The journey to better mental health begins with an accurate diagnosis, which is essential before starting any treatment plan. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is key to identifying the diagnosis (or diagnoses) that explain the symptoms, challenges, and negative impacts you’ve been experiencing.
Your first visit will likely be similar to other medical appointments you’ve had. We’ll start by discussing what brought you in—essentially, “what we’ll be working on together.” Then, we’ll go through a series of questions about your current and past mental health, overall health, and family history. The initial appointment typically lasts around 60 minutes.
Each patient is unique, with a diverse history of symptoms, life experiences, past treatment successes and failures, and unexplored treatment options. The primary goal is to identify an accurate diagnosis or diagnoses. Even when a diagnosis appears straightforward, it’s important to rule out other conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, psychosis, addiction, and certain medical conditions, as these can affect which medications and therapies are most appropriate. Sometimes, it may take several follow-up sessions to fully clarify the diagnosis.
Your treatment plan is shaped by several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the extent to which your condition affects your ability to function at work and home, and your history with previous treatments. Additionally, your personal preferences regarding medication, including the types of medications and other treatments, play a crucial role in tailoring your treatment plan to meet your needs.
As a mental health professional, my primary goal is to establish an accurate diagnosis. Once we have a clear understanding of your condition, we can explore all available treatment options, including both medication and non-medication approaches. This way, you can make informed decisions about your care.
Follow-up appointments are typically more frequent in the beginning, especially when making medication adjustments. As your symptoms improve and stabilize, the frequency of visits will decrease. Since each patient has unique needs, we take a personalized approach to your care, working together toward the goal of optimal mental health. It’s not uncommon to try several different medications over time to achieve the best possible results.
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