Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer in-person appointments?

Empathy Therapy is a 100% telehealth practice; all medication and counseling appointments will occur virtually over one of your audio-video devices. Once you schedule an appointment, you will be provided with a personalized and confidential videoconference link via email with your confirmation.
How do I book an appointment with Dr. Chofla?

Our online booking system makes it very easy to book an appointment online. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can see which time slots are available and book in one or more appointments. Here’s how! (Still, need help? Please call us at (888) 832-9635 and we would be happy to help you.)
What time zone is your appointment booking system?

Empathy Therapy is based in the State of California and all appointments within our booking system are in Pacific Standard Time (PST) / Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Do you accept insurance?

We are an out-of-network provider for all insurance plans. Many insurance companies offer out-of-network benefits, which could enable you to be reimbursed directly. If you have insurance, please contact your insurance company directly to see if these benefits are part of your plan. After receiving services from Empathy Therapy, you can submit to your insurance company a special receipt called a superbill for reimbursement consideration. All our services are Health Spending Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eligible. Medications and laboratory tests ordered by the doctor will be fully eligible for insurance utilization.
Are you a Medicare provider?

Dr. Mark Chofla is not a Medicare provider, which means you will not be able to submit any invoices or claims for reimbursement to Medicare for services provided by Dr. Mark Chofla.
Do you prescribe medications?

Dr. Chofla specializes in prescribing behavioral health medications, complemented by counseling, psychotherapy, executive life coaching. Prescriptions are electronically sent immediately after your telehealth appointment.
What is executive life coaching?

Executive life coaching provided by Dr. Chofla uniquely combines the expertise of his various training as a psychiatrist and a physician with executive coaching techniques. This approach not only addresses your professional goals and challenges, but also takes into account your physical and mental well-being, providing a comprehensive approach to personal and professional growth. Dr. Chofla’s careful understanding of psychological and medical dynamics enables him to support executives and creatives in overcoming challenges, setting goals, and enhancing professional mental resilience.
Why are all your appointment bookings done only exclusively on this webpage, instead of over the telephone?

Providing online booking offers enhanced convenience and flexibility for you. Our website allows you to easily schedule appointments, at any hour of the day or night, without the concern of being restricted by business hours or enduring lengthy phone wait times. Furthermore, our website allows you to view available appointment times, empowering you to choose the time that best fits your schedule.
What type of Internet browser should I use to access my telehealth appointment with Dr. Chofla?

Our telehealth video platform is compatible with Google Chrome. Please be sure to access your appointments using Google Chrome, which you can download below: Google Chrome
How do you enable pop-ups on the Google Chrome Internet browser?

When using our telehealth system, since windows open up you will need to make sure that your browser has popups enabled. These instructions will step through the process using Google Chrome, the recommended browser.
Can I use my phone to access my telehealth appointments?

While we recognize that phones provide a great deal of flexibility, we strongly recommend for audio-video clarity that everyone use a computer/laptop for telehealth appointments, instead of a smartphone.
How do I reschedule or cancel my appointment with Dr. Chofla?

Appointments are in high demand, and your early cancellation or change will allow another patient access to timely medical care. If it is necessary to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we require that you call 888-832-9635 or make the necessary changes on our online appointment system at least 72 hours before your appointment. Our Missed Appointment Policy can also be found on our website for future reference.
Now that I booked my appointment, how do I join my online appointment?

Do you need help knowing how to join your online appointment for your already booked appointment? This video will help! (Still, need help? Please call us at (888) 832-9635 and we would be happy to help you.)
What do I do in case of an emergency?

If you are having an emergency, please dial 911 and/or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call/text 988 for the Mental Health Crisis Lifeline on any day or time.