Preparing for Your First Psychiatry Appointment: What to Expect & How to Calm Pre-Appointment Anxiety

Preparing for your first psychiatry appointment? Learn what to expect and simple ways to ease pre-visit anxiety.

Reaching out for help is a brave first step — and it’s normal to feel anxious while waiting for a reply. We know this can be a tough moment, and we want to reassure you: we won’t leave you hanging.

Before Your First Visit

You’ll first receive an email from our practice manager (truly the best person ever!). She’ll send you an assessment form that helps us review some key information and make sure our practice is the right fit for your needs. Once you complete it, she’ll get back to you right away.

If you decide to move forward, the next step is getting access to our secure patient portal. Inside, you’ll be invited to share more background information as part of the psychiatry intake process. This gives us a head start in understanding what’s going on for you, so we can focus your first visit on what matters most — your goals and your needs.

What to Expect at the First Psychiatry Appointment

Our goal is simple: to get to know you. We’ll review your history, talk about what brought you here, and explore your goals for care. There’s no test to pass, no “right” answers — just an open conversation.

By the end of the appointment, we hope you’ll feel reassured, supported, and confident that you don’t have to navigate things alone. Our team is here to walk with you through the good and the hard, and to help you start feeling better.

Calming Anxiety Before You First Visit

It’s common to feel nervous before a first visit.

Many patients wonder: What should I expect? Will I say the right things? How do I calm my nerves? Here are a few practical tips:

How To Prepare: Write Down What Matters Most

Anxiety can make it hard to remember details in the moment. Before your appointment, jot down:

• The main concerns you’d like help with

• Any medications you’re currently taking and their doses

• Symptoms that feel most disruptive to daily life

Having this list helps you feel grounded and ensures we cover what’s most important to you.

Use Simple Calming Practices

Waiting can make worries grow louder. These tools can help right now:

• Box breathing: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 — repeat for 3 minutes.

• Grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.

• Movement: A short walk or gentle stretch can ease nervous energy.

• Sensory resets: Take a shower, brew calming tea (lemon balm, chamomile, or “tension tamer”), or read a light book.

• Supportive apps: Try Calm or The Tapping Solution — both offer quick, effective techniques for reducing stress.

Remember — You’re Not Alone

Feeling anxious before an appointment is incredibly common. We’ll meet you where you are, at your pace, without judgment.

Taking the step to schedule care is a powerful act of self-advocacy. You’ve already done the hardest part: reaching out, and if you haven't, click here. You deserve good support — and we’re excited to be here for you. We’ll be in touch within 2 business days to help you take the next step forward.