Your first appointment is longer than follow-up visits and typically lasts 60-90 minutes. We use this time to get a comprehensive understanding of what’s bringing you in, your mental health history, your current symptoms and how they’re affecting your daily life. We’ll ask about your medical history, any medications you’re taking, family psychiatric history and your overall health and lifestyle.

This might sound intimidating, but it’s just a conversation. We want to understand you as a person, not just a list of symptoms. You’re welcome to bring notes about what you want to discuss, questions you have or a list of current medications. Some people find it helpful to bring a trusted person with them for support or to help remember details.

By the end of the first appointment, we’ll discuss our diagnostic impressions and recommended treatment approach. If medication seems appropriate, we’ll explain the options to you, how they work, potential side effects and exactly what to expect. You’ll never be pressured into any treatment you’re not comfortable with because this is a collaborative process and your input matters enormously.