Your initial consultation is designed for a mental health provider to get a comprehensive understanding of your mental and physical health. It is often longer than follow-up visits, lasting for an hour. Follow-up visits typically last for 30 minutes.
1. Paperwork and intake forms
Like any medical appointment, you’ll likely start by filling out forms. These may cover your medical history, current medications, and specific mental health concerns. Being thorough and honest here helps the psychiatrist build a complete picture of your health.
2. The medical history deep dive
Your mental health provider will ask a wide range of questions to understand your background and current state. This isn’t just about your mental health; it’s about your whole health. Be prepared to discuss:
Current symptoms:
Describe what you are experiencing, including how long it’s been happening and how it affects your daily life.
Personal and family history:
Your mental health provider will ask about any prior mental health diagnoses or treatments you’ve had, as well as any history of mental illness in your family.
Physical health:
Your mental health provider may also inquire about your general well-being, including sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels, as these are often tied to mental health.
Life events:
You may discuss significant life changes, stressors, or past traumas that may have contributed to your current state.
Substance use:
Your mental health provider will likely ask about your use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances.
3. Discussion of diagnosis and treatment.
Based on this in-depth assessment, your mental health providers will discuss their initial diagnostic impressions. It’s important to remember that a diagnosis can change over time as they learn more about you and how you respond to treatment.
Next, you will discuss potential treatment options, which may include:
Medication management:
If medication is recommended, the mental health provider will explain the options, potential benefits, and side effects.
Therapy:
The mental health provider may also suggest talk therapy and can often provide referrals to a therapist for ongoing counseling.
Lifestyle changes:
They may suggest lifestyle adjustments, such as improvements to sleep or exercise, to support your mental health.
The treatment plan.
By the end of the appointment, you and your mental health provider will have the beginning of a personalized treatment plan. You will also likely schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress.
How to prepare and feel more comfortable
A little preparation can go a long way toward making your first appointment productive and less intimidating.
Write it down:
Create a list of your symptoms, a timeline of when they started, and how they impact your life. This can be a helpful guide if you get nervous and your mind goes blank.
List your questions:
Prepare a list of questions you have for the mental health provider about your condition, treatment options, or anything else on your mind.
Bring your history:
Have a list of your current and past medications, your medical history, and any relevant mental health records.
Bring a support person:
If you’re feeling especially anxious, it is okay to bring a trusted friend or family member with you. They can offer support and help you remember important details from the conversation.
Understand confidentiality
Rest assured that what you share is private and confidential, with very few legal exceptions. Your mental health provider’s role is to help, not to judge, and they have heard it all.
Taking this first step is a courageous act of self-care. By arriving prepared and knowing what to expect, you can turn a potentially daunting experience into a positive, empowering first step toward better mental health.
