What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Most people feel some apprehension before their first psychiatric or therapy appointment. That’s understandable — and it often eases within the first few minutes of the conversation itself. This page walks you through exactly what will happen, so there are no surprises.
Before the appointment
- You can book online through this website or by phone. We’ll ask for some basic details, the reason for the appointment, and your preferred mode (in person or online).
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with the date, time, location (or the secure video link), and what to bring.
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On the day
If you’re coming in person:
- Please arrive 10 minutes early. There is parking available at each of our clinic locations.
- You’ll be greeted by our reception team and shown to a comfortable waiting area.
- Your appointment will begin on time.
If you’re attending online:
- Use a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted.
- Test your camera and microphone a few minutes early.
- Use a wired internet connection where possible, or a strong WiFi signal.
- Have a phone nearby in case the video drops — we’ll switch to a call so the session isn’t lost.
During the appointment
Your first appointment is longer than a follow-up — typically [60–90 minutes]. The session is unhurried by design. We will:
- Start with your story. In your own words and at your own pace, you’ll talk about what has brought you in. There are no right or wrong answers.
- Ask careful clinical questions. We’ll ask about your current symptoms, your background, your sleep and appetite, your work and relationships, and any past treatment. This is the standard clinical information gathering — not judgement.
- Listen attentively. We take notes during the session because the details matter and your story deserves accuracy. The notes are confidential.
- Form a shared understanding. Toward the end of the session, we’ll share with you what we’re thinking — what might be happening, what kind of help is likely to be most useful, and what options exist.
- Agree on next steps. You leave the appointment with a clear plan: another session, a treatment recommendation, a referral, or simply a follow-up to think things through.
What to bring
- A list of any medications you’re currently taking (with doses)
- Copies of any recent medical reports, blood tests, or imaging
- Names and contact details of any other doctors or therapists you’ve seen for this or related concerns
- A brief note of the symptoms or concerns you want to discuss (especially helpful if you find it hard to remember things in the moment)
- An ID and your payment method
After the appointment
- If a follow-up is recommended, you’ll usually be offered options before you leave.
- If medication has been prescribed, we’ll explain how to take it, what to watch for, and when to call us. A written summary is provided.
- If we’ve referred you for tests or another specialist, we’ll coordinate that and follow up to make sure you’re not left in the gap.
- If you find yourself with questions after the session, please call or email us. Brief follow-up questions between sessions are part of the care.
Common worry: “What if I don’t know what to say?”
This is one of the most common concerns before a first appointment. You don’t need to prepare a speech. You don’t need to be articulate. Your clinician’s job is to help the conversation along. Most patients describe being surprised by how easy it felt to talk, once the session began.
