What to Expect at Your First Appointment

A step-by-step walkthrough so there are no surprises on appointment day.

Before Your Appointment
Getting Ready

After booking, you'll receive a confirmation and intake paperwork through the patient portal. The forms cover your medical and psychiatric history, current medications, symptoms, and what's bringing you in. They take time to complete — and that's the point. The more you put in, the more useful your first appointment will be.

Your provider reads your intake forms before the appointment. You won't spend the first 20 minutes of your visit answering questions that were already on the form. That time is yours — for evaluation, conversation, and questions.

Make sure you have a private, quiet location for your appointment and a reliable internet connection. You will need a device with a camera and microphone — a smartphone, tablet, or computer all work.

Your First Visit
The Initial Psychiatric Evaluation

Your initial evaluation is a comprehensive psychiatric interview — typically 60 minutes. Here is what it covers:

Chief Complaint & Current Symptoms
We start with what's bringing you in — your current symptoms, how long they've been present, and how they're affecting your daily functioning at work, home, and in relationships.
Psychiatric & Medical History
We review your prior psychiatric diagnoses, hospitalizations, therapy history, and medical conditions that may be relevant to your psychiatric presentation.
Medication History
We review every psychiatric medication you've taken — what worked, what didn't, side effects, and why you stopped. This informs treatment planning significantly.
Your Questions
You'll have time to ask questions. We encourage you to come prepared with questions about diagnosis, treatment options, medications, and what to expect going forward.
After Your Appointment
Next Steps

At the end of your evaluation, your provider will discuss their clinical impressions and recommendations. This may include a diagnosis, a proposed treatment plan, a prescription, or a recommendation for additional evaluation.

Not every evaluation ends with a prescription at the first visit. Some presentations need more information before a diagnosis is confirmed — and rushing that process doesn't serve you. If a second visit is needed before treatment begins, that will be explained clearly and honestly.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your treatment plan. Most new patients are seen monthly initially. Between visits, reach us through the patient portal for non-urgent concerns.

Ready to Get Started?

New patient appointments available within 1–2 days. No referral required. Serving adults throughout Florida.

New Patient Appointment → Follow-Up Visit → Call (941) 348-6927