Seeing a Psychiatrist for the First Time
At first, I was scared and overwhelmed by the thought of seeing a psychiatrist.
The first psychiatric evaluation is, in my experience, the most intense and lengthy of your entrance into the world of seeing a psychiatrist.
I've been going to the psychiatrist for over 5 years. Read on for more about my experience.
Initial appointment
My evaluation was in person with my doctor (in early 2020, pre-pandemic), and my partner also came along as a support person to provide his insight and answer questions as needed.
My psychiatrist manages a mental health program at a hospital, and that's how I got connected with him for my first appointment. There are many ways to find a psychiatrist.
Many psychiatrists do not take insurance, but some do. Your insurance may also reimburse you, if that's part of your plan. If you pay out of pocket, it can be expensive: I've been quoted anywhere from $400+ for the initial intake.
Follow-up appointments are usually cheaper, but still cost at least $100 each. Some specialty mental health programs receive grants that may make the appointments more affordable.
Ahead of the appointment, you might be asked to complete a questionnaire to help your psychiatrist evaluate your symptoms. The questionnaires are usually about anxiety, depression, and more. You'll also provide your family medical history, or what you know of it. Completing the questionnaires may feel overwhelming, so it's a good idea take breaks as you work your way through them, if you are able.
It may also feel scary. For me, I worried that the psychiatrist was going to discover a new diagnosis that I had not already been given. That's probably a typical trauma response: 'What is wrong with me? Am I broken? Will I always feel like this?' were all thoughts that I had when initially accepting that I needed a psychiatrist for my mental healthcare.
My first appointment was close to an hour long and involved a long conversation with my doctor. I felt mentally drained and exhausted afterward, so I rested for the afternoon.
A few years later, I can say that having a psychiatrist whom I trust has made all the difference in my ability to care for myself and my mental health.
Follow-up appointments
Follow-ups tend to be shorter, at about 30 minutes or less, depending on how you're feeling. My psychiatrist and I chat about my mood and the potential side effects of the medications. We discuss how things are going in my life, including work, socialization, exercise, sleep, hobbies, energy levels, and more.
It's not a therapy appointment, but more like a check-in about overall wellness. Then, we discuss any potential medication modifications, and my psychiatrist answers questions that I may have.
Appointment frequency with your psychiatrist will vary based on your care. Follow-ups with my psychiatrist are more routine now; I go four times a year.
It's important to meet with them periodically, as needed, depending on how you're doing. If I've made a medication change, whether switching to a different medication or upping or lowering a dose, I'll meet with them more frequently to check in.
I now meet with my psychiatrist via video, using an app the hospital system utilizes for secure connection.
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