Larger practices may consist of a team of people. These teams include various medical professionals capable of making diagnoses and prescribing medications. These include psychiatric nurse practitioners NP and physicians assistants PA. There may also be psychologists, licensed professional counselors and social workers. These team members may also be doctors, but they hold Ph. Seeing a psychiatrist for the first time can be intimidating, but there is no need to worry. The following list tells you what to expect at a psychiatric appointment.
Your intake appointment can take one to two hours. The doctor will get to know you and come to understand why you are seeking treatment. There will be a lot of questions for you to answer. Phone a friend.
Many doctors understand that on your first visit you may want to have a loved one or close friend with you. If you elect to bring someone with you, they should know you well and be able to share about you.
Write it down. Before your psychiatry appointment, write down why you are seeking help. Highlight critical behaviors which cause you concern. A habit of rumination can be dangerous to your mental health, as it…. Don't face mental health challenges alone. Instead, learn how to get the support you need to thrive. An introvert is often thought of as a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful individual. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Medically reviewed by Timothy J.
Legg, Ph. Vania Manipod — Updated on February 14, Share on Pinterest. Come prepared with your medical history. After your first visit, the appointments might be shorter. Your psychiatrist will focus on checking your progress and adjusting treatments. If your psychiatrist is providing you with psychological treatments talking therapies , you will probably see them regularly.
Your psychiatrist might recommend you go back to your GP for regular check-ups. They may also arrange for you to see a psychologist, social worker or other therapist. If your referral was for a second opinion or management plan only, you usually won't need to go back for another appointment. This is a general guide only, and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to your doctor for advice about your situation.
Subject matter experts, people with lived experience of mental illness and carers all contributed to this fact sheet. This website needs JavaScript enabled in order to work correctly; currently it looks like it is disabled.
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My name is Samantha and I'm a psychiatrist. We would have a chat about what's going on and how I can help you. What will happen? Your first appointment with a psychiatrist will usually be 1—1. Your psychiatrist will: listen to you talk about your concerns and symptoms ask questions about your general health ask about your family history take your blood pressure and do a basic physical check-up if it's required ask you to fill out a questionnaire.
They might also want to speak with other health professionals or members of your family. For most types of psychotherapy, your therapist encourages you to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what's troubling you. Don't worry if you find it hard to open up about your feelings. Your therapist can help you gain more confidence and comfort as time goes on.
Because psychotherapy sometimes involves intense emotional discussions, you may find yourself crying, upset or even having an angry outburst during a session. Some people may feel physically exhausted after a session. Your therapist is there to help you cope with such feelings and emotions. Your therapist may ask you to do "homework" — activities or practices that build on what you learn during your regular therapy sessions.
Over time, discussing your concerns can help improve your mood, change the way you think and feel about yourself, and improve your ability to cope with problems. Except in rare and specific circumstances, conversations with your therapist are confidential. However, a therapist may break confidentiality if there is an immediate threat to safety yours or someone else's or when required by state or federal law to report concerns to authorities.
Your therapist can answer questions about confidentiality. The number of psychotherapy sessions you need — as well as how frequently you need to see your therapist — depends on such factors as:.
It may take only weeks to help you cope with a short-term situation. Or, treatment may last a year or longer if you have a long-term mental illness or other long-term concerns.
Psychotherapy may not cure your condition or make an unpleasant situation go away. But it can give you the power to cope in a healthy way and to feel better about yourself and your life. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.
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