What should I expect during my first mental health appointment?

Q: I’ve never been to therapy or seen a psychiatrist before. What should I expect during my first appointment?

A: Your first mental health appointment is an important step in your wellness journey. Here’s what typically happens:

Before Your Appointment:

• Complete intake paperwork (medical history, insurance information, consent forms)
• Prepare a list of current medications and dosages
• Think about your main concerns and what you hope to achieve
• Gather relevant medical records if requested
• Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early

During the Initial Assessment:

• Introduction and rapport building: Your provider will help you feel comfortable and explain the process
• History taking: Discuss your current symptoms, when they started, and what triggers them
• Medical and psychiatric history: Review past treatments, medications, and family mental health history
• Life circumstances: Talk about relationships, work, housing, and support systems
• Mental status exam: Your provider may assess your mood, thinking patterns, and cognitive functioning
• Goal setting: Discuss what you want to achieve through treatment

Q: What questions will my provider ask?

A: Common questions include:

• “What brought you in today?”
• “When did you first notice these symptoms?”
• “How are these issues affecting your daily life?”
• “What have you tried before to address these concerns?”
• “Do you have any family history of mental health conditions?”
• “Are you currently taking any medications?”
• “Do you use alcohol or other substances?”
• “Have you ever had thoughts of harming yourself or others?”

Q: What questions should I ask my provider?

A: Good questions to ask include:

• “What do you think might be causing my symptoms?”
• “What treatment options are available to me?”
• “How long might treatment take?”
• “What can I expect from therapy/medication?”
• “How will we measure progress?”
• “What should I do if I have a crisis between appointments?”
• “Do you have experience treating my specific concerns?”

Q: How long is the first appointment?

A: Initial appointments are typically longer than follow-up sessions:

• Psychiatric evaluations: 30-60 minutes
• Therapy intake sessions: 50-90 minutes
• This allows time for a thorough assessment and initial treatment planning

Q: What happens after the first appointment?

A: After your assessment, your provider will:

• Share their initial impressions and recommendations
• Discuss treatment options and create a treatment plan
• Schedule follow-up appointments
• Provide crisis contact information
• Possibly refer you to additional services if needed

Remember: It’s normal to feel nervous about your first appointment. Your provider understands this and will work to create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where you can openly discuss your concerns.