Question 1

Does Dr. El Kholy take my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Alef Mental Health accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Evernorth, BlueCross BlueShield, Florida Blue, United Healthcare, UMR, Oxford, Oscar Health, Anthem, AvMed, Golden Rule, and Medicare. Coverage and copays vary by plan, and your exact cost is confirmed when you book. Many patients pay a copay of around $30 or less.

Question 2

How much does an appointment cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

The self-pay rate is $195 per session. If you are using insurance, your cost is typically much lower — usually a standard specialist copay, which you will see before you confirm your appointment.

Question 3

What states can Dr. El Kholy see patients in?

Accepted Answer

Dr. El Kholy is licensed in Florida and sees patients located anywhere in the state of Florida by telehealth. You must be physically located in Florida at the time of your appointment.

Question 4

Does she treat teens, or only adults?

Accepted Answer

Both. Dr. El Kholy works with teenagers through older adults. She has particular experience with teens navigating conflict with their parents or their upbringing, and with adults whose anxiety or stress is affecting their relationships and daily functioning.

Question 5

How quickly can I be seen?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are typically available within days rather than weeks, including evening slots on most weekdays. Current openings are shown live on the booking page, so you can pick a time that works and confirm it immediately.

Question 6

Are appointments by video or phone?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are held over secure, HIPAA-compliant video. You can join from a phone, tablet, or computer — no travel and no waiting room. Evening appointments are available most weekdays.

Question 7

Can Dr. El Kholy prescribe medication for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Dr. El Kholy diagnoses ADHD and manages medication, and uses genetic testing to help identify which medication is likely to work best for you. Whether a specific medication — including a controlled stimulant — is appropriate is a clinical decision made during your evaluation, and telehealth prescribing of controlled medications is subject to state and federal rules. Non-stimulant options are also available. Bring your questions to your first appointment.

Question 8

What happens in the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first appointment is a full psychiatric evaluation: your history, what you are experiencing now, what you have already tried, and what you want to change. You and Dr. El Kholy then build a plan together — usually a combination of practical behavioral coaching and, where it helps, medication that is started carefully and adjusted over follow-up visits.

Question 9

Do you offer care in Arabic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. El Kholy is a native Arabic speaker and provides care in both English and Arabic. She offers culturally competent, faith-sensitive care for Arabic-speaking and Muslim-American patients, including patients whose families view mental health treatment with hesitation.

Question 10

Is this therapy, medication management, or both?

Accepted Answer

Both, and that combination is the point. Dr. El Kholy pairs practical behavioral coaching — concrete strategies for managing anxiety, focus, mood, and stress — with careful medication management and dosage adjustment. Many patients come to her after medication alone, or coaching alone, has not been enough.

Frequently Asked Questions