Welcome — We're Glad You're Here
Starting mental health care can feel intimidating. We want you to know exactly what to expect — so you can walk in feeling prepared, respected, and at ease.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Before Your Visit — Paperwork & Preparation
After scheduling, you'll receive a link to complete your intake forms online (or you can fill them out when you arrive). This includes a health history questionnaire, consent forms, and insurance information. Completing these ahead of time means we can spend your entire appointment focused on you — not paperwork.
The Evaluation — Your Story Matters
Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation lasting 60–90 minutes. This is a conversation — not an interrogation. We'll talk about what brings you in, your history, your goals, and what's most important to you. You set the pace. There's no expectation that you share everything at once — trust builds over time.
The Plan — Built Together
By the end of your evaluation, you'll have a clear understanding of your diagnosis (if applicable) and a collaborative treatment plan. This may include medication recommendations, therapy, lifestyle approaches, or a combination — always discussed openly, with your questions answered and your preferences honored.
Next Steps — Follow-Up & Ongoing Care
Before you leave, we'll schedule your follow-up appointment — typically within 2–4 weeks. You'll also receive information about how to reach us between visits, access the patient portal, and handle prescription refills. You'll leave with a clear sense of the path forward — and the reassurance that you're not walking it alone.
What to Have Available
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Insurance card (if using insurance)
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List of current medications (including dosages)
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Relevant medical records or previous psychiatric records (if available)
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A notebook or list of questions — it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask
How to Prepare
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Reflect on your goals — what are you hoping to get out of treatment?
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Write down your symptoms and when they started — even rough notes help
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Be honest — there's no judgment here. The more we know, the better we can help
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It's okay to be nervous — most people are. That feeling usually fades within the first few minutes
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Know that you don't have to share everything at once — trust takes time, and that's okay
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Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness