What to expect from your first psychiatry appointment and how to prepare

If you’re getting ready for your first appointment with a psychiatric provider, you might be wondering what to expect. You might even be a little nervous, and that’s OK. Many people feel this way when starting a new part of their mental health journey. 

As with any new experience, taking some time to prepare for your appointment can help reduce your worries. By learning about what typically happens in a first session and reflecting on the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, you’ll be ready to make the most of your first appointment. 

What happens during your first psychiatry appointment?

A first meeting with a psychiatric provider is sometimes called an intake session. This is because the provider will use this time, in part, to review your completed intake forms and screenings. This information will help them get to know you, including your medical and mental health history. 

During the first appointment, your provider will likely ask you lots of questions. A few of the things you may discuss include: 

• Your mental health history: They’ll want to know about any diagnoses you’ve received and any treatments you’ve tried. This will help them determine what might be most helpful going forward. 
• Your symptoms and why you’re seeking care: They may ask about your symptoms and why you’re seeking support at this time. This will help you and your provider come to a shared understanding of your goals for treatment. Make sure you’re open and honest about your experiences so you can get the best support for your unique needs. 
• Your medical and family history: They may also ask about your family history and any other parts of your story that could impact your care, including your medical history.  

Six tips for a successful first psychiatry session 

The following tips can help you prepare for your first psychiatry appointment. 

1. Reflect on your goals

If you visit the doctor for a physical ailment, like a sprained ankle, the injury that needs attention would be easy to see. But addressing mental health concerns can be a bit more complicated. Your provider will help you understand how your symptoms fit into a potential diagnosis. They will then work with you to explore your goals for treatment. But you are the true expert on yourself. So take some time to consider what you hope to achieve from accessing care. 

2. Practice vulnerability

While being open and honest with someone new isn’t always easy, it can help your provider better understand you and your needs. Sharing your full story, including your struggles, with your provider will help produce the best possible outcomes. Keep in mind that honesty and openness are important for making sure you get the best treatment for you. But know that you don’t need to talk about anything you’re not ready to explore in the first session.

3. Complete your paperwork

Before your first appointment, be sure to complete your intake forms and provide all necessary documentation (like a copy of your insurance card, if needed). This will give your provider a chance to begin reviewing this information ahead of time. Some providers use an online patient portal for these documents, while others may send you a paper copy of your forms in the mail.

4. Take some notes

Brainstorm what you want to talk about and any questions you’d like to ask, and write them down. That way, you won’t forget anything important. You can take notes on paper or use your phone. You can also take notes during your session if it’s helpful.

5. Keep an open mind

If you’re feeling anxious or unsure before your first psychiatry appointment, that’s OK. But try to keep an open mind, listen to your provider’s recommendations, and show yourself kindness as you navigate this new experience. Give yourself a few sessions to settle in and familiarize yourself with the process. And know that if your provider ends up not being a fit, you can always make a change.

6. Prepare your environment (for virtual appointments)

Thanks to telehealth, many people see their psychiatric provider virtually. This convenient option means you can access care from home. Before your appointment, find a quiet, comfortable space, and test your computer and internet connection. If you share a home with someone, consider letting them know that you need some privacy during your session. And make sure that you are not actively driving a vehicle.

How do you know if your psychiatric provider is right for you?

Psychiatric providers are trained medical professionals who focus on mental health and can prescribe medication. Their role is to help you with medication management while also evaluating your unique situation through a holistic lens. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your provider so you can feel confident trying their recommendations. 

Know that different providers have unique communication styles and different ways of working with clients. So don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and share your perspective during sessions. Providers want to ensure that they’re a good fit for their clients, and this is a time for you to see if you’re a good fit for one another. But remember that it can take time for you to build trust, and trust is important for a positive outcome.

Throughout your experience with your provider, reflecting on the following questions can help you determine whether they’re a good fit for you.

• Do I feel safe sharing my full story with them? 
• Am I willing to try their suggestions even if it differs from others’ experiences or internet research?
• Do they have experience treating people with similar diagnoses or challenges?
• Have they worked with other people who share my background?
• Am I comfortable being honest about how the medication is making me feel?
• Do they provide helpful guidance and recommendations?
• Do I feel like the provider is listening to my concerns and viewing me as a partner in my care?

Your relationship with your psychiatric provider is an important factor in determining the success of your treatment. Know that you deserve to feel seen, heard, and valued — and you always have the right to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. 

Find psychiatric care with Rula 

If you’re considering seeing a psychiatric provider, you’ve already taken an important step in your mental health journey. As with many new things, it’s normal to feel a little nervous about what to expect from your first psychiatry appointment. But by taking some time to prepare, you can make the most of the experience. 

At Rula, we know that finding a psychiatric provider who takes your insurance can feel like an overwhelming process. So we built our provider-matching program to make it easy to find affordable, in-network psychiatric support in just a few clicks. 

And with Rula, you won’t have to wait weeks or months for an appointment. You can access the care you need and schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow.

Get started with Rula today