What to Expect During Your First Psychiatric Evaluation
Scheduling a psychiatric evaluation is an important step toward understanding your mental health and getting the support you need. Still, it’s natural to feel uncertain if you’re not sure what the process involves. To help you feel informed, supported, and more confident heading into your appointment, here’s what to know before you begin.
Before Your Appointment: Preparing for the First Evaluation
A little preparation can make your psychiatric evaluation more productive and help you feel more at ease. Before your session, consider taking a few moments to gather important details about your health and daily experience. This can help guide the conversation and ensure you get the most out of your time. Some information to note includes:
· Symptoms or concerns you’ve noticed such as anxiety, mood changes, difficulty focusing, low motivation, sleep issues, or shifts in energy.
· When these symptoms began and whether they appear consistently or vary day to day.
· Situations or stressors that affect how you feel, including anything that worsens or improves your symptoms.
· Current and past medications, including dosage, duration, and whether they were helpful.
· Past treatments such as therapy, hospitalizations, or previous evaluations.
· Medical records or recent lab work, if available.
· Major life events, transitions, or stressors that may be relevant.
There’s no need to prepare a perfect or polished summary. These notes simply help you organize your thoughts so you can speak openly about what you’ve been experiencing during your first psychiatric evaluation.
During the Evaluation: What the Session Will Be Like
A psychiatric evaluation is a collaborative, structured conversation focused on understanding your experiences and identifying the most effective path forward. Your provider will guide the process with a supportive, compassionate approach, creating space for you to speak openly about what you’ve been facing. Many psychiatric evaluations take place through a secure telehealth platform, allowing you to participate from a setting that feels comfortable and private.
During the session, you can expect questions about what brought you in, whether it's depression, OCD, or any other mental health concern, how your symptoms are affecting daily life, and what you hope to gain from treatment. These insights help shape a personalized plan grounded in your goals, preferences, and unique needs.
The tone is intended to feel supportive rather than clinical. This is dedicated time to explore your story, ask questions, and begin building a therapeutic partnership centered on your well-being.
After the Psychiatric Evaluation: What to Expect When You Leave
By the end of your first psychiatric evaluation, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the next steps and the types of support that can help you move forward. Your provider will review the information gathered during the session and outline treatment options tailored to your needs. This can include:
· Medication management to address specific symptoms
· Psychotherapy to explore patterns, build insight, and develop healthier coping strategies
· Skills-based support, such as tools for managing anxiety, mood changes, or attention-related challenges
· A combined approach if multiple methods would be beneficial
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, share your preferences, and discuss what feels most comfortable for you. The intention is for you to leave the first psychiatric evaluation with a clear sense of direction and the confidence that you have guidance and support as you begin the process.
Schedule Your Psychiatric Evaluation With Anchor Wellness NYC
If you’re ready to better understand what you’re experiencing and take a meaningful step toward improved mental well-being, Anchor Wellness NYC is here to help. Schedule your psychiatric evaluation today with Drew Goldbaum-Ratkevich, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.