During your first psychiatric evaluation at MindFirst Behavioral Health, you will have a detailed conversation with one of our qualified psychiatrists or mental health professionals. This initial session typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and involves a comprehensive review of your psychological, medical, and social history. The goal is to understand your current concerns, symptoms, and life circumstances. This information helps us develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

The initial psychiatric evaluation usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments for medication management or therapy typically last between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed.

You will be asked a variety of questions designed to provide a complete picture of your emotional and mental health. These questions will cover topics such as your current symptoms, mental health history, family history of mental health issues, any past or present treatments and medications, lifestyle, stress levels, and any alcohol or drug use. The aim is to identify the nature of your problem and the best approach to treatment.

Yes, you may be asked to fill out several forms or questionnaires before your appointment. These might include medical history forms, symptom checklists, or specific screening tools that help in diagnosing mental health conditions. Completing these forms helps ensure that your clinician has all the necessary information to provide the best care possible.

A diagnosis is determined based on the information collected during your evaluation, which includes clinical interviews, your medical history, and responses on any completed questionnaires. Our professionals use diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify which mental health condition most accurately reflects the concerns you are experiencing.

After a diagnosis is made, your provider will discuss the various treatment options available to you, which may include medications, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or a combination of these. Together, you’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and goals. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

For your psychiatric evaluation, please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter and herbal supplements), any previous psychiatric evaluations, medical records, a summary of your medical history, and any other documents that might be relevant to your mental health. It’s also helpful to bring a notepad for any questions or concerns you may wish to discuss during your visit.

Only  established patients who have been with the practice for at least 6 months can request FMLA/Short term disability. This clinic does not grant long term disability under any circumstance. Additionally we write letters for emotional support animals, but we do not write letters for court cases.

There is a $100 fee for FMLA paperwork or  $50 for any letter that requires the PMHNP-BC to complete,  fax or send.