What to Expect at Your First Psychiatric Appointment
What to Expect
Starting mental health care can feel big. You are not alone. ❤️
Shanea McDaniel provides a telehealth-only psychiatric practice. Every appointment happens online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You receive private, compassionate care from your own space.
The Appointment Itself: What Actually Happens
Your first telehealth psychiatric appointment lasts 45-60 minutes. This time lets your provider understand you as a whole person.
The conversation flows naturally. You are not being interrogated. You meet with a mental health professional who wants to understand your story and help you feel better.
Every visit happens online. The environment stays warm, respectful, and confidential. Your privacy is protected by HIPAA. What you share stays between you and your provider.
The Intake Process: Getting to Know You
Your provider starts by learning about you. This is not about fitting you into a box. This is about your lived experience and cultural background.
Culturally competent care matters. Your provider will ask about your background, family dynamics, and cultural factors that shape your mental health. This is especially important for BIPOC communities who have faced barriers to care.
Your provider will explore:
Your current mental health concerns and symptoms
When these challenges first appeared
How symptoms affect your daily life, relationships, and work
Your family's mental health history
Previous therapy or psychiatric treatment experiences
Current medications and supplements
Significant life events or ongoing stressors
Your support system and coping strategies
Questions You Can Expect
Your provider asks specific questions to understand you fully. These questions help create an accurate picture of your experience.
About Your Current Symptoms:
"How long have you been experiencing these feelings?"
"Are there specific triggers that make symptoms worse?"
"How are these symptoms affecting your sleep, appetite, and energy?"
About Your History:
"Have you experienced anything like this before?"
"What mental health conditions run in your family?"
"Have you tried therapy or medications in the past?"
"What worked or didn't work for you previously?"
About Your Goals:
"What would feeling better look like to you?"
"What are your priorities for treatment?"
There are no wrong answers. Your honesty helps build the most effective plan for you.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
You deserve a space where you feel safe to be vulnerable. We honor the courage it takes to seek care.
Our approach centers on:
Cultural Humility: Your cultural background shapes your mental health. Your values, traditions, and preferences are respected.
Inclusive Language: We use affirming language that validates your identity and experiences, across age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship status and gender identity.
Non-Judgmental Listening: Your story matters. We listen with care and without judgment.
Collaborative Decision-Making: You are the expert on your life. We co-create plans that align with your values and goals.
Telehealth-Only Care: Convenience Without Compromise
You receive high-quality psychiatric care without leaving home. Virtual appointments offer flexibility while maintaining clinical excellence.
Technology Requirements:
Use a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and reliable internet. Our secure platform meets all HIPAA standards. Telephone may be used as an additional option for appointments.
Creating Your Space:
Choose a private, comfortable spot where you will not be interrupted. Many people feel more relaxed and open in their own space.
Teen-Friendly Options:
Teens often prefer virtual sessions. No waiting rooms. Parents can support while respecting privacy during the visit.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
Preparation helps you get the most from your first virtual visit. You do not need everything figured out. We will work through it together. ❤️
What to Prepare:
Medication List: All current medications, supplements, and vitamins with dosages. Include over-the-counter items.
Medical History: Major medical conditions, surgeries, or hospitalizations.
Family History: Any mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or significant medical conditions in your family.
Symptom Journal: Track mood, sleep, appetite, and energy for a few days.
Previous Records: Upload to your secure portal or have them sent to us electronically.
Questions to Consider:
What are your main concerns right now.
What do you hope to achieve through treatment.
What has helped you cope in the past.
Medication Discussions and GeneSight Testing
If medication is part of your plan, your provider explains options clearly. GeneSight genetic testing is available when appropriate to reduce trial-and-error.
Testing uses a simple at-home cheek swab and can help indicate:
Medications that may fit your genetic profile
Medications that may require dose adjustments
Medications that could pose side effect risks
Personalized medication management supports better outcomes for you.
Age-Specific Considerations
For Teenagers:
Teens face unique pressures and developmental changes. Your provider explains confidentiality and works with you to set healthy family involvement.
For Adults:
Work, relationships, parenting, and life transitions affect mental health. Your plan reflects your real life and priorities.
For Seniors:
Aging can bring grief, health changes, and isolation. Your care honors your wisdom and life experience.
What Happens Next
You finish with a clear, personalized plan. Your provider discusses:
Initial impressions and potential diagnoses
Recommended treatment approaches (therapy, medication, lifestyle changes)
Scheduling your next virtual appointment
Any immediate safety needs
Resources and support
You leave with hope and next steps. Recovery is possible. You are not alone. ❤️
Moving Forward with Confidence
Take your first step to learn more or get started at https://www.shaneapmhnp.com/contact and schedule your telehealth appointment today.