Your first visit to a psychiatrist: what to expect

• Note your main concerns and when they started
• List all medicines, supplements and doses you take
• Bring past prescriptions, discharge summaries and blood reports
• Write down questions you want to ask
• Decide whether you’d like a family member or friend to come
• For online visits: a quiet, private place and earphones

1. 1

   Your story

   What brings you in, how you have been feeling, and what has changed. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

2. 2

   Questions about daily life

   Sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, work or studies, relationships, stress, and any alcohol, tobacco or other substance use.

3. 3

   Background

   Past health problems, previous treatment, family history of mental health conditions, and important life events.

4. 4

   Safety check

   You may be asked about thoughts of self-harm. This is routine and is asked of everyone — it helps the doctor keep you safe.

5. 5

   Questionnaires or tests

   Short rating scales, and sometimes blood tests to rule out physical causes such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies.

• An explanation of what may be causing your symptoms — sometimes a clear diagnosis, sometimes a working diagnosis that becomes clearer over a few visits.
• A plan — therapy, lifestyle changes, medicines or a combination — discussed with you, not decided for you.
• If medicines are suggested, you will hear what they are for, how long they take to work, common side effects and how long to take them.
• A follow-up date, usually within a few weeks, to review how things are going.

• What do you think is causing my symptoms?
• What are my treatment options, including therapy?
• How long until I feel better?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• How long will I need treatment?
• What should I do if I feel worse?

A family member can share useful observations and help remember the plan — this is especially helpful for children, older adults and conditions like bipolar disorder or psychosis. You can also ask for time alone with the doctor, and teenagers are usually offered some time on their own.

What you share is confidential. It is not shared with your employer, school or relatives without your permission, except in an emergency where someone’s safety is at risk. Learn more about your rights as a patient.