What to Expect at Your First Appointment with a Psychiatrist
For most of us, taking that first step to meet with a psychiatrist feels like a big deal; because it is! Most people are nervous or uncertain about admitting to a stranger that something about them feels wrong or “off”. Your first psychiatry appointment isn’t about being judged or “diagnosed on the spot.” It’s about being heard. It’s a time to pause, share your story, and start building a relationship with someone who’s there to help guide you and make you feel grounded and supported. Taking this first step takes courage — and it’s one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself. You should be proud of yourself for taking this step.
Nowadays most psychiatrists have websites and offer a free initial consultation. So hopefully you will have researched and spoken with the doctors in your area and gotten a sense of whom may be a good fit for you; someone with whom you feel comfortable and safe. If you would like you may read my blog post about finding the right psychiatrist for you.
Think of it less as a test or an evaluation, and more as the beginning of a conversation about you — what’s been happening, what you’ve been feeling, what you’re hoping for, and how the psychiatrist might be able to help you feel more like yourself again.
Before You Come In
Before you even first meet a psychiatrist, chances are that they will ask you to complete several forms. It will feel like tedious work, but these forms and questions have been designed to give the doctor the relative information that they need before being able to work with you. It allows this first meeting to be much more productive. Outside of completing these forms, there is no “right” way to prepare. You don’t need to prepare anything fancy, but jotting down some quick notes beforehand can help make the most of your time, make you feel more comfortable, and give your psychiatrist a fuller picture of your story. You might want to write down:
The medications or supplements you take, including doses- taking pictures of your medicine bottles with your phone is a quick and easy way of doing this.
A quick summary of past treatments or diagnoses that you have had, and any thoughts about what has worked and what hasn’t.
Any family history of mental health conditions
Any questions or goals you’d like to cover
During the First Session
The first session is normally a longer appointment; ideally lasting somewhere between one and two hours. Unfortunately, nowadays in many larger practices the duration of this appointment might be dictated by insurance companies, which could mean that this appointment might be as brief as only 15-30 minutes. Regardless of the duration of the first appointment It is mostly a chance to talk. A chance for you to tell your story and for the doctor to begin to learn about you. It is also another chance to see if the two of you are a good fit for one another.
The psychiatrist will ask open-ended questions like, “What brings you in?” or “How have things been feeling lately?” You’ll talk about your symptoms, daily life, stress, sleep, and relationships — whatever feels most relevant. It’s completely okay to take your time, to pause, or even to get emotional. This is a safe space, and the goal isn’t to rush you. It’s to understand what you have been experiencing so that they can work with you to provide some relief and direction.
Sometimes, your psychiatrist might also ask a few more structured questions to help clarify what’s going on. In certain cases, they may recommend lab work or medical checks just to rule out physical causes of your symptoms.
Creating a Plan — Together
By the end of your appointment, you’ll start talking about next steps. Every plan looks a little different, but it will likely include some of the following:
Suggestions for lifestyle or self-care adjustments
Ordering of some medical lab work, to check for medical reasons why you may be having some of the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Exploring some possible supplements that might be of benefit to you and work alongside any medications that you may be taking. Some supplements may even help reduce the amount of medication that you need.
Exploring medication options, Changing or adding medicines that might be helpful.
Referrals for different therapies or counseling. Might it make sense to see a nutritionist, a life coach, a support group, a therapist, etc…
A plan for follow-up visits. These are normally shorter visits lasting between 15 and 60 minutes. Sadly, the length and frequency of these follow up visits are often dictated by insurance companies.
This process should be collaborative. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, share what feels right for you, and make decisions together.
After Your Appointment
It’s totally normal to leave your first session still processing what was discussed. You might even think of new questions later — write them down and bring them to your next visit. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Building comfort and finding the right approach can take a few sessions, and that’s part of the process. The most important thing is to stay open and honest about how you’re feeling as you move forward.
A Final Thought
Your first psychiatry appointment isn’t about being judged or “diagnosed on the spot.” It’s about you being heard. It’s a time to pause, share your story, and start building a relationship with someone who’s there to guide and help you feel grounded and supported.
And as I previously stated, taking this first step takes real courage — and it’s one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself. Be proud that you are brave and strong enough to take this step.
At Stillpoint Psychiatry, we believe healing begins in moments of stillness — when you feel safe enough to pause, breathe, and be fully seen and heard. Our work together is about more than managing medications and symptoms; it’s about helping you rediscover balance, clarity, and a deeper sense of peace within yourself; treating body, mind and spirit. Wherever you are on your journey, we’re here to meet you there.
