How to Prepare for Your Psychiatric Appointment
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a first psychiatry visit. You’ve already taken a brave step by seeking care. This guide lays out exactly how to prepare—what to bring, what happens in the appointment, and how to make the most of your time.
How do you prepare for your first psychiatric appointment?
Getting ready for your first psychiatric appointment doesn't have to be overwhelming. Think of it as gathering the pieces of your story so your psychiatrist can understand your experience and help you effectively. Here's what you'll want to take care of before your visit:
Verify insurance and fees; ask whether you need a referral.
Choose a psychiatrist whose expertise fits your needs.
Gather your medical and mental health history, plus current/past medications.
Complete intake forms and screeners before the visit.
Write down your top symptoms, goals, and questions..
During your Visit, bring your ID, insurance card, medication list, and arrive early
How do you choose the right psychiatrist and verify insurance coverage?
Finding the right psychiatrist is like finding any good healthcare provider—you want someone whose expertise matches your needs and who you feel comfortable talking with. Begin by gathering recommendations and conducting research on the practical details.
Ask for referrals from your primary care specialist, therapist, or trusted friends and family. Once you have some names, take time to review their training, board certification, and specialties. Some psychiatrists focus on specific areas like mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, perinatal mental health, or addiction treatment.
Don't forget to confirm the practical details that will affect your care:
Insurance considerations:
Is the provider in-network or out-of-network?
What's your copay or deductible?
Do you need prior authorization or a referral?
Availability and communication:
Do they offer in-person visits, telepsychiatry, or both?
Are evening or weekend appointments available?
How can you reach the office between visits for refills or urgent concerns?
Do you need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
The answer depends on your specific insurance plan. Many plans don't require a referral for mental health specialists, but HMO plans or certain benefits packages might need a referral. The easiest way to find out is to call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask directly.
While you're on the phone, ask about your copays, deductibles, and whether the clinic provides superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if that's relevant to your situation.
What should you bring or upload to our portal for your psychiatrist visit?
Think of this as creating a complete picture of your health for your psychiatrist. The more information you can provide upfront, the better they can understand your situation and recommend appropriate treatment. Here's what you'll want to gather:
Essential documents:
Photo ID and insurance card
Payment method (copay, deductible, or self-pay)
Medication information:
Current medications: names, doses, when you take them, and any side effects (include over-the-counter meds and supplements). Bringing the actual bottles can be helpful
Past psychiatric medications: what you tried, dose, dates, any benefits, and side effects you experienced
Health history:
Mental health history: prior diagnoses, hospitalizations, therapy notes (if you have them), psychological or ADHD testing results
Medical history: chronic conditions, surgeries, allergies; recent labs (like thyroid function or vitamin levels) if available
Pharmacy name, address, and phone number
Emergency contact information and preferred supports
Any previous imaging or lab results your psychiatrist requested
How should you complete intake forms and screenings ahead of time?
Before your psychiatric appointment, complete intake forms and screening questionnaires (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) 3-7 days prior. If any questions are unclear, note them for discussion during your visit. Also, inquire about accommodations like language interpretation or mobility access, and clarify privacy policies under HIPAA.
What symptoms, goals, and questions should you write down before your visit?
One of the most helpful things you can do is organize your thoughts about why you're seeking help and what you hope to achieve. Writing this down beforehand ensures you won't forget important details when you're in the moment.
Symptoms and their impact on your life:
What brought you to seek help now, and when did these symptoms start?
How frequent and severe are they?
Are there specific triggers or patterns you've noticed (related to sleep, stress, menstrual cycle, substances)?
How are these symptoms affecting your work or school, relationships, energy levels, focus, appetite, and sleep?
Are there any safety concerns, panic episodes, or substance use patterns you want help changing?
Your treatment goals: Think about what "better" would look like for you. Some examples might be sleeping through the night, having fewer panic attacks, experiencing more stable moods, improved focus, or returning to activities you enjoy. Also consider your preferences about therapy and skills training, medication options you're open to (or want to avoid), and lifestyle changes you're willing to try.
Questions for your psychiatrist:
What might be going on with my symptoms?
What treatment options exist (medication, therapy, lifestyle changes), and how do they compare?
What side effects should I watch for, and how will we manage them?
Could my current medications or health conditions affect treatment choices?
Will medication be prescribed at the first visit?
How often will we follow up, and how can I reach you between visits?
As Dr. Folawevo often notes, shared decision-making leads to better outcomes—bring your priorities so your treatment plan can reflect what matters most in your life.
How do you prepare for a telepsychiatry (virtual) psychiatrist appointment?
Virtual appointments can be as effective as in-person visits, but they require technical preparation. The good news is that most issues can be avoided with a quick test run ahead of time.
Technical setup:
Test your camera and microphone
Update your browser or app
Plug in your charger so your device doesn't die mid-session
Ensure you have strong Wi-Fi, and have a backup plan, like a mobile hotspot or phone number, to reconnect if needed
Environment preparation:
Find a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted
Make sure you have good lighting so your psychiatrist can see you clearly
Consider using headphones for additional privacy
Stay stationary during your session—never drive during a telehealth appointment
Keep your ID, medication bottles, and notes within easy reach during the call. Dr. Folawevo recommends doing a 30-second "dry run" the day before your appointment. Simply open the link, test your audio and video, and you'll be able to focus entirely on the conversation when it matters.
What should you do the day before and the day of your appointment?
The final preparation steps help ensure everything goes smoothly and you can focus on the conversation itself rather than logistics.
