My first appointment...
Most patients now a days have never seen a mental health provider in their lifetime. I'd like to welcome you to the world of mental health and know that this visit is similar to meeting any doctor or healthcare professional for the first time. By now, you may have even used a platform that is similar to the one we use to see patients for a virtual meeting online. The purpose of the first visit is to get you know you on a level you are comfortable with and usually includes a medical and psychiatric history, current and past medication treatment, listening to your current concerns and symptoms and how it affects your daily life, and finding out your support system and current coping mechanisms. We realize that all patients may or may not be interested in medication management, and may or may not know what type of mental health condition they are experiencing, and so we take this into consideration when recommending treatment and meeting you at the level you are most comfortable with. Most patients are not seriously mentally ill, and now a days most patients are young adults going through difficult life experiences. Medication can be helpful, but not mandatory. Part of treatment may also include recommended supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies which may complement or be an alternative treatment to traditional pharmaceuticals. Medications have been proven to be effective in treating symptoms of many mental health disorders, and it is our pleasure to be able to explain in depth what that may look like and debunk any myths around treatment. Let us know should you have any further questions.