What to Expect During Your First Psychiatry Visit

By: Pia Quimson-Guevarra, DO

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is general information that Is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified mental health professional. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seeing a new psychiatrist can feel stressful. Sharing personal information with someone you have just met may feel overwhelming, even when that person is a mental health professional. Knowing what to expect can make the experience easier. Although every psychiatrist has a somewhat different approach, most initial psychiatric appointments cover several common areas.

Topics Covered during an Intake

Similarities to a Primary Care Intake

Let’s start with the similarities between a primary care intake visit and a psychiatric intake visit. The purpose of both types of intake visits is to gather appropriate information about your medical history and your current symptoms. You will fill out paperwork prior to your intake appointment and answer questions about your medical and family history. At the end of each type of visit, you will discuss diagnostic impressions and treatment options.

Specific to Psychiatric Intake

Psychiatric intake visits deviate from primary care intake visits by focusing on your mental health. You will be asked about your mental health history, including prior diagnoses and treatment. Since substances, like alcohol, can negatively impact a person’s mental health, you will also be asked about your prior and current substance use. In addition, social aspects of your life can significantly impact your mental health so your psychiatrist may also ask about important relationships and experiences.

Current Symptoms and Treatment

In terms of current symptoms, you can be asked about problems with anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations. Psychiatrists are not just assessing whether these symptoms are present, but also how they impact your life. Psychiatrists want to know how these symptoms impact your relationships, school/work, and physical health. Psychiatrists will also ask about prior and current treatment, including medications and therapy.

Safety

Your psychiatrist will likely ask questions about safety, including thoughts of suicide or self-harm, past attempts, and access to firearms or other lethal means. These questions are a routine part of a comprehensive evaluation and are intended to help your psychiatrist understand how to support you.

Privacy

Along the lines of safety, it is also important to know that information you share with your psychiatrist is private and can’t be shared without your permission per the health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA). However, there are exceptions. For example, psychiatrists would share relevant information in cases where there is an immediate safety concern, such as suicide or violence to others. Also psychiatrists are mandated reporters of child and elderly abuse.

How to Prepare for Your First Visit

Many providers ask you to complete paperwork prior to the visit that can cover these topics. If not, this list provides a good starting point.

1. Make a list of current medications and supplements.

2. Write down your main concerns and when they began.

3. Bring information about previous diagnoses or treatments.

4. Note relevant medical, family, and substance use history.

5. Prepare questions about you have about treatment options, side effects, and follow-up care.

Your visits provide an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns about medication, or request clarification. Preparing helps makes the most of your first visit.

While it can be daunting to meet a new psychiatrist, the purpose of the psychiatric intake visit is generally the same a primary care intake visit. The goal is to gather information about how your symptoms impact your life. This can help determine treatment and ultimately help you feel better.

Interested in becoming a patient?

If you are considering psychiatric evaluation, medication management, or medication management combined with psychotherapy, contact Quimson Behavioral Health.

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Visit our New Patients or Contact Us 
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Our clinical coordinator will reach out and help determine if our practice is the right fit for your care.

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the nearest emergency department. In the United States, call or text 988 for crisis support. 

Originally published August 2020; medically reviewed and updated August 2026 by Pia Quimson-Guevarra, DO.

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