Why doesn't SHIELD Psychiatry accept insurance?

Insurance-based psychiatry requires providers to see high patient volumes in short appointments, limits time with each family, and introduces delays through prior authorizations and referrals. SHIELD Psychiatry operates as a direct-pay concierge practice so Dr. Akers can maintain a small patient panel, offer longer visits, same-week availability, and direct messaging — the kind of care that actually moves the needle for children and families with complex needs.

Can I get reimbursed by my insurance for visits at SHIELD Psychiatry?

Yes. SHIELD Psychiatry provides a superbill after every visit which you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many families recover 40–70% of visit costs depending on their plan. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your individual insurance benefits.

Is the concierge membership required?

No. Membership is optional at $79 per month. Families may receive care without membership. Membership provides added access including secure portal messaging, prescription refills between visits, school and camp forms, prior authorization support, member-rate follow-up visits ($175 vs $200), and one free QbCheck retest annually.

What is included in the comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?

The $750 comprehensive psychiatric evaluation includes a 75–90 minute clinical assessment, QbCheck objective ADHD testing for ages 6 and older when clinically appropriate, a written report, and a personalized treatment plan covering diagnosis, medication recommendations when indicated, school support needs, and next steps.

What payment methods are accepted?

SHIELD Psychiatry accepts major credit cards, debit cards, ACH bank transfer, HSA, and FSA payments. A valid payment method is required on file to reserve appointments.

How much does it cost per day for concierge psychiatric membership?

The optional concierge membership is $79 per month — less than $2.63 per day — and includes secure messaging, prescription refills, school forms, prior authorization support, and member-rate follow-up visits.

Self-Pay Concierge Care · Insurance Through Headway · Florida Telehealth

Simple Pricing.
More Ways to Access Care.

Psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults ages 5–25.

SHIELD Psychiatry now offers two pathways for care: transparent self-pay concierge services and in-network insurance-based visits through Headway for select Florida plans.

Now accepting: Aetna Florida · Cigna Florida · SmartHealth Ascension Florida · Carelon Behavioral Health Florida

View Self-Pay Pricing Use Insurance

Self-Pay Pricing Use Insurance

SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC · Lutz, FL · Telehealth Statewide

Transparent Pricing for Child & Adolescent Telepsychiatry in Florida

Concierge self-pay and insurance-based telepsychiatry for children, teens, and young adults ages 5–25 across Tampa Bay, Lutz, and all of Florida.

Start with a psychiatric evaluation. Add QbCheck™ ADHD testing only when clinically indicated.

📞 (813) 592-7228 ✉️ info@ShieldPsychiatry.org 🌐 ShieldPsychiatry.org

🛡️ SHIELD Concierge — Self-Pay

Transparent, direct-pay pricing for families seeking private-pay child and adolescent psychiatry in Florida — no insurance required, no referrals, no waitlists.

Initial Psychiatric Evaluation

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and mood disorders in children and teens ages 5–25.

$349

QbCheck™ ADHD Testing Add-On

FDA-cleared, objective ADHD testing for children and adolescents added when clinically indicated alongside the psychiatric evaluation.

$259

Medication Management Follow-Up

30-minute telehealth follow-up for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders — monitoring, adjustments, and treatment review.

$179

Transition Patient Visit

For children and teens transferring psychiatric care to SHIELD, including prior record review and an updated individualized treatment plan.

$350

🏥 Insurance-Based Telepsychiatry

In-network child and adolescent telepsychiatry in Florida through Headway — use your insurance benefits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management.

Aetna Florida Cigna Florida SmartHealth Ascension Florida Carelon Behavioral Health Florida

Your copay, coinsurance, and deductible depend on your specific plan. Insurance benefits are verified through Headway before your first appointment.

Credentialing in progress: Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare — coming soon for Florida families.

SHIELD Access Membership — $79 / month

$79/month

Optional concierge support for Florida families who want more guidance and direct access between scheduled psychiatric appointments.

Secure messaging with Dr. Akers between telehealth visits
Priority scheduling for children and teens when available
ADHD and psychiatric medication refill coordination
IEP, 504 plan, school accommodation, and camp support letters
Care coordination for ADHD, autism, anxiety, mood disorders, and care transitions
Parent and youth mental health education tools

Membership supports between-visit access and coordination. Formal telehealth psychiatric visits are scheduled and billed separately.

Specialty & Add-On Services

Parent Coaching for ADHD & Behavioral Concerns$250

CBT-I Sleep Reset — Insomnia Therapy for Children & Teens$150

QbCheck™ ADHD Progress Monitoring (Post-Treatment)$250

Pharmacogenomic Testing ReviewIncluded when clinically indicated*

*External lab fees may apply. Specialty services available to self-pay concierge patients.

Self-Pay or Insurance — Which Is Right for Your Family?

Choose Concierge Self-Pay If You Want:

Transparent direct-pay pricing for child psychiatry in Florida
Specialty services: QbCheck™ ADHD testing, CBT-I sleep therapy, parent coaching
Optional SHIELD Access Membership for between-visit support
Fewer insurance restrictions on diagnosis, treatment, and visit frequency
Superbill provided for potential out-of-network reimbursement

Choose Insurance-Based Care If You Want:

In-network telepsychiatry through Headway for Florida families
Copay or coinsurance for psychiatric evaluations and medication follow-up
Standard child and adolescent psychiatric evaluation and ongoing care
Benefits verified before scheduling — no billing surprises

How Often Will My Child Need Follow-Up Visits?

During ADHD medication starts, dose adjustments, side effect monitoring, or periods of symptom worsening, follow-up telehealth visits may be needed sooner — sometimes within 1–2 weeks. Once symptoms are stable, appointments for children and teens are typically spaced farther apart based on individual clinical need and progress.

Ready to Get Started?

Choose the path that works best for your family. Telehealth appointments available statewide across Florida.

Schedule a Self-Pay Appointment Verify Insurance Through Headway

Simple Pricing.More Ways to Access Care.