Dr. Bakht FAQS

What made you decide to become a psychologist?

It was a series of things, but I've always sensed a calling since I was young. My father began calling me "counselor" when I helped two quarreling friends reconcile as an adolescent. Eventually, the calling grew stronger and I decided in 2000 that it was time to heed it. The title has changed a little but the concept has stuck. I love hearing people's stories and helping them along their journey as a sure and faithful witness. And yes, my dad still calls me "counselor" to this day!

Are you a Christian?

Yes. I have also worked with people from all over the world from different walks of life and faiths. If you desire counseling from a Christian perspective, please let me know and we can discuss this in detail. I value your spiritual health and your walk as much as your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Do you prescribe medication?

No, I do not prescribe medication as a psychologist. A psychiatrist is a MD with psychology training and has the ability to prescribe. In some states a psychologist can prescribe with additional training and credentialing, but that is not the case yet in Washington to my knowledge. However, I will collaborate with your physician with your permission. I believe it is very important to approach your situation as a member of a multidisciplinary team whenever possible, whether we are working with a psychiatrist, your primary care provider, or even your social worker.

Will you make me get evaluated for medication?

I won't make you, but as to whether you may need it or not depends on your situation and how severely impacted your functioning is. In many cases while collaborating with their medical provider, I have worked with people successfully where they no longer needed the medication they were on! Others may need medication for the long term. It really varies on a case by case basis and is best discussed in person and in conjunction with your prescribing physician.

Do you take insurance?

I encourage you to contact me directly regarding insurance as it can be quite confusing. I currently accept Premera, Lifewise, Regence, Asurius Northwest Health, Healthcare Management Administrators, First Choice and Uniform Medical. Group Health Options may also cover a good portion of your bill. Other insurance carriers are closed to new behavioral health providers in the Bellingham area at the time of this posting, but this may change in the future. Meanwhile, if your managed care provider is a PPO, I can provide a "super bill" that you can submit to your insurance company and then they would reimburse you for seeing an "out of network provider." If you use this as an option, you are responsible for paying my standard customary fee and for submitting a claim to your insurance company such that they reimburse you. To be reimbursed by a third party, such as your insurance provider, I am required to provide certain information about you. In many cases this may include a diagnosis or other information that would "justify" why you "require" mental health services. If you have concerns about how this information is utilized by the insurance company, I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to ask them how they manage your privacy and how this information may be used for future health concerns. If you don't want to go the insurance route at all and finances are hard right now, please contact me to discuss the sliding fee scale option.

Will you safeguard my privacy?

Yes, as much as I am able within the limits of the law. This means I am required legally and ethically to break your confidentiality when you are a danger to yourself, a danger to someone else, and when you inform me of child or elder abuse. There is also always the chance that your records may be subpoenaed if you are ever in a legal proceeding or if required by federal investigation. Please do not hesitate to ask me more about your privacy.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes.

I saw you walking outside of your office, but you only acknowledged me with a smile when I was with my friends. Why didn't you stop to talk?

To safeguard your privacy. It's up to you to tell the people you interact with whether or not you are in counseling. In a city the size of Bellingham, there's a good chance we'll run into each other. I generally let my clients know that I will smile and say hello, but that I will not engage them in conversation unless they initiate it. This way, it's up to you to know whether "it's okay" or not to stop and chat for a few.