Day before:
Confirm the time zone, address, or telehealth link, and any parking or building entry instructions
Pack your essentials: ID, insurance card, payment method, medication list or bottles, prior records, pharmacy information, and your notes
Day of your appointment:
Eat and stay hydrated normally
Avoid alcohol or recreational substances that could interfere with the assessment.
Arrive or log in 10-15 minutes early for check-in.
Decide whether you want a support person to join all, part, or none of the visit, and communicate this preference to your psychiatrist.
What should you expect at your first psychiatric evaluation?
Understanding what happens during your first visit can help ease anxiety about the unknown. Think of this as a comprehensive conversation where your psychiatrist gathers information to understand your experience and determine how best to help you.
The conversation will typically cover:
Your main concerns and what you hope to change
A review of your symptoms, mental health history, physical health history, family history, and current medications
Social context, like your relationships, school or work situation, current stressors, personal strengths, and support systems
Safety questions about thoughts of self-harm or suicide—these aren't asked to judge you, but to help keep you safe.
Possible exams and tests: Your psychiatrist might recommend medical tests if they're relevant to your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid function tests, vitamin level checks, or ongoing medication monitoring.
The treatment plan: Sometimes a working diagnosis and treatment plan can be established at the first visit, while other situations require a few sessions to develop confidence in the approach. The important thing is that you and your psychiatrist make these decisions together. As Dr. Folawevo emphasizes, the best plan is one you understand, agree with, and feel capable of following.
How long does a first psychiatry appointment last?
First visits are typically longer than follow-up appointments because there's more ground to cover. Expect your initial evaluation to last 60-120 minutes, while follow-up appointments are often 30-60 minutes.
Will you be prescribed medication at your first psychiatrist visit?
This depends entirely on your individual situation, preferences, and safety considerations. Some patients do start medication at their first visit, while others might focus initially on further assessment, lab work, or therapy referrals. Your psychiatrist will discuss options with you and respect your preferences about treatment approaches.
What questions will a psychiatrist ask at the first appointment?
While every psychiatrist has their own style, you can expect questions like:
What brings you in today? What are your main symptoms?
How long have you felt this way, and what helps or worsens your symptoms?
What's your medical history and family mental health history?
What medications or supplements are you currently taking?
What do you want to get out of treatment?
Can you bring a family member or friend to your psychiatry appointment?
Having support during your appointment can be helpful, and most psychiatrists are accommodating about this. The key is making sure the arrangement works for everyone involved.
For adults: You have complete control over whether a support person joins your entire visit, just part of it, or none at all. Some people find it helpful to have someone there for moral support or to help remember important information.
For minors: A parent or guardian usually attends at least part of the session, though teenagers often have some one-on-one time with the psychiatrist for privacy.
How is your information kept private and confidential (HIPAA)?
Strict privacy laws like HIPAA in the United States protect your mental health information. Psychiatric clinics are required to explain how your data is stored, who has access to it, and under what circumstances it might be shared.
If you want your psychiatrist to coordinate care with your therapist or primary care doctor, you'll need to sign a specific release of information form first. This ensures you maintain control over who has access to your mental health information.
What should you do after your first psychiatrist appointment?
The work doesn't end when your appointment does. Following through on the plan you've developed together is crucial for getting the results you want.
Immediate follow-up:
Schedule your next appointment before you leave or log off
Make sure you understand how to reach the clinic for questions, side effects, or prescription refills, and when you would expect a call back.
Ongoing monitoring: Keep brief daily notes about your mood, sleep, anxiety levels, focus, or any medication side effects. Bring these trends to your next visit so you can track progress together.
Complete any assigned tasks: This might include getting lab work done, scheduling therapy appointments, starting a mood journal, or making adjustments to your sleep routine.
Medication monitoring: If you started a new medication, ask when the benefits typically begin and which side effects require you to contact the office promptly.
How can you tell if a psychiatrist is the right fit for you?
After your first few visits (typically 1-3 appointments), take some time to reflect on how the relationship is working. Ask yourself:
Do I feel heard and respected during our conversations?
Do I understand the treatment plan and feel comfortable following it?
Do we make decisions together in a way that reflects my values and preferences?
If something feels off about the relationship, don't hesitate to bring it up. Good psychiatrists welcome feedback and want to work with you to improve the experience. If needed, it's completely okay to switch to a different provider. Dr. Folawevo encourages patients to advocate for a therapeutic relationship where they feel safe, seen, and supported.
What should you do if you feel too anxious to talk during the session?
Feeling nervous during the session is completely normal, and your psychiatrist understands this. Several strategies can help you communicate effectively even when anxiety is high.
Try starting with a simple script like "My top 2-3 concerns are..." and "My goal for the next month is..." You can also hand your written notes to your psychiatrist or simply read them aloud.
Use grounding techniques to help manage anxiety in the moment. Take slow, deep breaths, feel your feet firmly on the floor, or take a sip of water. Most importantly, tell your psychiatrist that you're feeling nervous. They can adjust their pace and approach to help you feel more comfortable opening up.
What should you do if you’re in crisis before your appointment?
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, or if you feel like you can't stay safe, don't wait for your scheduled appointment—get help immediately.
In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room. If there's immediate danger to yourself or others, call 911.
While seeking urgent professional help, also reach out to trusted family members or friends for additional support during this difficult time.
Ready to schedule with Dr. Folawevo at Boundless Mental Health?
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, collaborative approach, consider scheduling with our Psychiatrists in Oxon Hill, MD. Call us at (240) 791-4549 to request an appointment, check accepted insurance, and learn how the team supports you from intake through follow-up—whether in-person or via telehealth.
