What Happens During Your First Appointment with a Psychiatrist? | Safe and Sound

Are you about to have your first counseling or therapy appointment with a psychiatrist ?  A multitude of questions are running through your head. At this point, it's important to recognize that you've taken a brave step toward getting the support you need. Feeling anxious about your first meeting is perfectly normal; it's a new person, and you don't know what to expect. To help you feel more prepared, we've provided some of the most common information to help you get ready for the next step.

Ngo Thi Sang | Master of Education – Institute of Psychology and Mental Health SnS

Center for Community Health and Development Research

1. What topics were discussed during the first meeting with the psychiatrist?

You will be asked to undergo some psychological evaluations.

During your first counseling or therapy session with a psychiatrist, they want to understand what difficulties you're facing and why you're here in the first place. Therefore, the initial assessment will involve many questions. The goal of this first counseling or therapy session with a psychiatrist is to understand how you're feeling, discuss your symptoms and any diagnoses (if applicable), and begin developing a treatment plan that's right for you. 

You will be asked to undergo several psychological evaluations to diagnose a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

2. What will a psychiatrist say to you during your first meeting?

What does the psychiatrist say during the first meeting?

While there may be some variations, there are generally certain elements to consider in your first counseling or therapy session with a psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist will likely ask general questions about your mental and physical health. They will want to know about your family history and health. After discussing your health, they will delve into why you are seeing them. If requested, your psychiatrist may order some health tests. Keep in mind that in some cases, it may take multiple counseling sessions or therapy sessions before your problem is diagnosed.

3. What questions will the psychiatrist ask you during your first appointment?

What questions will a psychiatrist ask during the first appointment?

During your first psychological counseling or therapy session with a psychiatrist, you should talk about the main issues you're struggling with. While this might amplify unpleasant feelings and cause anxiety, you might sometimes feel uncomfortable, or like they're pressuring you or asking questions you don't want to discuss. Remember that your psychiatrist is always there to help and listen without judgment. If you're not ready to talk about a particular topic, feel free to share your feelings with your psychiatrist. 

Here are some questions your psychiatrist might ask you during your first counseling or therapy session:

• What brings you here today?
• What are your symptoms?
• Can you share your medical history/previous illnesses?
• Does anyone in your family struggle with their mental health? 
• How are you feeling today?
• What do you hope to achieve when we work together?
• Have you ever seen a psychologist? If so, what was your experience like?
• Are you currently taking any medication? 
• Do you feel anxious or sad most of the time? 

4. How long does a session with a psychiatrist last?

The first appointment with the psychiatrist lasts 1-2 hours.

It's normal for your first psychological appointment with a psychiatrist to last longer than usual. Generally, it can last from 1-2 hours, whereas a typical psychological counseling or therapy session can last from 45 minutes to an hour. During your counseling or therapy session, your psychiatrist will ask many questions and try to fully understand your mental health and condition.  

 

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