we will help you check before your first visit.

How do I get started?

1. Call or text (626) 681-3729, or request an appointment online. Say that you have Medicare and live in Kern County.

2. Have your red, white and blue Medicare card ready, plus any Medigap, Medicare Advantage or Part D card.

3. Make a list of your current medications with doses, and the pharmacy you use.

4. Complete the intake forms we send before your visit.

5. On the day, find a private spot with a good connection a few minutes early.

For more detail on Part B, Medicare Advantage and Part D, read what Medicare covers for psychiatry. For how video visits work, see seeing a psychiatrist by video in Kern County, or visit our Bakersfield psychiatry page. You can also request an appointment online.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a psychiatrist that takes Medicare in Bakersfield?

Yes. Prescribed Wellness Psychiatry accepts Medicare, and Dr. Veronica Sanchez, MD, sees Medicare patients in Bakersfield and across Kern County by secure video from home, in English or Spanish. In-person visits are at our Los Angeles office on Barham Blvd.

Does Medicare cover a psychiatrist by video from home?

Yes. According to CMS, Medicare beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas can receive behavioral health telehealth services in their homes. Medicare Part B covers psychiatric evaluation and medication management, whether the visit happens in an office or by telehealth.

How much does a Medicare psychiatry visit cost in 2026?

With Original Medicare, you first meet the 2026 Part B deductible of $283, then pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each visit. A Medigap policy often covers that 20%. Medicare Advantage plans set their own copays, so check your plan.

Will Medicare make me see a psychiatrist in person?

Not before 2028. CMS says the in-person requirement for mental health telehealth takes effect after December 31, 2027. Patients already receiving mental health telehealth by then will need one in-person visit every 12 months rather than a visit before starting.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist with Medicare?

Not with Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans, especially HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor or prior authorization. Call the number on your plan card, or call our office and we will help you check.

Does Medicare cover psychiatric medications?

Medications are covered under Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage, not under Part B. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, so we check that a medication is covered before prescribing when possible.

Sources

• Medicare.gov. Outpatient mental health care.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Telehealth FAQ, updated February 26, 2026.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles.