YOUR FIRST VISIT…WHAT TO EXPECT

During your initial appointment, after collecting some basic demographic information, we will inquire about the challenges you have encountered over the past 30 days and trace back in time to understand your experiences. Various details can shed light on your struggles, such as your family history, medical history, occupation, familial relationships, and your past encounters with medication and healthcare providers.

Our conversation will encompass these aspects as well as numerous other factors. Once we have a comprehensive understanding of your difficulties and potential diagnoses, we will explore possible treatment options. While achieving an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, our ultimate objective is to enhance your overall quality of life.

In addition to medication, we will also delve into non-pharmacological treatment approaches. If you already have a therapist, we will request your consent to share information with them to ensure comprehensive care coordination. Our discussions will cover the capabilities and limitations of psychiatric medications, including common side effects.

At the conclusion of our 60-minute session, our aim is to collaboratively formulate a treatment plan. If this plan entails medication, we will arrange for a prescription to be made available to you. In exceptional cases, multiple prescriptions may be issued. Additionally, if I believe it is necessary to investigate potential underlying medical causes for your mood or psychiatric symptoms, we may provide a prescription for some basic blood work.

The initial several visits are primarily dedicated to assessing our therapeutic compatibility. Should either you or your provider determine that our working relationship is not an ideal fit, we will gladly supply you with a list of alternative healthcare providers in the Reading PA area. Conversely, if both parties agree that Option Psychiatry is well-suited for your treatment, we will schedule a follow-up appointment approximately one month later, lasting around 30 minutes. In the event of any emergent concerns or a sudden exacerbation of your symptoms, you may reach out to your provider or our office. If necessary, we can expedite an appointment for you. Typically, we will see individuals on a monthly basis for 30 minutes until we establish a stable treatment plan. Once a stable regimen is in place, we will often extend the intervals between visits to approximately every 2-3 months, pending mutual agreement.

Thank you for considering our services, and we eagerly await your contact.