What to Expect at Your First Psychiatric Appointment

Sep 9, 2025

what-to-expect-at-first-psychiatry-appointment

If you've ever thought about seeing a psychiatric provider but weren't sure what to expect, you're not alone. For many people, the first step can feel like the hardest — but it doesn't have to be.

I'm Christopher Schuman, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving patients in Texas and Washington. This guide is here to take away the guesswork and help you feel prepared and confident for that first visit.

Let's Address Your Concerns First

Many people fear they'll be judged or immediately put on medication. That's not how I work. Think of our first meeting as a two-way conversation — not a test. You're coming to me because something isn't feeling right, and my job is to understand your experience and help you find solutions that work for your life.

How to Prepare

A little preparation goes a long way toward making our time together productive. Before your appointment, write down your current medications, including any supplements or over-the-counter medications you take regularly. It's also helpful to list your top three concerns and roughly how long you've been experiencing them.

If you've had past treatments, hospitalizations, or major life events that have affected your mental health, jot down some notes about those as well. This background helps me understand your unique situation from the start, but don't worry about having perfect answers — even "I'm not sure when this started, but it's been getting worse" is valuable information.

What Actually Happens During the Appointment

We'll typically spend 60 to 90 minutes talking about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, your personal and family medical history, and most importantly, your goals for treatment and what matters most to you.

This isn't an interrogation — I'm trying to understand your world. For example, if you're struggling with sleep and anxiety, we might start by discussing whether the anxiety is situational or if the physical symptoms are severe enough that medication could help you function while you work through the underlying stress.

My approach is "less is more." We only use medication when it makes sense and always with your full understanding and agreement. We may also discuss therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.

After We Meet

You'll never leave confused about next steps. You'll have a clear plan for what comes next, know when to follow up (often 2 to 4 weeks for new treatments), and understand what to watch for and when to contact me sooner if needed.

Remember, your treatment plan isn't set in stone. We can adjust anything that isn't working. You're in control, and my job is to help guide and support you along the way.

The Bottom Line

Your first psychiatric appointment is about building a partnership. I bring medical expertise; you bring knowledge of your own experience. Together, we create a plan that fits your life, your values, and your goals.

Most patients leave feeling relieved — not because everything is solved, but because they finally have a clear path forward.

Ready to Schedule?

New patient consultations are available within 1-2 weeks. I accept most major insurance plans and offer transparent pricing for self-pay patients.

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Christopher A. Schuman, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Veritas Behavioral Health, serving patients in Texas and Washington.