PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit is a comprehensive, 75–90 minute psychiatric consultation designed to understand you as a whole person—not just your symptoms.
During this session, we will:
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Explore what’s been bringing you in and what feels most important right now
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Review any past treatments, including therapy, medications, and other approaches
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Discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and family background
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Understand your goals—what feeling better actually looks like for you
Integrative Approach
At Verve Psychiatry, we take an integrative and personalized approach, considering factors like sleep, stress, nutrition, and daily routines alongside mental health.
A meaningful evaluation sometimes takes more than one visit. This first appointment also gives us both a chance to ensure that working together feels like the right fit.
Will treatment options be discussed right away?
Yes. We’ll begin discussing treatment options during your first visit and collaborate on a plan that feels thoughtful and tailored to you.
Depending on your needs, this may include:
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Medication options, when appropriate
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Therapy recommendations or ongoing support
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Lifestyle and behavioral strategies (sleep, stress, routines, etc.)
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Integrative approaches when helpful
If needed, we may also request prior records or recommend lab work to better inform your care.
Follow-Up Appointments
What are follow-up appointments like?
Follow-ups are focused on your progress and response to treatment. Together, you and your psychiatrist will evaluate what’s working, adjust medications if needed, and incorporate therapy when appropriate.
How long are follow-up visits?
Standard follow-ups: 25 minutes
Extended follow-ups: 45 minutes (for psychotherapy + medication management, complex concerns, family involvement, or if it has been 6+ months since your last visit)
How often will I need to be seen?
At the beginning of treatment or during medication adjustments, visits may be more frequent. As your symptoms improve and stabilize, appointments become less frequent.
At a minimum, patients must be seen every 3 months to ensure safe and effective care.
What kind of support is available between visits?
You’ll have direct access to your psychiatrist for both clinical and non-clinical questions. We pride ourselves on being highly responsive—typically replying to messages within hours. This allows us to provide ongoing support and continuity of care, even between appointments.