What to Expect at Your First Psychiatry Appointment

By Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C — Next Step Psychiatry, Lilburn, GA

Making that first appointment with a psychiatrist is a significant step—and it's completely normal to feel nervous about it. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or something you can't quite name, knowing what to expect can ease a lot of that pre-appointment anxiety.

Here's a straightforward walkthrough of what your first visit at Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn looks like.

Psychiatry vs. Therapy: A Quick Distinction

A psychiatrist or psychiatric provider (like a PA-C or nurse practitioner) focuses on the medical side of mental health. This means diagnosis, medication prescribing, and monitoring. A therapist, on the other hand, provides talk therapy—helping you develop coping skills and work through emotional challenges.

The most effective mental health treatment often combines both. At Next Step Psychiatry, we handle the psychiatric and medication management side and can coordinate with your therapist for comprehensive care.

Before Your Appointment

Come prepared with:

• A list of current medications and supplements
• Your medical history, including any allergies
• Family history of mental health conditions (if known)
• A brief summary of your symptoms—when they started, how they affect your daily life
• Any previous mental health treatments or medications you've tried
• Questions you want to ask your provider

Having this information ready helps your provider give you the most thorough evaluation possible and makes the most of your appointment time.

During the Appointment

Your initial evaluation is typically longer than follow-up visits—usually 45 to 60 minutes. During this time, your provider will:

• Ask about your symptoms, their severity, and how long you've been experiencing them
• Discuss your medical and family history
• Talk about your lifestyle, sleep patterns, stress levels, and daily functioning
• Conduct a diagnostic assessment
• Discuss potential treatment options, which may include medication

If medication is recommended, your provider will explain how it works, expected timelines for improvement, potential side effects, and what to watch for. You'll never be pressured into a treatment plan you're not comfortable with.

It's also okay to feel emotional during this appointment. You may be sharing things you've never said out loud before. Our team at Next Step Psychiatry creates a judgment-free, compassionate environment for every patient.

After Your Appointment

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled within 2–4 weeks, especially if a new medication is started. These visits are shorter—usually 15–20 minutes—and focus on checking in about how you're responding to treatment.

Medication adjustments are common and expected. Finding the right treatment often involves fine-tuning dosages or trying different options. This is a collaborative process between you and your provider.

Why Choose Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn?

Conveniently located on Lawrenceville Highway, Next Step Psychiatry serves patients from Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Snellville, and throughout the greater Atlanta area. Under the direction of Dr. Aneel Ursani, our team provides expert psychiatric care, medication management, and innovative treatments like Spravato for treatment-resistant depression.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.